Merchant, Mayor, and One of Sandwich’s Most Memorable Early Figures
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Photo restoration by Herk Schmidt
Julius M. Hummel was one of the most prominent and recognizable figures in Sandwich during the late nineteenth century, a merchant of unusual scale, a civic leader, and a man remembered as much for his personality as for his accomplishments.
Hummel’s story is rooted in the earliest days of settlement in the area. His father, Peter F. Hummel, was the son in law of pioneer John Eastabrooks, whose family settled near what became known as Freeland (or Squaw Grove) in the mid 1830s. Through this connection, the Hummel family was tied directly to the first generation of settlers who established claims, built early homes, and shaped the foundations of Sandwich Township.
Building a Business
By the 1870s, Hummel had established himself as a major merchant serving the surrounding agricultural community. His business extended far beyond that of a typical small town shop, dealing in farm machinery, wagons, carriages, and a wide range of goods needed by rural customers.
Period advertisements describe goods sold in “car-load lots,” pointing to a business operating at a regional scale. Farmers from across the area came to Sandwich not just for supplies, but to engage with one of the town’s most significant commercial enterprises.
The Hummel Building (1881)
In 1881, Hummel consolidated his expanding operation into a substantial three story structure on Main Street. later known as the Hummel Building. From this location, he operated one of the most diverse and ambitious businesses in early Sandwich.
Across its multiple floors, customers could purchase agricultural implements, sewing machines, buggies, and household goods, as well as pianos and organs. The building was more than a store, it was a destination, reflecting both the prosperity of the region and Hummel’s vision for what a business in Sandwich could be.
A Place for Community
Hummel’s enterprise also extended into social and recreational life. Within his building were “Hummel’s Parlors,” which included bowling alleys and a large third floor hall used for dances and gatherings.
These spaces offered organized, respectable entertainment and became an important part of community life. In a growing town, Hummel’s building served not only commerce, but connection.
Civic Life and Public Presence
Hummel played an active role in the civic life of Sandwich and served as mayor during a period of continued growth and development. His influence extended into key community institutions, including the Sandwich Opera House, where his funeral was later held.
His visibility in both business and public life made him one of the best-known figures in the town.
Personality and Local Memory
Beyond his accomplishments, Hummel was remembered for his personality. Local accounts describe him riding through town on a donkey while playing his fiddle, an image that captures the spirit of a man who was both a serious businessman and a colorful public figure.
He was also known for his relationships within the community. Among those remembered alongside him was Jack Monroe, a well known and respected local figure whose life reflected the everyday experience of early Sandwich. Their association offers a glimpse into the social fabric of the town and the connections that shaped daily life.
Like many prominent individuals of his time, Hummel also appeared in local storytelling. A satirical newspaper “trial” from 1880 reflects both his public visibility and the lively nature of civic life in early Sandwich.
Legacy
Julius M. Hummel stands as a defining figure in the history of Sandwich, a man whose life bridged the town’s earliest pioneer roots and its emergence as a growing commercial center.
From his family’s connection to the first settlers near Freeland, to the construction of one of Sandwich’s most significant commercial buildings, to his role in civic life and community memory, Hummel’s story reflects the broader story of the town itself.
Related
Research & Sources
Sandwich Gazette, Dec. 26, 1873
Ottawa Free Trader, Feb. 7, 1880
Family letters and recollections (1927 correspondence)
Local historical records and advertisements
Note: Portions of early family history are drawn from later recollections and should be understood within that context.