Bakeries
Updated - 06/21/2023
"Bakeries" might seem like an unusual sub-category to have for a town the size of Auburn, but this topic was created due to the fact that several such businesses existed in Auburn over the years. Perhaps the most intriguing of those is Dewald's bakery. Many residents reminisce about the incredibly great tasting pretzels that Irwin (or Irvin) "Buck" or "Bucky" Dewald used to produce from a secret recipe his father is believed to have brought with him from Germany. Sadly, he protected the secret recipe so well that he took it to the grave with him when he died, so the recipe is believed to have been lost for all ages. Below is a list of bakers and/or businesses which might qualify as a "bakery".
|
NOTE: If you have any historic information and/or pictures that are relevant to this webpage topic, please share it with us by submitting the material using the "Visitors Input" button below. Thank you!
**************************************************************
Berger, Charles "Charlie" E. (Sr.?) -
Charles "Charlie" E. Berger (Sr.?) operated a bakery in Auburn for a period of time circa 1955 - 1986. He was born 10/16/1929 in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania; a (possible illegitimate) son of Lynn L. Berger and Viola Schrader Rady. He was the brother of Russell Charles Berger. Charles (Sr.?) was married to Evelyn D. Faust Berger. They had the following children: Brenda Berger Kline, Charles Berger (Jr.?), Clarissa Berger Emerich, Fred Berger, James Berger and Karen Berger Lewis. Charles (Sr.?) served in the military from 05/31/1951 - 05/07/1953 as a Corporal in the U.S. Army in Korea. Charles (Sr.?) died in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania on 02/22/1993 and was interred in the Schuylkill Memorial Park cemetery, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The Morning Call newspaper of Allentown, PA carried the following obituary dated February 25, 1993: "Charles E. Berger, 63, of 329 Market St., Auburn, Schuylkill County, died Monday in his home after an illness. He was the husband of Evelyn D. (Faust) Berger. He was a self-employed bakery salesman in the Auburn area for 31 years before retiring in 1986. Born in Auburn, he was a son of the late Lynn Berger and Viola (Schrader) Rady. He was a corporal in the Army during the Korean conflict. Survivors: Wife; sons, James of New Ringgold, Fred of Auburn and Charles of Orwigsburg; daughters, Karen, wife of George Lewis of Allentown, Clarissa, wife of Randy Emerich of Orwigsburg R.D., and Brenda, wife of William Kline of Cressona, and six grandchildren." |
NO IMAGE IS AVAILABLE OF THE GRAVE MARKER
|
**************************************************************
"Dewald Bakery" -
(see: Dewald, Irvin; Dewald, Samuel; and Erwin, Joseph) |
**************************************************************
Dewald, Irwin (or Irvin) ""Buck" or "Bucky" -
Irwin (or Irvin) "Buck" or "Bucky" Dewald was born on 09/02/1875 in Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. He was the son of Samuel Dewald and Emeline Bachert Dewald. He was a brother of Carrie Dewald Huntzinger and Maurice Dewald. He was a half-brother by his father to Edith Catherine Dewald, Fred Hiram Dewald, Leroy Samuel Dewald and Raymond Edward Dewald. Irwin married Estella "Stell" Augusta Meek Dewald. They had two children, Faye (Ellen or Estella) Dewald Haeseler and Floyd Irwin Dewald. Irwin was employed for a period of time at the Jones & Moyer brick plant in Auburn. He then went to work for D. J. Driscoll in the Auburn Nut and Bolt factory, working various jobs to include that of a "rougher" on the rolls. After that job, he began working in his father's bakery located at 202 Market Street in Auburn. Irwin purchased the bakery from his father in 1909 and continued the baking tradition for many years. The bakery was still in operation circa 1933. One resident claimed the business was once referred to as "Buck's bakery", but this name does not appear to have been any legitimate business name, as a 1933 Auburn High School yearbook advertisement refers to it as "Dewald's Bakery". Amateur Auburn-area historian Kermit Mengel stated that Irwin was fondly remembered for not only turning out tasty baked goods, but was famed for his delicious pretzels. Supposedly the recipe for making these fantastic treats was brought over from Germany by his father, baker Samuel Dewald, as a "secret" family recipe. The secret was highly guarded and when Irwin passed away, nobody could find the recipe written down anywhere, so the recipe appears to have died with him. Many residents recall how desirable Dewald's pretzels were and that the pretzels were in great demand near and far. An excerpt from a booklet titled "My Life In Auburn" by Marie Ebling Straley reads "There was a bakery at the corner of Second and Market Streets run by "Buck" Dewald and his wife "Stell". The bread and buns were like homemade and his pretzels were renowned by out-of-towners as well as residents. A package from home to college or nursing school always contained some of "Buck's" pretzels. Along with the bakery run by "Stell" they sold penny candy and large Hershey Bars for 5 cents". A second excerpt taken from a news article titled "Memories of Auburn treasured" by Robert A. Carl stated "Then, there was Dewald's Bakery, diagonally across from Robinhold's house, where every morning the delightful smell of newly baked bread wafted through the quiet air. Mr. Dewald also baked fantastic pretzels, using his own recipe". The following excerpt was copied from the Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania; genealogy--family history--biography; containing historical sketches of old families and of representative and prominent citizens, past and present, J. H. Beers, Chicago, 1916, Volume II, Pages 1029 and 1030: "IRWIN DEWALD. who is engaged in the bakery business in Auburn, Schuylkill county, was born in that town Sept. 2, 1875, son of Samuel Dewald." "Irwin Dewald was educated in the schools of Auburn, Pa., and upon completing his studies entered the employ of Jones & Moyer, brick manufacturers, for a time. He next went to work for D. J. Driscoll, in the bolt and nut works at Auburn, where he labored at various occupations until he was twenty-one years of age, finally becoming a rougher on the rolls. He then entered the bakery conducted by his father, continuing with him until July, 1909, when he acquired the business by purchase. He has a store in connection with the bakery, in which he carries a good stock of confectionery, and he commands a fine trade. Mr. Dewald married Estella Augusta Meek, who was born in July, 1877, at Harrisburg, Pa., daughter of John and Sarah (Luckenbill) Meek. The following children have been born to this union: Floyd Irwin, born Aug. 28, 1898, graduated from the Auburn high school before he was fourteen years of age, subsequently taking the course in the Pottsville high school; Faye Estella, born Sept. 30, 1903, is a student in the public schools. Mr. Dewald is a Republican in his political affiliation, and has served the borough as school director for five years, and as auditor and clerk of elections. He is a member of Washington Camp No. 45, P. O. S. of A., which he has served for a number of years as financial secretary; of Auburn Castle, No. 168, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of which he is a past chief, and has been master of records for the last sixteen years; and of Black Diamond Commandery, No. 466, Knights of Malta, of Pottsville. Mr. Dewald is a member of the First Reformed Church of Auburn, which he is now serving as deacon." Irwin died in Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA on 10/22/1956 and was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
**************************************************************
Dewald, Samuel -
Samuel Dewald was born in North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA on 01/13/1853. He was the son of Edward Dewald and Catharine/Catherine Steinbach Dewald. He was a brother of Abraham Dewald, Edward Steinbach Dewald and George Dewald Samuel was married twice. His first wife was Emeline Bachert Dewald (sister of Sabina Bachert). He was a father of Carrie Dewald Huntzinger, Irwin (or Irvin) "Buck" or "Bucky" Dewald and Maurice "Morris" Dewald by his first wife, Emeline. After Emeline's death, Samuel married Sabina Bachert Dewald (sister of Emeline Bachert Dewald). He was a father of Edith Catherine Dewald (who lived only 8 1/2 months), Frederick Dewald (who died before reaching fifteen years of age), Leroy Samuel Dewald and Raymond Edward Dewald who lived only 6 1/2 months) by his second wife, Sabina. Samuel was educated in the schools of North and South Manheim Townships, Schuylkill County, PA. Early in his life, he became a boatman for the Schuylkill Navigation System. For a period of that time, he was employed as a station driver. When the telegraph was introduced on the canal, Samuel became a telegraph operator. After that employment, he went to work on the Schuylkill & Susquehanna (S & S) Railroad as a brakeman on the Broad Mountain line, putting in the empty cars and taking away the full ones. Samuel then went to work on the main line of the Reading Railroad for a period of time. The total time he served as a railroader was twenty-seven years; eight years as a brakeman, four years as a conductor on coal trains, four years as a fireman, and eleven years as an engineer. When Samuel finally retired from the railroad, he purchased the Joseph Erwin bakery located at 202 Market Street, Auburn, circa 1883 (poss. 1887). An advertisement from a 1905 business directory stated he specialized in "candy and cakes". Samuel Dewald was renown for his pretzels which he baked from a "secret" family recipe he had brought over from Germany with him. He passed the recipe down to his son, Irwin, who continued the tradition. (see the pictures featured on this webpage under "Dewald, Irvin" of the bakery location and of the brick oven used for his baking). Samuel continued baking commercially until selling the business to his son, Irvin, in 1909. In addition to his previous achievements, Samuel served for fourteen years as an Auburn Borough tax collector, and as an Auburn Borough Supervisor for four years. He also served as an Auburn School director for three years. Samuel was a member of the Washington Camp #45 of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America (P.O.S. of A.) in Auburn, and a member of the Auburn Castle #168 Knights of the Golden Eagle (KGE) for at least twenty-five years. Samuel died in Auburn on 12/06/1920 and was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
**************************************************************
Erwin, Joseph -
Joseph Erwin started a bakery circa 1879 at 202 Market Street, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. He operated the business for approximately four years before he sold it to Samuel Dewald circa 1883. The property was then occupied by the Dewald Bakery for several decades. The structure is currently a private residence. (see pictures featured on this webpage of the structure and the brick oven used for baking under "Dewald, Irvin"). The website findagrave.com did not have any definitive listing for a "Joseph Erwin" or a "Joseph Irwin" of this era, who had any obvious ties to Schuylkill County, as having been interred anywhere in Pennsylvania. |
NO IMAGE IS AVAILABLE OF THE GRAVE MARKER
|
**************************************************************
Fahl, George -
A "George Fahl" of Auburn listed his occupation as "baker" during the 1890 census. A George Washington Fahl was born in South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA, on 01/27/1867. He was the son of James William Fahl and Amanda Dietrich Fahl. He was a brother of Charles Edward Fahl, John Howard Fahl, Joshua W. Fahl, Lewis Fahl, Maurice A. Fahl and William H. Fahl. A snippet from the Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania genealogy states that his father, James, sold his land to the Delaware Seamless Tube Company as a site for constructing their plant and moved the family into Auburn. The article further goes on to state that in 1916, when the article was written, George was living in Auburn. George married Jane A. Reber Fahl in 1890. They had one child, Edward James Fahl. George died in Reading, Berks County, PA, on Marcy 8, 1947 and was interred within the Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading. Whether or not George Washington Fahl was the same individual who identified as a "baker" in the 1890 census is uncertain but probable. |
NO IMAGE IS AVAILABLE OF THE GRAVE MARKER
|
**************************************************************
Ramer, Victor -
Based on the advertisement clippings featured on the right, a Victor Ramer operated a bakery in Auburn and sold baked goods throughout town. A resident of Auburn stated she believed his bakery was located on Bear Creek Street of Auburn. Auburn-area amateur historian Kermit Mengel stated that Victor used to travel through Auburn selling his fresh-baked wares. A Victor F. Ramer was born in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, PA on 10/05/1887. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I as a PFC in Co F, 315 Infantry. Victor married Lonnie W. Klare Ramer. Victor died in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, on 09/11/1966 and was interred within the Schuylkill Memorial Park, North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA. Whether or not Victor F. Ramer was the same individual who operated a bakery in Auburn is uncertain, but due to the unusual name, a probability exists that it was the same person. |
NO IMAGE IS AVAILABLE OF THE GRAVE MARKER
|
**************************************************************
Reber, Daniel M. -
The "History of Auburn" booklet published in 1934 mentions that a "bakery was started by Daniel Reber but it was not maintained many years. Mr. Reber also had a restaurant where Jacob Clauser now (in 1934) has his paint shop." An undated and non-sourced news snippet titled "Some of Auburn's Old People" reads: "Daniel M. Reber, the baker and confectioner, who was stricken with paralysis over a year ago is gradually growing weaker and may live but a short time. He is entering his 87th year." Whether this article's mention of Daniel's age is accurate is uncertain. The website findagrave.com lists a total of five"Daniel Reber"s of this era that are interred within Schuylkill County, PA, and whose name might match. Four of them do not list a middle initial but a single listing does have a middle initial of "M"...as cited in the news snippet above. Assuming the age cited for the baker nearing his death is fairly accurate, there was only a single listing which even reached the age range of being in their eighties when they passed...and that one was the individual with the middle initial of "M". Unfortunately, he was not "87" years old as cited above but he was 84 years of age. ********************************************************************Daniel M. Reber was born in Schuylkill County on 02/13/1807. He was the son of Georg (without an "e") Reber (Sr.?) and Elizabeth Miller Reber. He was a brother of Andreas Reber, Catharine Reber Fahl, Elizabeth Reber Berkheiser, George Reber (Jr.?), Isaac Reber, Jacob M. Reber, Samuel M. Reber and Sarah Reber Heim. He was a step-brother of Benjamin Reber. Daniel was married twice. In 1827, he married Helena "Helen" Eleanor Bertolet Reber. They had the following children: Daniel B. Reber, Jonathan Bertolet Reber, Mary Ann Reber Seigfried, and Sarah Reber Renno. Unfortunately, Daniel's wife "Helen" died in 1863. Approximately four years later, in 1867, Daniel married Sarah Ann Wert Reber...who at twenty-two years of age was a remarkable thirty-eight years younger than sixty year old Daniel. Perhaps more remarkably, Daniel and Sarah had four children named Amanda Jane Reber, Jane A. (probably "Amanda") Reber Fahl, John Grant Reber and William Henry Reber. Amanda Jane Reber and Jane A. (Amanda?) Reber were twins, born on 05/28/1873. Not so remarkably, even tragically, Amanda Jane Reber and William Henry Reber are both listed as having died the day they were born, perhaps even having been still-born. Daniel died in Schuylkill County, PA, on September 1, 1891 and was interred within the St. Paul's Church cemetery, Summer Hill Road, South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He would have been 84 years of age, which would present an age discrepancy of approximately three years between the information provided on findagrave.com and the news snippet quoted within this post. Whether this is the same Daniel M. Reber who was a baker in Auburn is uncertain but possible. |
**************************************************************
Reber, Louis - A Reading Eagle newspaper snippet dated January, 1896 read in part "While Louis Reber, baker, this place (Auburn), was on his way home in the evening from a trip, a man jumped out from behind a bank at a lonely place, about 2 miles west of town. As usual, Mr. Reber drives at a good gait and the speed of the team knocked the man down as he was about to grab the horses. Upon investigation, it proved to be Daniel Steffe...Subsequently, Steffe assaulted A. Z. Mohn, proprietor of the Jefferson Hotel. Daniel Steffe was committed to jail by Squire Webber."
The website findagrave.com has only two listings in all of Pennsylvania for a "Louis Reber" who would have been within the baker's age range. One is listed as having been interred in Allegheny County and is unlikely to be the baker. The second is listed as being affiliated with Schuylkill County and could very likely be the baker in question. Louis E. Reber was born in Cressona, Schuylkill County, PA, on 10/04/1877. He was the son of William L. Reber and Sarah Amelia Daubert Reber. He was a brother of Dorothy A. Reber Trezise, Edward Arthur Reber, Franklin Pierce Reber, Harry M. Reber and Oliver Guy Reber. Louis married Anna Savilla Daubert Reber in 1912. They had a daughter, Kathryn Lorraine Reber Schrank. Louis died in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, on 12/17/1936. He was interred within the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA. |
**************************************************************
Urban, Joseph Sr. - A Reading Eagle news article dated from April of 1896 reads "Baker Joseph Urban (of Auburn) made a business trip to Hamburg."
Joseph Urban Sr. was born on 12/07/1867 in Austria. He emmigrated to America prior to 1891, settling in Pennsylvania. He married Catherine "Kate" Bautsch Urban. They had four children: Bright Floyd Urban; Carl Gustav Urban; Joseph Urban (Jr.?) and Russell Joy Urban. Joseph Sr.'s son, Bright, is documented as having been born specifically in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, on May 23, 1894. His two prior sons are listed as having been born simply in "Pennsylvania" as early as 1891, while his youngest son is listed as having been born in "Schuylkill County, PA" as late as 1897. As a result of the birth of Bright, we know Joseph resided in Auburn from at least May of 1894, until at least April of 1896 (according to the newspaper article), and possibly much earlier or much later. The family seems to have relocated to Reading, Berks County, PA, fairly early though, as all of the children, as well as Joseph Sr. and his wife Catherine, appear to have died in Reading and were subsequently interred in Reading. Joseph Sr. died on 05/18/1944 at the age of 76, and was interred within the Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA. |