Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DEMKIER BROTHERS BROOM WORKS
DEMKIER BROTHERS BROOM WORKS. Bernard and Jay Demkier began manufacturing brooms in Dubuque in 1885. Their company's first location was a building formerly known as the Smith Brewery. The business grew and at the company's peak production fifteen people were employed.
In 1930 the brothers worked alone and produced several dozen brooms daily. In addition to brooms for the home, the brothers manufactured a heavier broom for barns, whisk brooms, push brooms and feather dusters.
The 1909 and 1911-12 Dubuque City Directory gave the address of this business as the rear of 2327 Couler.
The 1913 Dubuque and Dubuque County Directory and the 1915 Dubuque City Directory stated that this business was located at 250-254 Iowa.
The 1916-1917 White's Dubuque County Directory listed 459 White.
The 1918 Dubuque and East Dubuque City Directory through the 1934 Dubuque City Directory listed 435 White.
The 1937 Dubuque Consurvey Directory listed 447 Central.
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Source:
"Brooms Made Here for Forty-Five Years." Telegraph Herald and Times Journal, April 30, 1930, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DbBFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Pb0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2351,5092211&dq=farley+and+loetscher+manufacturing+company+dubuque&hl=en