Schroeder’s Department Store in Two Rivers is in its 127th year of existence. A.J. Schroeder & her sister, Theresa Kronforst, co-authored a new book called Images of America Schroeder’s Department Store. Seehafer News talked with ‘A.J.’ about how this project began.
A.J. commented that she put the words on paper and Theresa was her research assistant in what she termed a team effort.
The store had its’ roots from German immigrant, Peter Joseph Schroeder, who settled in Two Creeks with his wife and started a family. Two of their sons, Peter & John, were later joined by two other Schroeder brothers to start-the-business.
As for the secret to the store’s longevity, A.J Schroeder said she believes it’s that they “greet everyone like their neighbor and don’t treat their customers as a number.”
A book-signing is happening at the department store tomorrow from 10am-to-3pm with two others planned this summer at the Manitowoc County Historical Society & Hamilton Wood-Type Museum. Meanwhile, Schroeder’s is in the process of fundraising for a new Clock Tower sign on the building. A.J believes the new sign will be erected in early August.
