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In the second half of the 1800s, Marietta's population was in steady increase with native Germans leading the number of foreign-born newcomers. In the 1871-1873 Wiggins and Weaver Ohio River Directory, it was stated, "A large portion of the citizens of Marietta are Germans, and are noted for their industry, and as reliable business men, and to them the city is indebted for the fact that it is now fairly awakened from its Rip-Van-Winkle sleep and is rapidly progressing in all elements of material wealth and prosperity."
German merchants wasted no time in establishing significant businesses in the 1860s and 1870s. Gottlieb Meister built one of the most successful leather manufacturing companies in the Ohio Valley (between Pike and Greene Streets). Seyler Hardware had a huge store at 158-160 Front St. Nearby, the Schafer Leather Store, the oldest family-owned business in Marietta, opened in 1867, and still has its doors open today. Established in 1858, the Cisler Brick Company was near the intersection of Seventh Street and Glendale Road and was responsible for early street pavers and buildings.
In the 1870s, August Weber opened a two-story market at Third and Scammel streets where it sold fine groceries, but also hay, grains, feed, and live chickens. Today, Weber Corner Grocery still operates at the same location. In 1877, Swiss-born and German speaker, Jacob Wittlig, opened his jewelry shop at 208 Front St. His sons and grandson operated the store until 1977. The store sold gold and silver watches, silverware, clocks, and opera glasses. The Wittlig safe is still in the store today.
In the early days, businesses were mostly located along Ohio, Greene, and Front streets. By the 1880s, with population and economic development, Putnam Street hosted three major entrepreneurial businesses. In 1881, Strecker Brothers Company, located at 117-119 Putnam, started a leather business that included hides, sheepskins, tallow, and furs that could be shipped outside the city. The business grew into manufacturing horse collars, saddles, and patent leather goods. By 1922, Strecker Brothers expanded its trade to cover the entire nation and had won international accounts with the British, the French, and the Imperial Russian Army during World War I. In the community, Benjamin F. Strecker was instrumental in initiating a plan to build Marietta Memorial Hospital that opened in 1929.
Across the street, was the Otto Brothers department store that became the largest dry goods store in southeast Ohio during the first half of the 20th Century. In 1886, a very young John Wesley Otto convinced his older brother to take a risk and open a dry goods business. They used "loaned" merchandise from a closing business and borrowed $500 from the German National Bank to open a shop at 286 Front St. Later, they risked erecting a large three-story store on Putnam Street where they were one of the first to offer factory-made clothing in the area.
As the 20th Century opened, German Americans dominated the Front Street retail businesses and the second block was nicknamed "Dutch Row." With full integration into the community, German Americans engaged in all aspects of participation and leadership in civic activities and government. Still, they found solace and honor with German family traditions, foods, and German-language churches.
Portions of the article were taken from the book, "German Marietta and Washington County" written by Jann Kuehn Adams.
Jann K. Adams is a WCHS member. To learn more about the Washington County Historical Society services and membership call 740-373-1788 or visit wchshistory.org.