This historic building on the river in Sheboygan Falls was home to Grieves Woolen Mills, which made fabric for soldiers' uniforms during World War II
SHEBOYGAN FALLS - The woolen mill industry in Sheboygan Falls began in 1861, when William H. Prentice started a mill.
After several changes and transfers through the early years, the company eventually was incorporated as The Brickner Woolen Mill Co. in 1887.
Construction of the large, iconic Brickner Woolen Mills building we see today was begun in 1879 and completed in 1880.
At the time, George Brickner was president and William Brickner (his son) was treasurer, according to newspaper clippings from Beth Dippel of the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center.
In the early years, the company made shawls, coatings, suitings and dress goods for many years. It was a mainstay in the city for a long time.
In December 1940, the woolen mills was purchased by Lacon Woolen Mills of Lacon, Illinois. At the time of purchase, company President Lowell Grieves said as many as 80 people would be employed at the mill and they hoped production would begin by January.
The company ran its multiple woolen mills as a separate units. The new owners would increase the number of looms and introduced new equipment to improve the production of fabric.
By 1942, as a result of war contracts, the firm boasted 125 employees and the company brought in George Grieves to supervise the production of material for soldiers' uniforms.
The war effort required two-day shifts and, at times, a third shift to keep up with the orders.
The long history of woolen mill production ended by 1960 when Feldmann Engineering and Manufacturing Co. of Plymouth purchased the property. The sale included lower dam and water rights. The company used the first and second floors for its manufacturing and assembly lines. At the time, the third floor was slated to be used for the go-kart assembly during the winter period. Feldmann Co. made farm wagons, power ice cutters and go-karts. The company's business offices also moved to the building. The firm remains active in Sheboygan Falls and today makes Jiffy Ice Drills.
At the time of the sale, the dam and water rights were offered to the city of Sheboygan Falls without cost.
The building was repurposed again in 1992 when the building was renovated into 34 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The building today remains as a place to live along the Sheboygan River.
To see the image larger click, here.
RELATED - Sheboygan's ice cream making history | Throwback
RELATED - Sheboygan's Joe Hauser is the city's link with early baseball
RELATED - Sheboygan Polar Bear revel in icy dives into Lake Michigan as only way to start new year | Throwback
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan Falls woolen mills made fabric for soldiers in World War II
