Name/Title
Historical facts on Beilke ApparelScope and Content
Beilke Apparel information for 1976 Bicentennial Celebration in Waupun, WI
Beilke Apparel in downtown Waupun, was originally a Millinery Shop, opened by Mrs. Josephine Gorehouse when the Odd Fellows Building was erected in. . . . . . . . . .(date ?)
Ester Beilke, whose family still farm in the Fairwater area, purchased the Millinery stock and fixtures from Mrs. Gorehouse or $500.00 in 1932. Miss Beilke continued in the millinery business, and rented spaces for merchandising dresses to Rena Day in 1935. Miss Day moved to other quarters in 1938, at which time Miss Beilke put in a line of dresses, blouses and skirts in addition to her millinery. As her "credit" and funds allowed, she added other lady's "ready-to-wear."
Remodeling of the quarters in 1946 and 1956 to better utilize the small shop and cater to the changing trends (more dresses and fewer hats), was a family affair. Beilke friends and relation pitched in to assist the Howard Brothers of Waupun and Schwetter Construction CO. of Plymouth. It wasn't easy for a single lady to negotiate contracts in those days.
As her business grew, Miss Beilke, of necessity, had to increase her work staff. Mrs. Hugo Rick did the alterations and Mr. and Mrs. George Steck did the bookkeeping for seventeen years. Salespeople were Mrs. Ruth Radel, Mrs. Julie McLeod, and Karin Sparr Nyhuis.
In 1966, Miss Beilke sold her business to Laura Reslock. Miss Beilke and Karin stayed on the staff to run the business for two more years, when Miss Beilke retired to enjoy her leisure. Mrs. Florence Zapf and Barbara Durant were added to the staff when Karin retired and Mrs. Reslock took over the management in 1968.
The shop is currently staffed by Mrs. Reslock, Barbara Durant and Roberta Rens, with Karin Nyhuis and Beth Vanderkin standing by for emergencies and vacations. Jeanette Peters has been doing the alterations for some time and has been an invaluable asset to the only lady's dress shop in Waupun, featuring, "Fashions of Destination for Discriminating Women".Acquisition
Accession
2016.0075Source or Donor
Waupun Area Chamber of CommerceAcquisition Method
Donation
