| Additional Information: | See HAER form. M in the photo codes is short for MVIS negatives.
This two-story red brick commercial styled building has a Neo-classical stone cornice and first floor bays filled with modern metal panels, and double-hung windows on the second story.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE:
Toefer & Sons, Inc., an iron works founded in 1855, was respected locally and nationally by the 1880s for its contributions to the ever-expanding malting and brewing industries. Wenzel Toepfer, and "ingenious mechanic," invented several improvements, most notable Dumping Kiln Floor with a revolving hopper and an adjustable loading spout, which ensured a more efficient malting process and better quality results. These "unrivaled" floors claimed to be of his patent, were reportedly used in "most of the largest malt-houses in the United States." In addition, Toepfer & Sons manufactured tanks and tubs, boiler houses, and other sheet-iron and steel goods. This two-story brick warehouse, the only remaining building constructed by Toepfer, is located immediately northeast of the former company site on Menomonee Street. The original building, designed by A. V. Wiskocil in 1908, was 60' x 70', to which a 60' x 50' addition was made in 1916. Due possibly to prohibition's effect on the trade, the building was sold in 1920 to Clark & Host coffee Co., wholesale roasters, who occupied it for more than 20 years. Since 1943, the H. F. Auler Co., wholesalers of hobby kits and toys, has used it for business and storage. Although under new ownership, Toepfer & Sons now performed metal specialists, is still in operation in Milwaukee.
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