Outagamie County, WI - "Photo Captions p. 4" ************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, 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. http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************* Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives Subject: newspaper article "Photo Captions p. 4" Submitted by: county coordinator EMAIL: jmmarasch@aol.com Date Submitted: 15 March 2000 Source: New London Press newspaper article from Bicentennial issue, undated. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Photo Captions p. 4 Rudolph liked machinery. He operated a-sawmill and threshing machine (one of first in county to use gasoline powered tractor for threshing.) 1916 forms partnership with Charles Conradt in farm implement business. This partnership lasted until 1927. Present site established in 1920. (Had originally been across the street.) Also, beginning of exclusive John Deere dealership. R.H.'s philosphy "Have your own business - work for yourself." His sons Delbert, Harland, Virgil and Marlyn joined him in business. Daughter Erma was bookkeeper for many years. Decision to incorporate under the name Schwandt Implement Co., Inc. came in 1955. It was previously known as R.H. Schwandt Implement Co. To better serve area farmers, the work crew has been increased. It consists of two office girls, a partsman, full time salesman, five full time servicemen, plus part-time help as it is needed. Garden equipment, snowmobiles, bicycles and lawn mowers have been added to the regular line of larger equipment. Delbert and Virgil are still active in management. Marlyn is a partner and consultant. This year has been saddened by Harley's sudden death in February. "It is our hope that Schwandt Implement will continue to be on the Shiocton scene for many more years." Harley's daughter, Betty Ann Conradt, bookkeeper and Virgil's grandson, Rick Schwandt, part-time employee, represent the third and fourth generations of Schwandts who are keeping Rudolph's dream of "His Own Business" alive. World War II made it difficult to get new machinery and parts. Rudolph's inventive mind and employee blacksmith Fred Kagel's experience kept available machinery operating. During this period, the idea for a cabbage planter was born. This proved to be a great asset to farmers, in this area, where cabbage is a major crop. At time of R.H.'s death in 1957 he had been working on perfection of the cabbage planter to make it practical for field use. Photo: Marie & Rudolph H. Schwandt R.H. & Delbert Schwant Frank Tyler Original Machine Shop (Remodeled 1946) Working on Bill Conradt Sr. Tractor Old Opera House was Original Building. In 1947 it was expanded with a new front and an addition in the back, extending to the river bank. The adjacent lot was purchased in 1969. (The site of the old Hotel.) 1974 a remodeling and enlargement program was begun. The present building has room for a display area, a parts department, a much larger service department, new offices and rest rooms.