One of the most prominent early industries of Washington County, The Enger-Kress Pocketbook Company, vastly impacted the local economy and overall prosperity of the community. In a region chiefly devoted to agriculture, industries claimed less than a tenth of the population’s pursuit. This made the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. all that more significant. 

The Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. was at one point one of the largest pocketbook factories in the world. And rather, the business resembled more of a park than a factory. Clearly successful, the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. is known for reliable manufacturing and honest business. This post will explore the unique workplace of the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. while depicting how it came to be in West Bend.

A Dynamic Partnership & Effective Management

In 1884, the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. was established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was a small-scale, factory-driven industry. George Enger was the first president of the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. He was known to be intellectual and apt in sales and management. Because of these traits, he often traveled for business. The first secretary and treasurer was August Kress, whose vast technical understanding of the business complimented Enger’s skills. Enger and Kress made a dynamic pair, working together to efficiently manage the business. In doing so, they earned a reputation as reliable manufacturers, honest businessmen, and effective managers.

August Kress in Early Washington County, Wisconsin
August Kress was the co-founder of the Enger-Kress Pocket Book Company in West Bend, Wisconsin

Dance Hall Turned Factory

In 1894 the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. moved from its starting factory in Milwaukee to West Bend through the persuasion and initiative of local businessmen, Mr. Andrew Pick and Mr. E. Frankburg. At first, the industry was stationed in an unused school building.

Later, they purchased Moser’s Dance Hall. As real estate prices were substantially lower outside of Milwaukee, the company could afford the nice park-like property. Once they moved, the dance hall was renovated and refurbished into a functional factory which sufficed until 1910 when a fire damaged the building beyond repair. In its place, a similarly beautiful factory was built. Only this time… fireproof.

1889 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co 1st factory in West Bend, Wisconsin
1st Enger-Kress Pocket Book factory with employees in ca. 1889
1908 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co in West Bend, Wisconsin
2nd Factory of the Enger-Kress Pocket Book Company located in the former Schlitz Pavilion in 1908
1908 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co sewing department in West Bend, Wisconsin
The Sewing Department at Enger-Kress Pocket Book Company in 1908 with Hannah Bastian (the fourth woman from right). Note the contraption above the stove to catch heat that would go out of the chimney, and that all of the sewing machines are pedal operated.
ca.1912 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co 3rd factory in West Bend, Wisconsin
3rd Factory of the Enger-Kress Pocket Book Company built post the 1911 fire that destroyed the 2nd Factory Burned
1912 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co leather goods assembly in West Bend, Wisconsin
These men were making leather pocketbooks at Enger-Kress Pocket Book Company in 1912
1912 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co leather cutting department in West Bend, Wisconsin
Cutting Department at Enger-Kress Pocket Book Company in 1912

The same building remains there today, repurposed into senior citizen apartments. From the exterior, the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. appears to be more of a park than a factory. Cement walkways careen across the manicured lawn and geranium garden. The factory, three stories high, is built of bricks in an L-shaped manner. There are ample windows and three entrances, one of which is centered in stone, beneath the carved words ‘Enger Kress.’

1920 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co 4th factory in West Bend, Wisconsin
4th factory of the Enger-Kress Pocket Book Company in 1920

Inside are spacious workrooms with abundant windows, often opened for a fresh breeze. Equipment was efficient, with most machines being electric. Down the first floor were offices, storage for countless models of pocketbooks, the riveting room, and a shipping center. The second floor was designated for machine work and finishing. Glazing machines, button machines, sewing machines, and thinning machines filled the space. Each product made its way through the rooms as workers strived to complete it.

1950 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co sewing department in West Bend, Wisconsin
The Enger-Kress Pocket Book Company’s Sewing Department in 1950, including Mabel Kissinger, mother of Clifford Kissinger (second row 1st on left)

Production

The Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. manufactured pocketbooks of all kinds. Some include wallets, briefcases, bill books, card cases, cigar cases, and advertising novelties. The materials ranged from leather to cowhide and even alligator skin. It is estimated that the factory maintained $200,000 worth of leather in stock. Most of it came from the Hartford tanneries.

Each product was thoughtfully created and intentionally planned. Most are original designs aimed to construct quality pieces that are equally attractive and practical. This approach is noticeably one of the company’s keys to success.

Check out this Enger-Kress Wallet in the Heinz History Center’s Collections.

Labor Conquers Everything

Labor omnia vincit are the words displayed in the main hall of the factory. It is Latin for ‘labor conquers everything.’ The motto of both the workmen who toiled to build the place and those who continued to work earnestly for the company. Passing down that hall, people notice the industry’s reason for success. It is the 400 dedicated employees of the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. that worked together, creating quality products. And as they supported each other, they uplifted their community by bringing business into Washington County, providing career opportunities, and promoting a diverse economy. And so, it is undoubtedly true that labor conquers everything. This phrase perfectly captures the ethics and the reason for the success of the Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. 

1920 Enger Kress Pocket Book Co employees in West Bend, Wisconsin
Employees of the Enger-Kress Pocket Book company in 1920, which included (back row, left to right) Linda Vincent, Katherine Goeden, Emma Vogelsberg, “Toddy” Kugler, Frances Bertram Barwick, Irene Koenings Schwichtenberg, Emma Warnkey, Jean Buss Jaeger, Ann Geminden Nehrbass, Gladys Koenings Krueger and Melinda Faber; (front row) Viola Hecker, Sybilla Schaffer Heinecke, Susan Schmidt, Viola Jobs Marquardt, Veronica Berres Becker; and the man at the left is Tom Gruenwaldt, Senior.

Parting Words

The Enger-Kress Pocketbook Co. was a place of reputable manufacturing, effective management, and most importantly, honest hard work. Their efforts impacted the early economy and environment of Washington County, and we are grateful to them for it.

References

Quickert, Carl. “The Chief Industries.” In Washington County, Wisconsin: Past and Present, 227-229. Madison: Wisconsin Historical Society, 2008. Previously published as “The Chief Industries,” in Washington County, Wisconsin: Past and Present (1912): 227-229.

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