Manitowoc County Courthouse's glass dome was installed by a Two Rivers company in 1907

The current Manitowoc County Courthouse dome repair and renovation project brings to mind the construction of the Beaux-Arts Neoclassical style “Temple of Justice” in 1905-1907 and the original “Prism Glass” in the framework of the dome.

After a devastating windstorm on May 5, 1950, caused extensive damage to the glass dome and ornamental copper sheeting, stainless steel panels replaced glass panes in the upper portion of the dome.

The original prism glass panes were furnished and installed by The Tremmel Art Glass Works of Two Rivers. The contract for glass in the dome of the three-story courthouse was completed in March 1907. The public building, constructed at a cost of $238,348.71, was dedicated on Nov. 12, 1907.

The company, originally known as the Manitowoc Art Glass Works, was founded by brothers George and Joseph Tremmel, glass cutters from Oshkosh, and Frank Bouril of Kewaunee County in 1904. Offices were in an old wooden store building at 804 York St. Advertisements in The Manitowoc Pilot indicate the company offered “Glass of Every Description” for residences, public buildings and churches.

One of the firm’s early projects was the installation of an attractive art glass sign for Charles Bouril, proprietor of the Badger State saloon at 806 York St. It contained “five colored electric lamps which give it a beautiful radiant appearance both in sunlight and when lit by electricity.”

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In 1905, the Manitowoc Art Glass company erected a one-story brick building with a glass front at 814 York St. As the business grew, more space and capital were needed to expand. The business proposed to enlarge its brick building for special machinery to bevel glass and complete other kinds of work that were sent out of the city, causing delays. The matter was presented to the recently organized Manitowoc Advancement Association with the view of issuing at least $6,000 of preferred stock.

While the association considered the proposal, Manitowoc Art Glass was enticed by investors in Two Rivers and Green Bay to move to their communities. In September 1905, the business moved to Two Rivers, where the necessary capital was raised, and its name was changed to The Tremmel Art Glass Works.

Articles of Incorporation were signed Sept. 2, 1905, and the stock was increased to $15,000. Officers included George M. Tremmel, president and manager; G.A. Magee, vice president; H.C. Gowran, secretary; and Dr. E.J. Soik, treasurer. Directors included Joseph Tremmel and J.E. Hamilton.

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The company’s new quarters occupied part of the first floor of a large, three-story frame building, originally the paint shop for the Mann Bros. chair factory, at 14th and Monroe streets. For the next 24 years, the company designed and manufactured leaded and bevel plate glass at this location on the city’s south side.

In 1912, a leaded glass window was installed on the remodeled front of Henry Hansen’s Diamond Buffet saloon at 1606 Washington St., Two Rivers.

In 1913, George M. Tremmel was granted a patent for a machine to cut the bevels on the edges of glass panes. The machine consisted of a track, plate-carrying carriage, grinding wheel and plate-clamping devices.

By 1915, George and Joseph Tremmel left Two Rivers to pursue other business interests.

From 1915 to 1928, company officers were H.C. Gowran, president; Charles F. Kirst, vice president; E.J. Soik, secretary-treasurer. J.E. Hamilton continued as a director. In 1917, Joseph A. Rehrauer, a skilled glass cutter at the plant, joined the board of directors.

At a special stockholders’ meeting on Sept. 26, 1929, articles of dissolution were signed, ending the “glass grinding and art glass” business in Two Rivers.

Bob Fay is a historian and former executive director of the Manitowoc County Historical Society.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Glass dome on Manitowoc County Courthouse was installed in early 1900s