Smith Dry Goods

Elisha D. Smith's original 1853 newspaper ad touting the opening of his dry goods store.  This was just the first step in a long and fruitful career in Menasha, culminating in the Menasha Wooden Ware.  As we detailed in a blog post last year, Smith was all set to move to Atlanta, Georgia and open a dry goods business there until he received a letter from his friend, Dr. J.B. Doane.  Doane invited Smith to visit the Village of Menasha and join him in business there.  Together, they opened a store on Water Street near Tayco.