Gretsch Family in Manhattan (under construction)

1875

According to the Manhattan City Directory, William Gretsch, wine, 98 Fulton, h. 16 St. Mark's Place.

At the time there was a Deutsch-Amerikanishche Schuetzen Geshellschaft Halle, at 12 St. Mark's Place.
This was a shooting club, a place of social possibilities, beer drinking and parties. No doubt William spent time here.
That building survives.

1877

William Gretsch married Marie Rittmuller in Manhattan. They were both living at 23 Waverly Place, Manhattan at the time of the wedding. Witnesses were John A. Fuchs and Adolph Mayer.
N.B. William's father in Mannheim had married Justine Fuchs just before his death in 1873. Was this John A. Fuchs perhaps related to William's step mother?
N.B. In subsequent years, William was in the liquor business with Adolph Mayer. In the 1880 census, Adolph Mayer is listed as a wine merchant.

23 Waverly Place was a large building which housed 24 separate family units in the 1880 census. Possibly both Mary and William were boarding there at the time of their marriage.

1878

On November 10th, Pauline Gretsch married Conrad Benzing in Manhattan. She is living at 167 Essex Street.
witnesses were Fred Gretsch and Mary Schmann. In the 1880 census, a Minna (?) Schmann was living at 144 Essex.

167 Essex Street in the 1880 census housed 18 families. Possibly Pauline worked as a housekeeper with a family or simply was a boarder.

This neighborhood is very near the present day, Tenement house museum at 108 orchard Street. it is also very near the entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge on Delancy Street. The bridge was built ca. 1904.

1879

Fred Gretsch at the time of his marriage was living at 46 E. 32nd Street in Manhattan

1884

According to Louie Gretsch's naturalization application, he was living at 58 East 3rd Street on September 9, 1884.

1889

At the time of their marriage, Max and Philipina Gretsch Morgner living at 300 East 20^th, NYC.

This building at 304 East 20th St is in 2003, the New York Health and Racket Club. Perhaps, the same building was there when Philippine and her husband lived nearby. In 2003, there is a children's playground at the 300 number.

PS 40 is just a little east of Philippine's old building on the same block.

This cornice is near east 20th and Second Ave and is of the same vintage as Philippine's absent building.
It is interesting that Philippine and her husband lived in Manhattan. Most of the Gretsch family lived at the time in Brooklyn. Was she perhaps, attempting to show some independence after she returned from Germany? It didn't last long. she soon moved to Brooklyn. By 1895, Max and Philippine were back in the same neighborhood. What drew them here? Did Max have family here?

1891

According to the Manhattan Directory, Louie Gretsch & Rehmke, wines, 98 Fulton, home 434 E. 87th Street.

1895

According to the Manhattan Directory, Louie Gretsch & Mayer & Rehmke, wine, 98 Fulton, h. 20 Vernon Ave. Brooklyn

1897

Jacob Gretsch dies at 247 E. 21^st Street NYC. The home of his sister Philipine Morgner

Window across the street from 247 E. 21st Street. Picture taken in 2002. The building that Philippine lived in is no longer there but she might have looked out her window and seen this building at 248 E. 21st Street. To see the same picture larger, click on the image.

1898

Februray 29, Emilie and Wilhhelmine pay off their mortgage in Brooklyn early. Emily made extra money making dresses.

July, 25^th, Max Morgner died at 247 E. 21^st Street (Manhattan)

This is a larger view of the building across from Philippine address.

Max Morgner bdgh. 247 E. 21^st Street(Were Max and Philippine running a bdgh (Boardinghouse)when he died?)

1902

Louis Gretsch, wine 42 Frankfort St. Mhtn., h 20 Vernon Ave

This page was last edited on 02/04/2007