| View across Franklin Street of the Manitowoc Aluminum Novelty Company on the southwest corner of S. 15th and Franklin Streets. This very first picture of the plant, which is facing the north and west sides of the building, reflects the humble beginnings from which the Mirro Aluminum Company grew. An article in the "Manitowoc Herald News" identifies the men, from left to right: William Wellert and Peter Kaufmann, at the extreme left, are not employees of the company. The others, in order, are Julius Schrank, Adolph Pelishek, Herman Schwab, Fred Lippert, August Willert, John Brobka, Alfred Schwab, Lawrence Zawatske, Alfred "Bud" Behringer, Charles Singleman, A. Todl, John Pelishek, Henry Meihsner, Herman Pentzien, Charles Nack, Jr., August Daugs, Fred Heise, John Mosuch, William Schaefer, Adam Specht, Robert Wiesman, Otto Manthe, Ferdinand Veith, James Lee, Max Auman, Charles Nack, Sr., Henry Vits (first president and treasurer), George Vits (future president), William Pflueger (first secretary), and a salesman named McMahon who was a successful seller, that day, and remained long enough to be included in the picture. The person in the lower, right corner is not identified. The company occupies a former tannery built in 1866. Henry Vits (1842-1921) became associated with the tannery of Martin Vollendorf on S. 15th and Franklin Streets in 1873. The firm is listed as "Vollendorf & Vits" in the 1875-'76 city directory. In 1881, he became its sole owner. The 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago introduced novelties imported from Germany which were made of aluminum, a new type of white metal. At a time when the leather industry was changing and inspired by possibilities of a profitable merchandise line, Mr. Vits re-equipped the tannery in 1898 to produce aluminum combs, advertising novelties and other small products. A 1909 merger with the Aluminum Manufacturing Company of Two Rivers, Wisconsin and the New Jersey Aluminum Company of Newark, New Jersey resulted in the name being changed to the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Company. Several generations of the Vits family continued to direct operations. In 1957, the name was changed to the Mirro Aluminum Company. It was known as the world's largest manufacturer of aluminum cookware. |
