CHAPTER 6

Businesses

In the Bruce County Directory for 1880, the following are listed:

REV. LOUIS ELENA, pastor of St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception

SEBASTION GFROERER, school teacher

F.X. MESSNER, Postmaster

TELEGRAPH: Joseph Seitz, agent for Montreal telegraph

Anthony Schick, Telegraph operator

BREWERY: John Fehrenbach Jr., owner John Fehrenbach, brewer

FORMOSA MILLS: Wm. J. Lynn, grist mill, saw mill, carding mill
Joseph Reuter, miller Henry Kroetsch, sawyer

COOPERS: Heinrich Kuerten and Sylvester Frank

WAGON MAKER: Joseph Tschirhart

CARRIAGE MAKERS: Andrew Schell and Martin J. Meyer

SADDLERS: Anthony Schick and John Seitz

HOTELS: Michael Graf, Cuirass Hotel

Wendel Messner, Formosa Hotel

Joseph Mosack, Dominion Hotel

Joseph Seitz, Ontario Hotel — also harness dealer and agent for Montreal telegraph

GENERAL MERCHANTS: Mrs. J.J. Lynn

Anthony and F.X. Messner

Charles Uhrich — groceries, boots and shoes

SHOE STORE: John B. Goetz, boots and shoes

SHOEMAKERS: Anthony Alt, Benedict Baum, Philip Bruder, John B. Goetz

Joseph Krotzmeyer, Martin Olheiser, I. Uhrich

CARPENTERS: Ignatz Anstett, Anthony Beninger, Martin Buck, George

Ernewein, Peter Fehrenbach, Joseph Hell, Anthony Hoch,

Louis Huck, Henry Kraemer, John B. Rapp, Caspar Zeigler

CARPENTERS AND CABINET MAKERS: John Linseman, Joseph Anstett

MASONS: Henry Bester, Louis Brick, Albert Brick, John and Jacob Detzler

John Mercy, — Rosebush

BUTCHERS: Michael Graf, Jacob Huck

BLACKSMITHS: Louis Meyer, John B. Miller

STOVES AND TINWARE: Joseph Klein

TIN PEDLARS: Gotlieb Rau, Frederick Rettinger

MANUFACTURING PUMPS AND GRAIN CRADLES: Vincens Messner PAINTER: Louis Zoeger

SEAMSTRESS: Mrs. Rosa Goetz

TAILOR: Joseph B. Kramer

WEAVERS: John Bester, Anthony Huber, Theobold Schneider

COVERLET WEAVER: Julius Noll

Julius Noll came from a family of renowned coverlet weavers and
one of their coverlets is on display in the Ontario Museum, Toronto

EARLY PLACES OF BUSINESS IN FORMOSA:

Stores, Millinery and Shoemakers. Photo Gallery, Wagon and Blacksmith Shops. Small implement sales. tailors, Pump works, Tin shops, Furriers, Furniture Store, Undertakers, Saddlers, Bankers, Conveyancers, Creamery, Butchers, Mills, Saw, Stave, Chopping and Carding, Brewery, Post Office, etc.

PRESENT PLACES OF BUSINESS IN FORMOSA:

As time progressed many small businesses were no longer viable or required. As of today, the following named form the business sector:

Weiler Dimension Ltd. .................................................. Sawmill

Formosa Spring Water Co. Ltd............................. Water Bottling

Formosa Spring Fish Products Ltd. Fish Farming & Storage Facility

John Waechter .......................... Road Construction Contractor

Arthur Weber.................................................. Auto Body Shop

Ed Weiler .......................................................... General Store

James Toth.................................................. Commercial Hotel

Harold Kuntz ............................................. Auto Repair Depot

Joseph Keip ............................................ Plumbing & Heating

Lloyd Kuntz ........................................... Small Engine & Feeds

Louis Paleczny ............................................... Palace Gardens

Walter Misch .......................................... Electrical Contractor

Ron Hundt .................................................. Auto Repair Depot

Bank of Montreal ....................................................... Banking

Vern Inglis .................................................. Insurance Agency

Formosa Mutual ............................ Fire Insurance Head Office

E. F. Oberle ................................................................. General Merchant

Kenneth Oberle ...................................................................... Post Master

Harry Opperman..................................................... Electrical Contractor

Francis Gfroerer............................................................... Chrome Plating

Edward Brick ......................................................... Electrical Contractor

Joseph Benninger .............................................. Photographer

Wendelin Slawik ..................................................... Bricklayer

Anthony Opperman ........................................ Formosa Tavern

Ken Oberle .......................................... The Great Formosa Button Co.

THE FORMOSA ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. LTD.

On February 18, 1915, a group of fore-sighted Formosa men held a meeting for the purpose of organizing a company to supply electric light and power to the village of Formosa and the surrounding country.

A company was formed, to be known as the Formosa Light and Power Co. Ltd. It was decided to apply for a charter with a capital stock of five thousand dollars.

The stockholders were: Frank Heisz, brewer; Christian Weiler, saw-miller; Alexander Oberle, merchant; Peter McCue, physician; John Hundt, blacksmith; Andrew Schwartz, merchant; Anthony Opperman, hotelkeeper; Rev. John Gehl, parish priest; Gustav Tiede, brewer; Henry Schefter, postmaster; Gregory Beninger, merchant. The date of incorporation was April 29, 1915.

The line was brought into Formosa from Otter Creek, power being supplied by the Walkerton Light and Power Co.

According to the minutes of a meeting held on April 8, 1915, the tender of Fred Brick for the digging of postholes at 32¢each was accepted. Also accepted was the tender of Joseph Schumacher and William Schill for attaching of crossarms and erection of poles at 25¢ per pole.

Mr. McKerracher was engaged to stake out the line at a wage not to exceed $3. per day, with the company supplying one helper.

Poles and supplies had to be bought and there were legal expenses.

The offer of W.C. Schill to erect line at the wages of $3. per 10 hour day was accepted, and he was to engage two capable men at wages not to exceed $1.50 each per day, and one horse at a rate not exceeding 50¢ per day.

Fifteen streetlights were installed at an annual cost of $174. Streetlights were put on manually in the evening using a rope to pull the switch. Formosa, Carrick and Culross ratepayers shared the cost of the streetlights.

In August 1915 a celebration with sports, bands, music etc. was held in aid of the lighting system.

The construction of the line cost $2,245.

Meters were read at 5¢ per meter.

In December 1916 Dr. Peter McCue enlisted in the Army medical Corps.

In 1916 Heisz and Tiede, Brewers, applied for permission from the Formosa Electric Light Co. Ltd. to operate a 5 horse-power motor. By June 1917 they were furnished with current for the motor, which was the first electric motor in the village.

Poles and lines were added and kept in repair, street lighting extended, more transformers and lightning arresters added.

At first a minimum of $2. per month was charged. Later the cost was $3. for 25 kilowatt hours. Any Excess used cost 10¢per kilowatt hour.

In October 1928 the Foshay Electric Co. of Minneapolis proposed to purchase the Formosa company's property.

In 1932 The Formosa Electric Light Co. Ltd. sold its assets to Ontario Hydro Electric Commission for $5000.

THE FORMOSA MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
1880 — 1980

As buildings became larger, more valuable and mortgage indebtedness became greater, the need for fire insurance protection had to be met. Few of the companies offered to underwrite insurance in the rural areas and even if they did, they would charge premiums so excessive that it was prohibitive to obtain this protection.

Under the guidance of F.X. Messner who had already become banker, merchant and entrepreneur, it was proposed to establish a local fire insurance company. A charter was obtained from the Provincial government of Ontario and business was commenced on May 22, 1880.

From among the original eighty-nine freeholders who had signified their willingness to form a company, named The Formosa Mutual Fire Insurance Company, having its head office at Formosa, Ontario, fifteen directors were chosen. Namely, Andrew Waechter, Peter Kuntz, Felix Zettel, Michael Fischer, Ignatz Kieffer, Jacob Waechter, Baselius Oberle, Sebastian Lehman, Ambrose Zettel, George Lobsinger, Nicholos Kreitz, George Fischer, Anthony Schumacher, John Scheele, and Fred Weiler. Andrew Waechter was chosen president and continued in this office until his death twenty-three years later. Julius Noll, who was bookkeeper for Mr Messner, received and held the appointment as secretary treasurer of the company until 1888. The original six agents appointed to solicit applications for insurance were Joseph Schumacher, George La France, Lorenz Wand, Ambrose Zettel, Charles Schurter and Leopold Kramer.

To acquaint you with some of the early decisions of the founding fathers, we note. In 1881 the manager was paid twenty-five cents for each policy issued. Agents were allowed a fee of one dollar for each application accepted by the board. For the first few years practically no losses occurred which allowed the venture to succeed. In 1885 it is noted that any excess funds were to be invested in Messner's bank collecting interest at 6% per annum.

Mr. Ignatz Kieffer, one of the original directors, suffered the loss of his house and contents. Four hundred dollars was received by him. The Church spire at Deemerton sustained lightning damage in the amount of ninety dollars. A certain claim was denied. Reason given; clothing was hung too close to a stove pipe. Auditors were paid one dollar and fifty cents each.

In 1903 John M. Fischer was appointed president and Thomas Inglis was elected as a director.

The election of fifteen directors at each annual meeting seemed to have created considerable controversy. Some twenty years elapsed prior to reducing the board to six directors appointed for three year terms. In this regard is is noted that twenty-three honourary directors were named. This would indicate that some so named would be from the ranks of defeated directors and possibly dissatisfied claimants.

The August 10, 1887 meeting of the board showed two barns reported destroyed by lightning.

On February 11, 1888, Joseph J. Schumacher was appointed secretary treasurer in place of Mr. Noll. The new secretary was very aggressive in his ideas toward greatly expanding the operations of the Company. The Board of Directors were not in favour of spreading the operation beyond the localized area thus, after a few years Bernard Beingessner, a former School teacher, became secretary manager and Mr. Noll was again appointed treasurer.

The 1910 annual report indicated the Company had 1,045 different policies in force, total insurance coverage of $7,256,137.00 and surplus funds of $12,369.00 had accumulated.

In 1911 Bernard Beingessner was appointed manager secretary-treasurer. Mr. Noll retired after having been associated with the Company since its inception in 1880. To his foresight and direction, much of the success of the Company can be attributed. His beautiful handwriting, command and use of the English language can hardly be equalled to this day.

At this time, in 1911, delegates were authorized to attend the Mutual Fire Underwriters Association at Toronto, seven dollars being allowed for expenses to each delegate.

In 1913 E.G. Kuntz was appointed as president. Auditors salary had increased to six dollars each. Directors were paid $1.50 for attendance at Board meetings. An allowance of $1.00 per loss was paid to the directors for adjusting same plus 5c per mile.

In 1919 Mr. Beingessner retired from company operations with Edward G. Kuntz taking over the positions of manager, secretary and treasurer. He purchased the former Dr. P.F. McCue office building and the head office has remained here until the present day. For the next ten years the Company grew steadily in all departments as one of the leading Insurance Companies in Ontario.

In 1929 without any warning all hell broke loose. The great depression was upon us. Pages could be written of the hardships, financial and physical which were suffered throughout the world, upheavals such as had never before been experienced and hopefully will not occur again. We feel that it might be interesting to relate a few items of this disaster applying to the setback suffered by the Insurance Company, as well as the total community. During the years 1929 to 1933 the company suffered fire losses to the extent that the total yearly income plus the substantial accumulated surplus was completely wiped out. At the close of 1933 it was necessary to call on each policy holder to pay an extra yearly premium so that obligations could be met. Directors in their personal capacity guaranteed a Company Bank loan of $10,000.00.

Real estate values had dropped over one hundred percent. Homes changed hands for less than five hundred dollars. One hundred-acre farms with buildings sold for four thousand dollars. When a forced auction took place, a good cow could be purchased for forty dollars, a horse for fifty dollars, a sow with litter for ten dollars and market pigs for ten dollars. Day labour if work could be found was ten cents per hour.

At the close of 1932 practically all savings were depleted and loans of any kind were no longer available. To avoid complete rural financial chaos, the Federal authorities introduced a debt moratorium and a credit rearrangement act. In many cases debtors were given some extensions of time for repayment of indebtedness. By the year 1936-1937 slight improvement in commodity prices and demand for labour and returned hope for a tolerable life began again.

During and after World War II, the Insurance Company's loss ratio returned to normal or at least tolerable and the surplus accounts were built up again.

1933, the secretary E.G. Kuntz died and nis aauyi Re!

Kuntz held the position until 1937. From 1937 until 1975 Herb Kuntz was secretary-manager. Upon his retirement Vernon Inglis, who had become assistant secretary in 1970, has successfully operated and expanded the operation of Formosa Mutual into one of the leading companies throughout the Province of Ontario. This company supplies and promotes a 'fire inspection and loss prevention service' to its policyholders.

The community owes a great deal of gratitude to those pioneers who directed the affairs of the company during the early trying years. In 1952 Herb Kuntz served as president of the Ontario Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and Vern Inglis served likewise in 1978.

From little insurance Seedlings planted in 1880 a Giant Insurance Corporation has developed.

The following named are the presidents and secretaries who served during the past one hundred years.

Presidents Andrew Waechter 1880-1903 Michael Fischer 1903-1913 E.G.Kuntz 1913-1919 John F. Waechter 1919-1938 Thomas Ingles 1938-1948 Thomas Rushton 1948-1951 Alex Fischer 1951-1953 Louis Becker 1953-1955 Ed Threndyle 1955-1956 James Inglis 1956-1958,1966-1967 A.J. Kroeplin 1958-1960 Alf Brunton 1960-1963,1967-1969,1977-1979 Lorne Robinson 1963-1966,1973-1975 Charles Kelly 1969-1971 Ed Dietrich 1971-1973 Joseph Clancy 1975-1977

Secretaries Julius Noll 1880-1888,1894-1907 J.J.Schumacher 1888-1994 B. Beingessner 1907-1919 E.G.Kuntz 1919-1933 G. Kuntz 1933-1937 Herb Kuntz 1937-1975 Vern Inglis 1975- Fire Safety Officers Edmund Meyer 1951-1962 Don MacKinnon 1962-1973 Roger Thorne 1972- Roy Henhoeffer 1974-

GENERAL STORES

Edgar Oberle General Store – Built in 1868 Front of Oberle Store Marie Oberle wife of Edgar, Phylis Weber, Front of Oberle Store, George Benninger

later wife of Len Keip, Hilda Kuntz, wife of Herb Kuntz. ?, Len Keip, Anthony Opperman and son.

The general store now owned and operated by Edgar Oberle and his son, Kenneth Oberle, was first built by F.X. and Anthony Messner. Next owners were Schwartz and Fedy, then Dentinger and Beingessner followed by Gregory Beninger, Mrs. Selway and now Oberle's.

Ed Weiler's General Store and residence. Picture taken when owned by Frank Oberle father of Edgar Oberle.

The other general store in the village, now owned and operated by Ed Weiler, was built by Frank Oberle. Next owner was Alex Oberle who sold it to Ed Weiler in 1928. Ed is still operating the store. He is a veteran of the first World War.

The only other store in Formosa at the present time is Opperman Electric owned by Harry Opperman.

Joe Kelp's Plumbing and Heating sells plumbing supplies.

PLUMBING AND TINSMITHING

Formosa residents who were in the tin smithing business (and in later years Plumbing and Tin smithing) were Marcus Frank, Gregory Beninger, Kraemer Brothers (Fred and Leo), Melvin Beninger and now Joe Kelp.

TRUCKERS

Among Formosa residents who served as truckers over the years were Albert Poechman, Joseph Ernewein, Albert Schnurr, Al Dosman, Mel Zimmer, and Joe Benninger.

HOTELS

The Formosa House is owned and operated by Anthony Opperman. Previous owners were his father, Andrew, and before that, his grandfather, Anthony. Other owners in earlier years were Wendel Messner, Peter Kuhry, and Anthony Schumacher.

Formosa House

The Commercial Hotel is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Toth. Earlier owners were Joseph Mosack in the 1880's, Anthony Schnurr, Chris Schnurr, Cecil Schmalz and Fred Querin.

Commercial Hotel

GARAGES

Above is the Formosa Garage, owned and operated by Harold Kuntz. The only other garage in Formosa is Ron Hundt Motors.

It was previously owned by Albert M. Poechman, who conducted Previous owners were first Alf Poechman, then Paul Heisz.

the garage business for many years. He was the first operator of a garage

and repair service in Formosa, and in the earlier years also did trucking.

BANKS

Following the folding of the Messner Private Bank about the turn of the century, the Merchant Bank opened a Branch at Formosa. Several other branches were opened at different times and places. For the past 60 years, Molsons,, which later became Bank of Montreal, have continuously operated a sub-branch in Formosa on a twice-weekly basis.

THE FORMOSA COUNTRY ESTATE GARBAGE PICKUP

The large home in Formosa built by F.X. Messner. It served as his residence for Above is the truck which carries out the weekly garbage collection, a convenience

some years, has changed hands many times since, and a few years ago was made which we have had for ten years.

into apartments.

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