Willer Manufacturing

This photograph is of Willer Manufacturing from around 1875. Willer Manufacturing was founded by German immigrant William Willer in 1865 and was located at Fourth and Cedar Streets – the present site of the Hyatt hotel in downtown Milwaukee. William had come to Milwaukee in 1854, in debt, and worked as a carpenter before starting this business. The business grew into a leading manufacturer of sash, doors, blinds, and other millwork, and by 1881 a new four story building was constructed next to the one shown in this photo.

The company continued to flourish after William’s son, Henry E. Willer, in 1885 patented an interior wooden sliding blind for which the company became famous (US patents 312,051; 312,052; and 312,053). These blinds won an award at the World’s Fair in Cincinnati in 1888, and were sold throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Henry eventually took over the company, and became known as a prominent businessman in Milwaukee. By the early 1900’s, Willer Manufacturing employed close to 200 people. Henry’s other interests included involvement in civic organizations, composing music, and clock-making. Some of Henry’s music compositions are held in the Art Room of the Milwaukee Public Library. Henry was also an avid investor in the stock market and owned a great deal of stock in mining companies.

Willer Manufacturing came to a tragic end in 1918 when a fire destroyed the company. Henry didn’t believe in having insurance, so the event rendered a total loss. Henry's stock investments didn't fair any better, as nearly all of the mining companies he invested in went bankrupt.

William and Henry Willer have many descendants living in the Milwaukee area today.

One of Henry E. Willer's sons was Henry Willer, Jr., who was the father of H. Fredrick Willer, who was the father of Richard F. Willer, the father of Mark Willer and Jeff Willer.

Notes, per Richard Willer:
-This photo was taken around 1875 and was mailed to Henry Willer from the Chicago Tribune.
-The business was started by William Willer. His son, Henry Willer later became the President and owned the business with his brother and sisters.
-Henry E. Willer did not believe in having insurance.