Aberdeen has quite a few famous figures in its history, but few have had a lasting impact as August C. Witte. One of the early pioneers of Aberdeen, Witte was a prominent local politician, and he also owned one of the most successful hardware stores in South Dakota history.
Witte (pronounced like witty, the pronunciation was changed upon immigrating to the United States) was born in Pein, Hanover, Germany on July 6, 1857 to August and Clara (Mueller) Witte. He showed great interest for business early on and after completing his general education at public school, and graduating from Hildesheim College in 1874, Witte apprenticed himself at a wholesale hardware store in Germany. He worked there for four years before immigrating to the United States in late 1879.
According to a passport application found on Ancestry.com, Witte emigrated from Germany aboard the US Rhein. On October 17, 1879, Witte docked in New York and filed for naturalization papers. He made his way west and initially settled in Faribault, Minnesota in 1880, where he already had an uncle living. His uncle was named A.W. Mueller. In that same year, the two gentlemen opened a hardware store that also sold dried goods. The store was called Mueller & Witte Hardware.
With the construction of the railroad underway in Aberdeen, Witte and Mueller followed the railroad and opened a second hardware store in Aberdeen in 1881 on the corner of Railroad Avenue and Main Street. At that time, Aberdeen was expanding rapidly, and due to the success of their Aberdeen store, Witte and Mueller closed their Faribault location in 1883 and both men moved to Aberdeen permanently. They worked together in the hardware business for ten more years until Mueller’s death in 1893. Witte continued to run the hardware store by himself under the name of Witte Hardware until 1903, when his two step-sons became his business partners. Witte later expanded the business and moved it to its final location at 111 South Main Street. The hardware store was open for a total of 86 years, and became one of the most successful hardware stores in South Dakota.
Witte played an important role in shaping early Aberdeen. He was very active in politics and was considered a pioneer because he was one of the first leaders to rise from the hundreds of people moving to Aberdeen in the early 1880s. Several reports state he was a very quiet man, and did not speak unless he had to. This played in his favor later on during his political career. He helped Aberdeen advance from being just a small settlement to an actual city of buildings and streets. One of the first offices Witte held was the Alderman of the 4th ward from 1885 to 1891. Wanting to do more for Aberdeen, Witte decided to run for mayor in 1892 and was elected Mayor of Aberdeen. During his two years in office, Witte saw through many changes and improvements to Aberdeen, the biggest one being the implementation of the first sewage system throughout the city. Witte was also part of the committees in charge of securing water for the city, establishing a source of power to be used citywide, and the construction of a city hall. His final political role was that of Alderman again, which he served for the last time from 1899 to 1905.
Witte was also a founding member of the Home Building & Loan Association, which established the loaning system in Aberdeen for people to build homes and businesses. This organization was originally established in 1888, and was responsible for encouraging people to set up residence in Aberdeen and to start small businesses. Although, later on the integrity of this organization came into question due to some mismanagement of money, the Home Building & Loan Association can be credited with encouraging the commercial growth of Aberdeen at the turn of the 20th century.
Dedicated to serving those around him, Witte was an active member in various community oriented organizations throughout his life in Aberdeen. He was a Freemason and was a member of the Aberdeen Lodge #38. He was honored with the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite, and even served as Eminent Commander for one year in 1912. He later served as a commander of the Knights Templar. Witte was also the Grand Patriarch of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows in 1893. He was also a member of the Yelduz Shrine and served as the Potentate. Witte served on the Public Library Board starting in 1890, and remained on the board for many years. During World War I, Witte even served on the Council of Defense of South Dakota.
Witte married A.W. Mueller’s widow in 1895. Her name was Carole W. Witte, and she was technically his aunt by marriage. Carole had three children from her marriage with Mueller: Otto and Arthur Mueller were her sons, and Alma (Mueller) Easton was her daughter. Alma’s first marriage was to Russell Easton, the son of CF Easton of Easton’s Castle fame.
August Witte passed away on February 2, 1947 from a heart attack. The hardware store continued to be operational after his death, and was managed by Lester Biegler. Witte’s stepdaughter, Alma Easton Woodward became the president of the company until her death in 1958. According to an Aberdeen American News article from June of 1981, Biegler retired in 1954, and the new manager was Alfred Humphrey who later became the vice president of the company. In 1960, Humphrey purchased the business from the Alma Easton Woodward estate. Humphrey kept the store open and under the name of Witte Hardware until 1967, and then sold the business to A. H. Sander, who moved his business, Sander’s Sales and Services, into the building. The business is now called Sander’s Sew-N-Vac.
A champion for small businesses and local economic growth, Witte truly loved Aberdeen, and he embodied so much of that small town feeling Aberdeen is so well known for. He dedicated his life to serving the community here and to seeing it grow and flourish. For being a quiet man, Witte’s impression has lasted throughout Aberdeen’s entire existence, and that shows he built this community to last. // -Karlie Spiry
Mueller & Witte Hardware began in 1883 essentially where the Flame Restaurant now stands. By the 1890s, the business was known as Witte Hardware and had moved 111 South Main Street, shown here in the middle of this picture. This building was only 25 feet wide but extended all the way to the alley. It is now the location of Sander's Sew-N-Vac. This picture is from 1912. Photo from MCG Archives.
Mueller & Witte Hardware began in 1883 essentially where the Flame Restaurant now stands. By the 1890s, the business was known as Witte Hardware and had moved 111 South Main Street, shown here in the middle of this picture. This building was only 25 feet wide but extended all the way to the alley. It is now the location of Sander's Sew-N-Vac. This picture is from 1912. Photo from MCG Archives.
Many may look at the facades in our historic downtown and wonder why most all of them have lost their historic character. We often scoff at how unappealing they seem compared to their original designs. The truth is Aberdeen's businesspeople were often seen as well traveled and progressive. Which meant remodels were often seen as upgrades to be relevant to the times. This remodel of Witte Hardware is certainly a nod to the sprawling chic retail centers that Southern California was experiencing outside of their downtown area during the late 1940s and into the 1950s. Photo courtesy of Jeanne Roers.
Many may look at the facades in our historic downtown and wonder why most all of them have lost their historic character. We often scoff at how unappealing they seem compared to their original designs. The truth is Aberdeen's businesspeople were often seen as well traveled and progressive. Which meant remodels were often seen as upgrades to be relevant to the times. This remodel of Witte Hardware is certainly a nod to the sprawling chic retail centers that Southern California was experiencing outside of their downtown area during the late 1940s and into the 1950s. Photo courtesy of Jeanne Roers.
The Masonic Lodge on Main Street has archived their entire history while in Aberdeen. The photo, taken in 1932, has every Commander of the Lodge starting in 1887. August Witte, who was Eminent Commander in 1912 is pictured on the far right in the first row. Photo courtesy of Masonic Lodge.
The Masonic Lodge on Main Street has archived their entire history while in Aberdeen. The photo, taken in 1932, has every Commander of the Lodge starting in 1887. August Witte, who was Eminent Commander in 1912 is pictured on the far right in the first row. Photo courtesy of Masonic Lodge.
Besides the Mueller Building and Witte's store at 111 South Main Street, you can still find evidence of Witte's presence downtown. This billboard is visible on the south side of Sander's Sew-n-Vac from the alley. Photo by Troy McQuillen.
Besides the Mueller Building and Witte's store at 111 South Main Street, you can still find evidence of Witte's presence downtown. This billboard is visible on the south side of Sander's Sew-n-Vac from the alley. Photo by Troy McQuillen.
In 1909, the Aberdeen Daily News reported that Witte Hardware had purchased a huge chunk of lots on Lincoln Street, across the alley of the hardware store. The article reports that the intent was to build seven buildings, all of the same size to be used as retail stores and lodging on the second floors. This photo shows what resulted from this plan. This building was known was the Mueller Building . The Mueller Building Corporation rented the ground level stores out to businesses while they turned the entire connected upper floors over to a hotelier. The second-floor operation was first called The Herman Hotel. After struggles and troubles of disturbance, it became the Rogers Hotel with new management. The building still exists today and houses Gelhaus & Gelhaus law office and DSS Image Apparel. The second floor was completely remolded in the early 2000s and is now used as apartments. The triangular parapets have been removed from the facade and the store fronts are now uniquely different. This building was designed by Aberdeen architect, J.W. Henry.
In 1909, the Aberdeen Daily News reported that Witte Hardware had purchased a huge chunk of lots on Lincoln Street, across the alley of the hardware store. The article reports that the intent was to build seven buildings, all of the same size to be used as retail stores and lodging on the second floors. This photo shows what resulted from this plan. This building was known was the Mueller Building . The Mueller Building Corporation rented the ground level stores out to businesses while they turned the entire connected upper floors over to a hotelier. The second-floor operation was first called The Herman Hotel. After struggles and troubles of disturbance, it became the Rogers Hotel with new management. The building still exists today and houses Gelhaus & Gelhaus law office and DSS Image Apparel. The second floor was completely remolded in the early 2000s and is now used as apartments. The triangular parapets have been removed from the facade and the store fronts are now uniquely different. This building was designed by Aberdeen architect, J.W. Henry.
When AUgust Witte married Carole Mueller (his mother's brother's widow) the new family lived at 304 South Kline Street. They later moved "up" to the Highlands when Witte built this house at 1403 North Main Street in 1916. Carole would die in the house in 1920. August Witte died in the house close to his 90th birthday of a heart attack in 1947. He has been retired and out of public life for nearly 25 years. he lived in the house with Carole's daughter and husband, Alma and Russell Easton. Easton was the son of C.F. Easton of Easton's Castle fame. Upon August Witte's passing, Alma inherited everything and served as president and owner of Witte Hardware and Mueller Building Corporation. She divorced Easton and married Harry Woodard.
When AUgust Witte married Carole Mueller (his mother's brother's widow) the new family lived at 304 South Kline Street. They later moved "up" to the Highlands when Witte built this house at 1403 North Main Street in 1916. Carole would die in the house in 1920. August Witte died in the house close to his 90th birthday of a heart attack in 1947. He has been retired and out of public life for nearly 25 years. he lived in the house with Carole's daughter and husband, Alma and Russell Easton. Easton was the son of C.F. Easton of Easton's Castle fame. Upon August Witte's passing, Alma inherited everything and served as president and owner of Witte Hardware and Mueller Building Corporation. She divorced Easton and married Harry Woodard.
If you visit the Dacotah Prairie Museum, pay particular attention to the cash register behind the counter. It is from Witte's store. It still functions. The entire cabinet is considered part of the cash register. Each of the round buttons on the left correspond to a cash drawer in the cabinet. If you ask, the museum staff will demonstrate it for you. It was secured for the museum by the late Helen Bergh when Witte Hardware shut down in the 1960s. Photo by Troy McQuillen.
If you visit the Dacotah Prairie Museum, pay particular attention to the cash register behind the counter. It is from Witte's store. It still functions. The entire cabinet is considered part of the cash register. Each of the round buttons on the left correspond to a cash drawer in the cabinet. If you ask, the museum staff will demonstrate it for you. It was secured for the museum by the late Helen Bergh when Witte Hardware shut down in the 1960s. Photo by Troy McQuillen.
Needing more warehouse space, August Witte and his step-children began developing more property. Directly to the east of his Main Street store, he built a four-story warehouse across the alley. It was tucked in between his building and the Mueller Building built on Lincoln Street. Aberdeen Architect, J.W. Henry designed both the Mueller Building and the warehouse. The warehouse was enlarged in 1909 at the same time the Mueller Building was built. The warehouse is long gone, leaving a parking lot for the Mueller Building (now known as the Herman Hotel, or Rogers Hotel). Photo courtesy of Mike Wiese.
Needing more warehouse space, August Witte and his step-children began developing more property. Directly to the east of his Main Street store, he built a four-story warehouse across the alley. It was tucked in between his building and the Mueller Building built on Lincoln Street. Aberdeen Architect, J.W. Henry designed both the Mueller Building and the warehouse. The warehouse was enlarged in 1909 at the same time the Mueller Building was built. The warehouse is long gone, leaving a parking lot for the Mueller Building (now known as the Herman Hotel, or Rogers Hotel). Photo courtesy of Mike Wiese.
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