BIOGRAPHIES: Barney DROOK, Rice Lake, Barron County, WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Victor Gulickson 13 March 2000 ==================================================================== B. Drook, confectioner, is one of the prominent business men and leading citizens of Rice Lake, and has done much more than his share in the upbuilding of the city. He was born in Russia, March 28, 1865, the son of Joseph and Sarah (Heller) Drook, natives of Germany, and descended from a long line of distinguished chemists. Coming as he did of people of means and education, young Barney had unusual opportunities of training and schooling, and was not only thoroughly grounded in the elementary studies, but also took courses in various institutions in Europe. Not pleased, however, with the system of despotic government under which he was living, he set out for America in 1895. For two years he was engaged in the confectionery business at Bristol, Rhode Island. In 1897 he engaged in business in Brooklyn, N. Y., handling a retail and wholesale line, and manufacturing his own goods. But he had something of the pioneer in his veins, so he determined to seek his fortunes in a still newer region. Accordingly in 1899 he came to St. Paul, Minn., and engaged in the manufacture of confections for the jobbing trade. While thus occupied, he was constantly looking about for a location where he could start with a small village and grow as the village grew. Such an opportunity presented itself in Rice Lake. So he came here in 1901 and the following year established his present business. The country was still new, and the starting of a store here for the sale of high class candies and the manufacture of choice ice cream seemed a highly speculative venture. But Mr. Drook had faith in the future of this region, he was a thorough master of his business, he had energy and pluck, and he had a pleasing personality which won him friends and customers. And he also has those qualities of character and that spirit of fair dealing which keep his friends and customers once they are made. The business developed rapidly. The store in Rice Lake became one of the business centers of the growing city. Ice cream was not only sold to other dealers here and to the homes, but also shipped to points in Northern Wisconsin. Mr. Drook devotes his entire attention to the store at Rice Lake. The building was erected in 1914 in connection with the construction of the Odd Fellows' Block. It is of solid brick with a concrete foundation. The front is of white glazed tile and plate glass. The floors of the salesrooms and parlors are of inlaid mosaic pattern, while the floors of the basement and manufacturing rooms are of cement. The building is steam heated throughout and equipped with an artistic system of lighting. The soda water fountain is modern and the display cases excellently designed for the attractive goods. The parlor is a cozy, prettily decorated place with an artistic balcony. A special feature of the place is the Paganini Violin Orchestra, a mechanical device cased in solid mahogany and imported from Germany at a cost of $3,000. Mr. Drook manufactures his own ice cream and candies. He carries in addition to the confections a full line of bakery, fruits, novelties, school supplies and accessories, and serves light lunches. His home is at 17 West Knapp and was built in 1912. It is a modern structure of eight rooms, with many modern conveniences. Adjoining the house are several lots where Mr. Drook delights in cultivating a small orchard. He also owns other city property. Fraternally Mr. Drook has been very active. In the Masonic order he is a member of Rice Lake Lodge, No. 234, A. F. & A. M., and of the Eastern Star. In the Odd Fellows he has been a moving factor. He is a member of Rice Lake Lodge, No. 269, I. 0. 0. F., Phoenix Encampment, No. 25, I. 0. 0. F., and Hiawatha Rebecca Lodge, No. 75, I. 0. 0. F., and has occupied the highest offices in all. He is president of the Rice Lake Odd Fellows' Building Association, Inc., and was one of the building committee when the present building was erected. He was also responsible for the founding of the Day Oral School at Rice Lake. Mr. Drook was married in Russia, June 12, 1890, to Mary Divan, who was born in Russia Sept. 1, 1874, and has been a most capable and sympathetic helpmeet in all his undertakings and endeavors. Mr. and Mrs. Drook have had four children. Aaron was born March 22, 1891, passed through the Rice Lake graded schools and high school, graduated from the law school of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and the Detroit College of Law and is now a successful lawyer in Detroit, Mich. Victor was born Sept. 1, 1893, passed through the Rice Lake graded schools and high school, graduated in medicine from the University of Chicago in 1916 and is now successfully practicing medicine in Detroit, Mich. Abraham, a boy of unusual promise, was born Feb. 23, 1897, and died March 23, 1914. Sarah was born Nov. 25, 1901, was one of the brightest pupils in the Day Oral School at Rice Lake and is now making a remarkable record in the Milwaukee high school. Devoted as he is to his business, Mr. Drook finds time for outdoor life, and takes the keenest delight in orcharding and gardening. --Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp. 196-197.