Pantke-Harpke Milwaukee's Hatter a trip back over 100 years.

[VetPsychWars]

632 N Water St, the original building is still there but that address appears to be a bar.

References to "E Water St" are problematic because Water Street runs north and south; there may have been a segment at one time called Water but the address has been changed.

Tom

 

[AtomicEraTom]

Many of the street names in Milwaukee have been changed over the years, which makes it tough to find locations of old buildings.

632 N Water St, the original building is still there but that address appears to be a bar.

References to "E Water St" are problematic because Water Street runs north and south; there may have been a segment at one time called Water but the address has been changed.

Tom

I could've sworn I had a hat or two that belonged to my great-grandfather laying around from there, but I'll be dipped if I can find 'em. The old location was only a few blocks from where my family lived for around 100 years, over on 3rd St. (Now Old World 3rd St.)

 

[Joshbru3]

Late 40s/Early 50's Ecuadorian Panama Hat Company (Pantke-Harpke)

Original crown shape as it was purchased from the hatter

 

[Rodkins]

I have a whippet from there...

 

[Rats Riley]

I have a black bowler from my grandpa. We both grew up in Milwaukee. I remember there was a building near the down town area that had a whole wall painted with the sign of their shop. Not sure if it's the same, since it's been a while since I've been back home. Makes me wonder if it was from the same place?

 

[VetPsychWars]

I have a black bowler from my grandpa. We both grew up in Milwaukee. I remember there was a building near the down town area that had a whole wall painted with the sign of their shop. Not sure if it's the same, since it's been a while since I've been back home. Makes me wonder if it was from the same place?

Might you be thinking of Donges Hats?

That's the only one that was around past the 60s that I know about.

Tom

 

[Rats Riley]

Yep! That must have been it... right near the Milwaukee Journal?

 

[rlk]

1921

 

[alanfgag]

What a great peek through the looking-glass. Do you know the source, Robert?

 

[Aureliano]

great!

 

[rlk]

What a great peek through the looking-glass. Do you know the source, Robert?

The American Hatter Sept. 1921