| CN mixed freight approaches Wood St. and passes the former Vetter Manufacturing Co. as it slows to halt at the former SOO yard at Stevens Point, WI on 22 Aug. '15. The Vetter Manufacturing Co. planing mill and sash and door factory started in 1893, when Herman August Vetter purchased the abandoned Herren and Wadleigh planning mill. The following year he partnered with his brother, Carl Henry Vetter. In 1909 they constructed a large, modern factory which would quadruple their capacity. The 4-story, 72' x 250' re-enforced concrete and brick building was built for $35,000. That building is on the north side of this building, which is the 72' x 160' warehouse they built in 1915 on the site of the original wood-framed mill. The company was purchased by Sentry Insurance in 1981. I have not discovered when it closed, it has stood idle for many years. Earlier this year it was announced that VPK Packaging, a Belgian co. founded in 1935, would take over part of this facility for its 1st U.S. factory and make cores for the foil and paper industries. Stevens Point was originally knowns as Shaurette Rapids. Green Bay & Western (GB&W) rails ran along Wood St. for many years and a GB&W engine house was located across the street from Vetter Mfg. Co. |