Pamperin & Wiggenhorn Cigar Company
Scope and Contents
Slides made from photographs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Special Collections Department all representing industries and businesses in La Crosse. Most of the photographs predate 1920. Many of the businesses selected are still operating.
Dates
- circa 1890-1917
Access to Materials
Materials in this collection are available for patron use in-house only. The La Crosse Public Library is not authorized to make reproductions of these; patrons need to contact the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Special Collections Department for copies.
Historical Note
The Pamperin & Wiggenhorn Cigar Factory began humbly in 1866 at 113-115 So. 2nd Street. The manufacture of cigars was big business in La Crosse, and it is estimated that more than 250 cigarmakers were employed in the city. At one time there were 26 cigar factories. In 1903, more than 100 people were employed by Pamperin & Wiggenhorn.
Shortly after 1900, the development of machinery lead to lower prices for cigars and many firms quit the cigar making business. In January 1904, the Wiggenhorns bought out the Pamperin interest, and John Pamperin started up his own business at the original location. Traveling salesmen roamed the region selling cigars.
In 1974 Charles and Marjorie Collins purchased the business from Franklin J. Pamperin, grandson of the firm's founder. The operation closed at the end of 1986.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.2 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: University of Wisconsin--La Crosse. Special Collections Department (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the La Crosse Public Library Archives Repository