A historical look at the business pioneers of Prentice, Wisconsin, as recorded by Wm. J. Bendixen in 1930.
In 1872, the Wisconsin Central Railroad began carving a path through what was then an impenetrable wilderness. By 1880, the first settlers arrived in the area that would become Prentice, driven by the booming lumber industry. Named after the popular local timber cruiser Alexander Prentice, the village quickly transformed from a rugged outpost into a thriving dairy and manufacturing hub.
The Industrial Pulse of 1930s Prentice
By 1930, Prentice had grown to 600 inhabitants and established itself as a vital junction for the Soo Line. While the massive U.S. Hide & Leather Co. tannery had departed by 1905, new industries rose to take its place.
Agriculture and The Price County Canning Co.
The Price County Canning Co. stood as a cornerstone of the local economy. In 1929, the facility employed 120 people during peak season, canning over 43,000 cases of peas, beans, and root vegetables. This single operation injected over $14,500 in labor wages back into the community—a significant sum for the era.
A Growing Dairy Powerhouse
Despite 1930 being a challenging year for farmers, Prentice remained a dairy leader. The village shipped roughly 4,500,000 pounds of cheese, valued at over $624,000. The Prentice Co-operative Creamery, managed by B. F. Buchholz, processed over 1.5 million pounds of milk annually, producing high-quality pasteurized butter and casein.
Pioneer Businesses and Local Landmarks
The retail landscape of 1930s Prentice was defined by resilient entrepreneurs, many of whom had been staples of the community for decades.
- S. W. Pierson’s General Store: Established in 1892, Pierson was a true pioneer. After emigrating to the U.S. in 1887 and teaching in Ogema, he built a retail empire carrying everything from hardware to sporting goods.
- Rabenowich’s Department Store: A modern addition to the village, offering up-to-date clothing, dry goods, and fresh meats.
- S. T. Nelson’s Shoe Hospital: As the oldest continuous settler (arriving in 1886), Nelson was famous for his handmade “Klondike” boots. Though factory goods eventually took over, he continued his craft through “shoe surgery” in his shop near the I.O.O.F. hall.
- The Reed Lumber Co.: Beyond building materials like lath and shingles, Reed Lumber provided the community with coal, wood, and International farm implements.
Village Life and Amenities
Education and social life flourished with a dedicated High School and State Graded School employing eight teachers. Spiritual life was anchored by five local churches, while the Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) and American Legion provided a strong social fabric.
For travelers of the 1930s, the Blong Hotel offered modern European-style service, while the Eagle Hotel provided the classic American plan, complete with bus service to the train station—a true testament to the hospitality of northern Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prentice History
Who was Alexander Prentice?
Alexander Prentice was a timber cruiser who surveyed the area in the 1870s. The village of Prentice, Wisconsin was named after him. Timber cruisers were professional surveyors who walked vast tracts of forest to estimate timber value and volume for logging companies. Source: Wm. J. Bendixen, “Village Review,” 1930; Price County Historical Society.
What was the Price County Canning Co.?
The Price County Canning Co. was a major employer in Prentice during the early 20th century. In 1929, it employed 120 people during peak season and canned over 43,000 cases of peas, beans, and root vegetables, injecting over $14,500 in labor wages into the community. Source: Bendixen, 1930.
When was the Soo Line Railroad established in Prentice?
The Wisconsin Central Railroad began service through the area in 1872. It later became part of the Soo Line Railroad. Prentice developed as a railroad junction town, with the rail line enabling both the lumber industry and later agricultural shipping. Source: Price County Historical Society; Wisconsin Historical Society railroad records.
What happened to the U.S. Hide and Leather Co. tannery?
The U.S. Hide and Leather Co. tannery operated in Prentice until approximately 1905, when it relocated. The tannery had been a major employer during the village’s early lumber-era boom. Its departure was part of a broader pattern of timber-related industries closing as the region’s pine forests were harvested. Source: Bendixen, 1930.