August Baetzhold's Sons

History

This company was listed in the Buffalo directories from 1870-1918.

In 1878, when Solomon Scheu was mayor, Mr. Lang was a 6th ward alderman, his ward colleague being August Baetzhold, the veteran distiller of Michigan and Cypress streets.

August Baetzhold and Sons

The firm of August Baetzhold & Sons, dealers in and importers of fine wines and spirits, is counted among the most respected and best known German established firms in the city. The founder of this firm was Mr. August Baetzhold, a self-made man in the finest sense of the term. At the age of 77 he passed over to a higher plain of existence on January 11, 1911.

Mr. August Baetzhold first saw the light of the world on December 31, 1833 in Damsbrück near Langenfalza in Saxony. He apprenticed in the honorable trade of carpentry and joinery. As a youth at the age of 19 he came to the New World and settled immediately in Buffalo. After being employed in his trade for over 10 years he opened a small liquor store on Main Street in the Cold Springs District in 1863. The business grew rapidly and he was forced to find a larger facility in the building at 346 Ellicott Street. But this space also became too small so in 1872 he bought the Odd Fellows Hall at 567 - 571 Michigan Street, which he remodelled and renovated from the ground up at great expense.

Mr. August Baetzhold Sr. also played a significant role in social and political life. He was a prominent member of the Order of the Free Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Maccabees, the Buffalo Orpheus, the Saengerbund, the Gymnastics Club, and many other organizations. In 1877 and 1878 he was alderman of the old 6th Ward. Furthermore he was one of the directors of the German American Bank and director of the old Excelsior Brewery. He was also State Treasurer of the New York State Wholesale and Retail Liquor Dealers Association for many years.

After his death his business was taken over by his sons, August Baetzhold Jr. and Theodor Baetzhold, who were chief assistants in the firm and helped the business to prosper for years.

Mr. August Baetzhold Jr. is a chip off the old block and currently head of the firm. He was born on May 17, 1859 in Buffalo, received a good school education and then went into his father's business. Today he is considered among the most respected citizens and businessmen in the city. He's well liked and esteemed in all the circles in which he travels. He is a prominent Free Mason, a member of the Buffalo Orpheus, the Buffalo Gymnastics Club, and many other organizations. He is also a member of the local, state, and national Liquor Dealers Association. On April 26, 1911 his wife Natalie, nee Kuster, died. During their 26 year marriage the couple had 4 children: Eugenie, Jenny, August C., and Howard. Mr. Baetzhold has found August C. to be a capable assistant in the business.

Mr. Theodor A. Baetzhold was born on October 3, 1860. After leaving school he went into his father's business and then became a travelling representative for the firm, introducing the firm and increasing the clientele base in all parts of the country. He belongs to the Order of the Elks, the Free Masons, and he is a treasured member of the Buffalo Orpheus, the Saengerbund, and the Buffalo Gymnastics Club. He married Miss Jenny Hitschler 26 years ago. The happy union has been blessed with 2 children: Alma and Arthur. The latter is employed in the family business and contributes his efforts so that the firm of August Baetzhold & Sons may prosper and flourish for a long time to come.

The firm of August Baetzhold & Sons enjoys a fine reputation, procuring the best wines from the Rhineland, from Hungary, Spain, and France. They also import the finest liquor. The firm carries the best wines from California and other wine producing regions of America and their spirits are thoroughly first class goods. They are the sole owners of the famous Deer Run and Santa Fe brands of whiskey. The firm of August Baetzhold & Sons is built on strictly honest business practices and it is one of the largest and best known firms of its kind in this part of the country.