A photograph of W. H. Kissinger & Company’s new store and residence about 1904, Wiconisco, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. This store replaced the general store of Kimmel & Company that was destroyed in the disastrous fire of September 27, 1904.
A story appeared in the Lykens Standard of November 25, 1904, which explained how it was that the Kissinger Store was replacing the Kimmel Store.
W. H. KISSINGER & COMPANY’S NEW STORE
Among the business houses destroyed by the fire at Wiconisco on the night of Tuesday, September 27th, last, was the general store of Kimmel & Company, doing the most extensive business in their line in that town; and although their loss for the time being greatly depressed them, it was but a few days when they opened up in the P. O. S. of A. Hall at that place where they have since been doing business.
At the same tie they took immediate steps to rebuild on the old site. Mrs. Margaret S. Kimmel desiring to retire from the firm, her interest was purchased by the remaining members, W. H. Kissinger, Isaac Mossop and L. K. Diefenderfer, who are continuing the business under the firm name of W. H. Kissinger & Company. They at once commenced the erection of a new brick structure 27 x 71 feet under the supervision of H. T. Bressler of Tower City, who has a reputation for hustling things. H. E. Bensinger of Tower City, was awarded the contract for the mason work; Walter Henry of Tower City, for the carpenter work, and Evans and Johnson of Norristown for the brick work. The latter expected to finish their work yesterday, the building will be under roof by the close of the week, and by Christmas, Mr. Bressler says, unless something unforeseen happens, it will be ready for occupancy. It is built of Tower City brick with the exception of the front, which is of Ralston brick, and is fitted throughout for steam heat, electric light and gas, and the interior is finished in quartered oak. It is claimed by the builders that this will be one of the most up-to-date store rooms in the county, possessing conveniences found in no other store in this part of the State.
_______________________________________________
Photograph of store from Souvenir Book of Sesquicentennial of Wiconisco Township, 1839-1989. News article from Newspapers.com.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.