Manufacturing and Industry: Sheboygan County’s Industrial Growth in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
The late 19th century marked a period of explosive industrial growth for Sheboygan County, transforming it from a largely agricultural region into a center for manufacturing. With its strategic location on Lake Michigan, access to raw materials, and the rise of a skilled labor force, the county’s urban centers became bustling hubs of industry. This period saw the establishment of major manufacturing enterprises in furniture, leather, textiles, and metal goods, laying the foundation for the region’s industrial legacy.
The Rise of Furniture Manufacturing
In Sheboygan city, furniture manufacturing took center stage in the late 1800s, with factories like the Northern Furniture Co. and Phoenix Chair Co. becoming major employers in the region. These factories produced high-quality chairs, tables, and cabinets, helping Sheboygan establish itself as a key player in the national furniture industry. The furniture factories employed large numbers of workers, many of whom were skilled craftsmen, and they helped to solidify Sheboygan’s reputation for producing quality goods.
By the turn of the 20th century, Sheboygan was known not just for its furniture, but also for its chair manufacturing. The city earned the nickname “Chair City” due to the sheer volume of chairs produced there, and the industry continued to thrive until the mid-20th century, when manufacturing trends began to shift.
Manufacturing in Sheboygan Falls: From Foundries to Factories
Sheboygan Falls, another key city in the county, saw its early foundries and mills evolve into larger manufacturing enterprises. Initially focused on the production of metal goods and woolen textiles, Sheboygan Falls gradually shifted toward the production of more diverse goods, including plastic and metal products. By the early 20th century, these factories were part of Sheboygan County’s industrial boom, providing a variety of goods that contributed to the region’s growing economic strength.
The Leather and Shoemaking Industry
One of the most important manufacturing sectors in Sheboygan County during this period was the leather and shoemaking industry. By the early 1900s, Sheboygan was home to large tanneries and shoe factories, such as the Jung Shoe Company, which helped propel the city’s reputation as a producer of high-quality leather goods. Sheboygan became known for its boots, gloves, and leather jackets, which were prized for their durability and craftsmanship.
During World War II, Sheboygan’s leather factories played a crucial role in supporting the war effort. The factories shifted production to meet the needs of the military, producing thousands of pairs of military boots for soldiers. At the same time, Sheboygan’s metal factories, like the Vollrath Company (known for enamel cookware), retooled to manufacture mess kits, canteens, and shell casings, further solidifying the city’s importance in the national industrial landscape.
Specialty Manufacturers: Filling Unique Wartime Orders
In addition to large-scale industries, Sheboygan County was also home to smaller specialty manufacturers. One such example was a tiny broom factory in Sheboygan that famously fulfilled a wartime order for thousands of brooms to be used by the U.S. Navy. These small manufacturers played an essential role during WWII, contributing to the overall war effort by producing the specialized goods that were in high demand during that time.
Conclusion
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of remarkable industrial growth in Sheboygan County. From furniture factories in Sheboygan city to the leather industry that helped define the region, the county’s urban centers became vibrant manufacturing hubs. The transition from agricultural economies to industrial powerhouses brought economic prosperity and transformed Sheboygan County into a key player in the national manufacturing landscape. The region’s legacy of industrial strength is still felt today, as Sheboygan County continues to build on its rich history of innovation and craftsmanship.