Encyclopedia Dubuque
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RHOMBERG FUR COMPANY
RHOMBERG FUR COMPANY. In October 1907, the DUBUQUE TANNING AND ROBE COMPANY was organized by Frank M. RHOMBERG. The company began operations near the Trausch Bakery on lower Main Street.
In the early years, the company was principally interested in the tanning of skins and the manufacture of fur robes and garments for the wholesale trade. Lap, carriage, and buggy robes were all important to the growth of sales.
Business growth led the company to purchase a three-story building at the corner of White and Tenth STREETS in 1916. At the time, Frank Rhomberg commented that the business had grown from an area around Dubuque in 1907 to a territory involving thirty-four states in 1915. (1)
In 1916 Rhomberg's was considered one of the largest fur companies in the Midwest and one of a few west of Chicago. With the change of the company name to Rhomberg Fur Company, the policy of the firm changed with the corporation involved in wholesale and retail business. (2) Officers of the corporation in 1928 were Karl J. RHOMBERG, president and general manager; Adolph M. TREXLER, vice-president and head of the accounting department; and E. R. Rhomberg Pfohl, secretary and treasurer. (3)
In 1923 Rhomberg's opened a retail store on the first floor of their building and announced a department for the repair and restyling of furs. Rhomberg's reputation was so established that furriers from Chicago and Kansas City sent some of their work to Dubuque.
See: RHOMBERG FUR AND LEATHER GALLERY
The 1929 and 1934 Dubuque City Directory listed 1002 White.
The 1937 through 1993 Dubuque City Directory listed 1000 White.
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Source:
1. "Local Firm Has Fine New Plant," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, October 29, 1916, p. 9
2. "Experienced Men in Rhomberg Company," Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, May 4, 1928, p. 11
3. Ibid.