By Deborah Beaumont Martin
Fred Altmayer is owner and manager of the Union Hotel of De Pere, headquarters for the best transient trade of the city, a well kept hostelry with all the features found in the fine modern hotels. This fact alone would entitle Mr. Altmayer to a place among the representative business men of De Pere but he has other claims to prominence lying in his stalwart spirit. He was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, January 1, 1861, and is a son of Nicholas and Susan (Gross) Altmayer, natives of Germany, who came in their early years to America, settling first in Milwaukee and later in De Pere. In their family were seven children besides the subject of this review; M.P. of Shawano; Mary, the wife of G. Sweetman of Appleton; John S. of Chicago; Christine, the wife of A. Schunk of Green Bay; George of Neenah; William of De Pere; and Clara, the wife of Al Schwartung of Iowa. Fred Altmayer attended the public schools of his native section and after laying aside his books farmed until he was twenty-three years of age. Later he came to De Pere and entered the hotel business, engaging in this association with his father until he went to Shawano, where for seven years he conducted a shoe store. At the end of that time, however, he sold out and returned to De Pere in 1899 and opened the Union Hotel, which he has managed for thirteen years with constantly increasing success. Visitors in De Pere and especially transient guests in the city go immediately to the Union Hotel, where they are sure of efficient service, comfortable quarters and the utmost courtesy. By his expert management of the enterprise, his keen business instinct and the excellent results he has attained Mr. Altmayer has made the hotel one of the finest in the city and has definitely established himself among the leading business men. Mr. Altmayer married Miss Louise Hochgreve, a daughter of Mrs. C. Hochgreve, widow of the founder of the Hochgreve Brewing Company of Green Bay. Mr. and Mrs. Altmayer have one daughter, Susanna C., who lives at home. Mr. Altmayer gives his allegiance to the democratic party and is an active worker in its interests. While a resident of Shawano he served for three years as city clerk and demonstrated fully his ability along public lines. He is well known in the affairs of the Knights of Pythias and the Independen Order of Odd Fellows. His position as proprietor of one of the important hotels of the city enables him to be practically in the midst of public affairs and gives him an opportunity to follow public opinion and sentiment. Thus he has gradually become prominent in the affairs of the district and has served as supervisor for the past ten years. He was also one of the organizers of the Brown County Fair Association and is at present a director and treasurer. His kindly and genial qualities have gained him widespread popularity both in the city and among the people who have been his guests, so that his influence has gradually expanded beyond local limits.
26 September 1895
Married - Altmayer-Hochgreve. Wedded at Green Bay. Mr Fred Altmayer, our popular and successful shoe merchant, departed Tuesday evening for Green Bay, where on Wednesday afternoon at 5:00 he was united in marriage ro Miss Louise Hochgreve, an accomplished young lady of that city. The wedding took place at the home of the bride's mother, and was a quiet affair. Mr. Chas. Luecke, of this city, acted as groomsman. The happy couple are at present enjoying a short wedding trip to Chicago and will arrive in Shawano on Monday of next week, when they will take up their residence in the new dwelling recently built by F. W. Kast of Main St., which Mr. Altmayer has leased. The groom is known as one of our best and most enterprising young business men, and has a host of friends in this city who have only the warmest congratulations and best wishes for himself and bride.
3 October 1895
Married - Altmayer-Hochgreve. We take the following regarding the marriage of Mr F.A. Altmayer, of this city , and Miss Louise Hochgreve, of Green Bay, from the Brown county Democrat of the 26th inst: Fred Altmayer of Shawano and Miss Louise Hochgreve were united in the bonds of holy wedlock yesterday afternoon at 5:00 at the Lutheran parsonage in Green Bay, Rev. J. Siegrist officiating. The bride looked attractive in a traveling dress of mistral blue suiting with hat to match. She was attended by her sister, Miss Etta Hochgreve, who was becomingly attired in a gown of olive silk. Charles Lueke of Shawano acted as best man. At 6:00 a wedding supper was served at the home of the bride's mother, the immediate relatives only being present. Many handsome and costly presents were received. The bride is an accomplished young lady and has a large circle of friends who wish her an abundance of matrimonial happiness. The groom is the son of N. Altmayer of this city and is a popular young man. For the past three years he has successfully conducted a boot and shoe store in Shawano. After a ten day's tour to Niagara Falls and the east, Mr and Mrs Altmayer will go to Shawano where a handsome home awaits them.
Susie C. Altmayer Elementary School, 3001 Ryan Road, De Pere, WI
Susie C. Altmayer 1898-1989 (parents Fred and Louise) Ms. Altmayer grew up in De Pere and graduated from the high school in 1915. After graduating from Oshkosh State Teacher’s College she began her teaching career in Ripon. She also taught for two years in the Green Bay school system, before beginning her career with the De Pere School District in 1922. When Irwin Elementary School opened in 1925, Susie Altmayer was named Principal. Upon her death on September 12, 1989, she willed part of her estate to a college scholarship fund for De Pere High School graduates. To this day, scholarships are given in her name. On a side note – last month, a letter was received from one of her former students. In it she said, “Now, more than 60+ years later, I think I finally get it. Susie wasn’t preparing us for report cards, she was preparing us for life!”
Union House Hotel
200 N. Broadway, De Pere, Brown County
Construction Date: 1883, with additions in 1885, 1903, 1918, and 1922
The Union House Hotel is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the area. The hotel was begun just one year after a catastrophic fire destroyed almost all of the older commercial buildings on Broadway. The fire consumed three of the city's older hotels, creating a demand for lodging that led Nicholas Altmayer to construct this hotel beginning in 1883. Two years later, Altmayer doubled the size of the building and in 1903 his brother, Fred Altmayer, added a third story. Shortly after August Maternoski purchased the hotel in 1918, he tore down the hotel's horse barn and replaced it with the present brick barn. A small three-story addition that Maternoski added to the east end of the James Street side of the hotel in 1922 resulted in a thirty-four room hotel building. Inside is a comfortable, well-maintained interior with public spaces on the first floor and hotel rooms above. The entrance lobby, bar, and dining booths display a sleek, streamlined Deco appearance from a mid-1930s remodeling, one of the few changes since the building was completed in 1922. The hotel lobby and restaurant are open during normal business hours.
Notes for Nicholas N. Altmayer: From "History of Northern Wisconsin" p. 150 "Town of Morrison" NICHOLAS ALTMAYER, farmer and dairyman, town of Morrison; was born in 1835, in Prussia. At the age of eight years he came to America with his parents, and settled in Washington County, where he was educated. At the age of twenty-six he came to Brown County and located on his present place, following farming and gaining the good will of his neighbors, which they manifested by electing him to various town offices, and also as their representative on the County Board. Besides, he has also been connected with every enterprise tending to the growth and prosperity of his town, notably the cheesemaking industry and the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, the latter being a local institution and on good footing. In March 1865, he enlisted in Co. F, 50th, Wis, V. I., and served till the close of the war. In 1860, he married Miss Susannah Gross. They have eight children, five sons and three daughters."
Nicholas Altmayer - He was born in Bavaria, Germany on the Rhine. Was 7 years old when he left Germany and came to Milwaukee with his father and two uncles in 1843. Family said they moved to get away from all the wars among the "little countries." He was an only child and his mother died when he was a small boy. He met his future wife in Milwaukee and they moved to Germantown.* In 1860, he moved to Morrison, where his uncle had a farm and a sawmill. The uncle died and Nicholas took over the farm and mill. Fought in Civil War. Deserted from Fort Leavenworth, KS, August 26, 1865. "Stop for 1 knapsack, 1 canteen, 1 wiper, 1 screwdriver, 1 main spring at $5.40." After living in De Pere for several years, he built the Union House, De Pere, Wisconsin, in 1883. Offered rooms for $1 per day and good food. The hotel was originally called the Union House by Nicholas, who fought in the Civil War. The name was apparently chosen to show his allegiance. Nicholas put on an addition to the Union House in 1885. He ran the hotel until 1892, then tried unsuccessfully to rent it. At some point, Nicholas took off West by himself. No information on what happened to him. His sons sold the Union House to the Maternoski family in 1918.
TOWN OF MORRISON: A LITTLE HISTORY
The name of the first town chairman could not be located but the following men acted as chairmen and county supervisors in the period of 1870-1892: John G, Grosse, C. Kuntz, B. Etten, D.H. Martin Touhey and N. Altmeyer. Town treasurers in the period of 1860-1898: John G, Gross, Charles Krueger, Francis Snyder, Herman Natzke, Nicolas Altmeyer, Fred Borneman, Michael Natzke, Nicolas Etten , Frank Frosch, Gotthief Natzke, Wm, Lemke, Joe Quinnette, Chos, Wendt. Chos, Hubrig, M.J, Flaherty,
DIED IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA
M.P. Altmeyer Passed Away Saturday. Funeral Probably be Held Friday
Shawano Advocate – Tues 5 Jan 1915
Word was received Sunday morning that M. P. Altmeyer had passed away at 3:45 Saturday afternoon, at Phoenix, Arizona, where he went the first part of November on account of his health. Michael P. Altmeyer was born in the town of Morrison, Brown county, Jan. 3, 1863. He lived there during his boyhood days, and when a young man went to Montana, where he lived for ten year. Nearly twenty years ago he was leader of the band at Keshena and remained there for a few years. His brother Fred lived in Shawano then and after he resigned the position he came to Shawano for a short time, expecting to go west again. He accepted the position of book-keeper for Schweers Hardware Co. and was there three or four years. He than accepted a position in the Upham & Russell Co’s hardware store and was with that firm until last year, when he resigned on account of his health. He did not work much last year, as he thought a rest would help him. IN the early part of November he went to Rochester, Minn., and was examined by the famous Mayo bros. who urged him to go to Arizona, as the climate was dryer there and it would be better for him. Friends have received letters from him and he believed that he was getting better allt he time, and the news of his death was a surprise. Mr. Altmeyer was married to Miss Hulda Jung in 1905, and three children blessed the union, two sons and a little daughter. Besides the wife and children, he leaves his aged mother, four brothers and three sisters, his mother. Mrs. Nick Altmeyer lives at De Pere, Fred and a sister, Mrs. A. Schunk at Green Bay, Wm. And Mrs. Geo. Sweetman at Appleton, Geo. And John Altmeyer in Chicago and Mrs. Clara Swarte of Davenport, Iowa. The remains will be sent to Shawano and it is expected that they will arrive here Thursday morning, then the funeral will be Friday afternoon at the house, otherwise the funeral will be Saturday afternoon. And Odd Fellows will have charge of the same. He has been a member of that order for a number of years. Rev. McGreaham, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will officiate. The deceased had a great many friends in the city and county who will regret to learn of his death. They all sympathize with the bereaved relatives in this hour of sadness.
Shawano Advocate Tues 5 Jan 1915
G. A. Jung arrived in the city Monday afternoon from Loyal, being called here by the death of his brother-in-law, M. P. Altmeyer.
Shawano County Journal - Thursday 7 Jan 1915
M.P. Altmeyer Is No More
Died Suddenly Sunday Afternoon in Arizona on His Fifty Second Birthday – Body to Arrive To-night
Went Out West In November Upon the advice of the Famous Mayo Brothers
The span of life for M. P. Altmeyer has been taversed. This news will cause sorrow to as many people as could such an announcement, for any other person in the county, for because of his long personal touch with the peole, waiting upon them in the hardware store, he probably was known as generally as any man the county cleaims as a resident. It also comes as a shock, for through letteres and messages we had been led to believe that he was fast improving and that ‘twas only a matter of time when he would return to his people a well man. Only last Saturday his wife received a very hoful note from him. He himself thot he was getting better and was confident of an ultimate recover. The message telling of his sudden death, was therefore a great surprise, and shock. He died on his fifty second birthday. Mr. Altmeyer was born in town of Morrisson, in Brown County, near the city of De Pere. He went to school in the district school of his town and later to a business college at Green Bay. After taking the course at Green Bay he went to Montana for a period of five years and then came to Shawano. He went directly on to Keshena, where for three years he was employed and was the leader of the Keshena band. He came back to Shawano intending to strike out again for the West, but instead, he entered the employ of the Schweere Hardware store and a few years later went to the Upham Hardware store where he was to be found for so many years. This last year, his health broke down, and he quite active work for a time. He went to see the Mayo brothers in Rochester, Minnesota, and they advised him to go to Arizona. This he did do this Fall. Shortly after Fred Eberleid went back. Mr. Altmeyer followed and the two men have been kept in close touch since. It was Mr. Eberlein who sent the message telling the sad news of the death. Mr. Altmeyer was married to Miss Hulda Jun, daughter of Ernest Jun in 1894. The children born to this union are: Alvin, William and Margaret. Besides the children and Mrs. Altmeyer, the deceased leaves a father and mother and four brothers: Fred, of Green Bay; Will of De Pere; George of Menasha; and John of Chicago. The living sisters are Mrs. Al Schnuck of Green Bay; Mrs. George Sweetman of Applton; Mrs. Al Schwarting, Waloot, Iowa. Mr. Altmeyer was a member of the F.F.A. and of the Oddfellows. The funeral will be held at the house probably on Saturday. Rev. McGreeham will preach and the arrangements will be made by the Oddfellows.
Shawano Advocate Tues 12 Jan 1915
Funeral of M.P. Altmeyer
The remains of M.P. Altmeyer were received here Thursday night on 8:20 train, and the funeral was held at the home on Friday afternoon. The house was well filled with friends to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed. Dr. McGreaham delivered a short and helpful sermon. M.R. Stanley, Ernest Livermore, Mrs. Stanley and Mrs. D. E. Wescott sang two selections. The pall bearers were C. E. Dunn, J. R. Gorham, Jesse Brooks, Claud Miller, C. F. Lueke and W. F. Tonne. The Odd Fellows had charge of the services at the grave. About twenty-four Odd Fellows were in line. Those from away to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Gross, Mrs. N. Altmeyer, Mr. and Mrs. A. Schunch of Green Bay; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Altmeyer, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Altmeyer of De Pere; Mrs. Geo. Sweetman of Appleton, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. S. Altmeyer of Menasha.
THE ALTMEYER FUNERAL
Most of the Relatives Were Able to Be Here.
Shawano County Journal - 14 Jan 1915
The funeral of M. P. Altmeyer was held Friday afternoon at the house under the auspices of the Oddfellow lodge. Rev. McGreaham preached a good sermon, and the ceremonies were ended at the grave by the ritualistic service of the lodge. The music at the house was furnished by a quartette consisting of Mrs. Stanley, Ernest Livermore, Mrs. Wescott, and Mr. Stanley. The pall-bearers were Joe Gorham, Jessie Brooks, C. E. Dunn, Wm. Schweers, Claude Miller, and Charles Fink. The relatives from out of town who were present are Mr. and Mrs. Grosse, of Green Bay, uncle and aunt of Mr. Altmeyer; Mr. and Mrs. Will Altmeyer of Green Bay; Mrs. Altmeyer, his mother, Mr. and Mrs. George Sweetland, Geo. Altmeyer and wife from Appleton; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Altmeyer, of Green Bay, and Ernest Jung, of Loyal. John Altmeyer of Chicago and Mrs. Clara Schwarthing of Iowa were the only immediate relatives unable to be present.
Shawano Advocate – Tues 15 Jun 1926
PASSED AWAY THURSDAY P.M.
Mrs. Hulda Altmeyer Passed Away. Funeral Held Saturday Afternoon
Mrs. Hulda E. Altmeyer was born in the city of Shawano, April 20, 1877. She obtained her early schooling in the public school of this city and continued until her sophomore year in the high school when she was forced to drop out on account of ill health. She was married to M. P. Altmeyer in 1894. Three children blessed the union – Alvin, who graduates from Ripon college this year; William and Margaret, both in the schools of the city. She was for many years a member of the Presbyterian church of this city and has been actively associated with the Ladies Aid of that church. She also has been an active member of the Royal Neighbors, having been recorder for over ten years. She was a member of the Rebekahs and also a member of the Woodlawn City Cemetery society, being secretary of the society at the time of her death. Mr. Altmeyer died in January 1915. Since then the family has made their home with the aged parents of Mrs. Altmeyer, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Jung. In addition to the three children she leaves to mourn her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. Jung, one brother, Gus Jung, and one sister, Mrs. Chas. Schroeder, both of this city, also a host of friends in the city. The funeral was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. Jung on Saturday afternoon. A large number of friends and relatives from Green Bay and Appleton. The pall bearers were F. C. Nommmensen, W. A. McDonell, Chas. Fink, H. W. Graser, Roy Een, L. C. Tonne. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. Rev. Benjamin officiated. The deepest sympathy is extended to the children and other relatives in the death of their loved one.
Shawano County Journal – Thurs 17 Jun 1926
MRS. ALTMEYER DEAD
TAKEN SUDDENLY THURSDAY ON DAY HER SON WAS TO GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE
Mrs. Hulda Altmeyer died Thursday afternoon after a violent attack of gall trouble in which the gall burst. She was to have been taken that day to Green Bay for an operation for removal of gall-stones. Her funeral was held Saturday afternoon at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Jung. ON that afternoon the class of which her son Alvin was a member, received their diplomas from Ripon college. Mrs. Altmeyer has for weeks planned to attend this important function in the life of her son. She was born in Shawano April 20, 1877, her maiden name being Hulda Jung. She finished the grades of our public schools and went through her sophomore year in high school when she was forced to abandon her school life because of ill health. She was married in 1894 to Michael P. Altmeyer. Mr. Altmeyer was for years active in the Upham Hardware Company, forerunners of the present Farmers Hardware Company. Three children were born to them: Alvin, the boy who graduated from Ripon this year, William and Margaret, both attending school in Shawano. Mrs. Altmeyer was for years a member of the Presbyterian church and both she and her children have been active in the work of that church. Fraternally Mrs. Altmeyer was a Royal Neighbor and a Rebekah. She as secretary of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association and has helped much to assist in the work of beautifying the plat. She was a good worker in whatever undertaking she was associated and she will be sadly missed in more than one circle in Shawano. She was greatly devoted to her children and although left a widow upon the death of Mr. Altmeyer in 1915 she has kept her family intact and has provided them with opportunity for good education. She and the children have lived with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jung. She leaves a brother, Gust Jung, and a sister, Mrs. Charles Schroeder, besides her aged parents. A large number attended the funeral Saturday afternoon, among the sorrowing attendants being many friends from Appleton and Green Bay. A quartette consisting of Mrs. Knapp, Mrs. Wescott, Mr. Richmond and Athol Kuckuk sang. The pall-bearers were Fred Nommensen, W. A. McDonell, Charles Fink, Henry Graser, Roy Een, and Louis Tonne. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. Rev. Benjamin preached the sermon and paid a glowing tribute to her good and wonderful life.
Appleton Post Crescent - Mon 10 Sep 1928
Social Items At Menasha
Mrs. Susan Altmayer, mother of George Altmayer of Menasha, celebrated her ninetieth birthday anniversary Saturday at her home at De Pere. Notwithstanding her advanced age she is still active and won first honors in knit lace at De Pere fair.
Appleton Post Crescent - Sat 7 Jun 1930
Mother of Menasha Man Is Laid To Rest
Menasha – Mr. and Mrs. George Altmayer were at Green Bay Friday where they attended the funeral ofMr. Altmayer’s mother, Mrs. Susan Gross Altmayer. Services were conducted by Rev. Charles Evans of de Pere and burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery. Mrs. Altmayer died at a Green Bay hospital Tuesday morning at 8 o’clock. She fractured her hip in a fall about two weeks ago and the injury, combined with her advanced age, caused her death. She was born at Webenheim, Germany, in 1838 and came to America with her family in 1842, settling in New York state for three years. The family then came to Germantown, Wis. And from there to Morristown, where they lived until 1883. At that time the family went to De Pere and later Mrs. Altmayer moved to Green Bay. She had nine children, seven of whom survive her. They are Fred Altmayer and Mrs. Albert Schunck, Green Bay; Mrs. Albert Schwarting, William Altmayer, De Pere; Mrs. George Sweetman of Appleton; George Altmayer of Menasha; J.G. Altmayer of Evanston, Ill, seventeen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Appleton Post Crescent - Friday Evening, April 5, 1940
Federal Court in Green Bay Adjourns After First Jury Trial
Green Bay – (AP) – In the first special verdict ever returned in federal district court here, a jury last night found for the plaintiff, Mrs. Marie Altmayer, of De Pere, in her suit to collect from the Travelers Protective association on a $5,000 policy held by her husband, the late William S. Altmayer. The jury found that Altmayer’s death resulted from accident and that proper notice had been given. Judge F. Ryan Duffy then adjourned court – the first term held here since 1929 – subject to call. Motions in the case will be heard at Milwaukee. [William died in 1939, but I've found no further info]
Appleton Post Crescent - Wed 4 Dec 1940
Today’s Deaths- Fred A. Altmayer
Fred A. Altmayer, 79, Green Bay, brother of George Altmayer, Menasha, and Mrs. George Sweetman, Appleton, died at midnight Monday at his home. He was a former member of the Brown county board, operated hotels in Green Bay and De Pere for many years, was active in fraternal societies and served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Skat league for 14 years. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon at Findeisen-Greiser Funeral home, Green Bay. Burial will be in a Green Bay cemetery.
St. Mary's Church Parish Cemetery, Menasha
ALTMAYER Mrs. Mary KRAUS St. Mary's Church Parish Cemetery Laemmrich 1953/Aug/12 (with George N.)
Woodlawn Cemetery, 1542 South Webster Ave, Allouez
Susanna - Park F
Fred and Louise - Park G-3 (11, 12) – and Susie
William and Marie – Sec F South (15, 16, 17)
Christina and Albert Schunck – Park G-4 (11, 12)
Greenwood Cemetery, Fox River Dr, De Pere
Clara and Albert Schwarting – Block J (27, 28, 33) – and Albert C. – also a Richard A. b. 1949 – d. 1975
Riverside Cemetery, Appleton
Mary M. Sweetman (Altmayer) & George, Marjorie & George Jr.
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