Henry Campbell "Harry" Hamacher

Other Events:

• Name: H. C. Hamacher
• Eby ID Number: 00049-3682
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; U. Brethren
• Business: 1877, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carriage and Wagon maker
• Occupation: 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith
• Occupation: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carriage Maker
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wagon Maker
• Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; ? Maker, Shop
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Henry C. Hammacher, "is married to Barbara Kratzmeier. They reside in Preston, Ontario, where he is engaged in carriage building. Their family consists of two children, named George and Jane."

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

____________________

BLAIR SUPPLIED PRESTON WITH HYDRO, ELECTRIC POWER

BY Nonie Beck Pryce

James Fenwick owned and operated the first electric light plant in Preston in 1891. Records in the Town Treasurer's office show that the first account in Preston's books was registered in 1891 when they paid $407,00 for street lighting. There were power shortages and the burden fell on the shoulders of the owner. Mr. Fenwick first operated his steam plant and dynamo in Harry Hamacher's Carriage Shop on King Street. The street lights were turned off at twelve o 'clock. I believe that on moonlight nights they did not come on.

A steam plant was expensive and waterpower was much cheaper so the plant was moved to Blair on the property of Charles Beck. There was a big stone building on this property which had first been a tannery, run by Bechtels, then a distillery owned by Thomas Reed.

Even in those days there were dry speels, and the water power had to be supplemented with steam generated power.

In winter storms raged bringing down poles and wires. A Privately owned plant had lots of trouble. Collections were made from customers every Monday morning. While in Blair an opposition plant was started by John Shearer, chiefly supplying light for homes.

After a number of years Mr. Fenwick moved back to Preston, renting a room and steam power from Clare Bros. In 1910 Preston built a municipal plant and agreed to take 600 horsepower from Hydro, Community" dances were blacked out at midnight unless arrangements were made to have the power left on, then a fee of a dollar an hour was charged.

Grand River Womens' Institute

_________________

H. C. Hamacher, Carriage Builder, Fountain Street. - The manufacture of carriages is an industry requiring much skill and experience, and the best proof of the possession of the essential qualifications is the success with which the efforts of those engaged in this industry are rewarded. The manufacture of carriages is a most important industry in Preston, M r. H. C. Hamacher being its representative. This gentleman commenced business in 1883, having since built up a splendid trade, which is constantly increasing, and that is the best recommendation that can be given of the class of good s turned out, being really of a first-class character, none but skillful and experienced workmen being employed. Mr . Hamacher manufactures all kinds of carriages, making a specialty of light work, such as pleasure sleighs, Surrey waggons, Gladstone waggons, phaetons, and piano box buggies. The goods are all hand-made, and in design, finish and general workmanship are unsurpassed. Mr. Hamacher is himself a practical and experienced carriage builder, and gives his perso nal attention to his industry. He is widely known in Preston and surrounding country, and is highly respected. Mr. Wm. Nafe has the general supervision of the works, and through his untiring energy and executive ability the works have obtained their present proportions.

Industries of Canada Historical and Commercial Sketches, London, Woodstock, Ingersoll, Guelph, Berlin, Waterloo, St. Thomas, Windsor and Environs, Toronto, M. G. Bixby & Co., Publishers 1887

Henry married Barbara Kratzmeier 19 Nov 1872, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Barbara (daughter of Kratzmeier and Magdalana, daughter of Hubert Kratzmeier and Magdalena Bernhardt) was born 6 Dec 1850, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00049-3682.3
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Cigar Maker, Cigar Shop
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00049-3682.2
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; ?
• Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Pattren Maker, Foundry
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist