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| From the Gowanda PennySaver News "Reflections" series compiled by Mary Pankow. issue date - May 20, 2001 |
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| O.J. Gutekunst Fruit Product Co. - On Aug. 5, 1909, Otto Gutekunst purchases the front of this building near the train depot in Gowanda and starts a cider, vinegar, apple butter and jelly factory. In 1928, he adds on to the factory - the back portion shown - and the name is changed to O.J. Gutekunst Fruit Product Co. Gutekunst, mayor of Gowanda, turns the first shovelful of dirt in 1935 for the new Municipal Building. Residing in the brick home on the corner of Buffalo and Allen streets, Gutekunst builds a creamery on the rear of the house in 1936. A new street, Caroline Road, is established in 1937, named after his wife. Once all farmland, the Gutekunst property also includes a barn across from the house on Allen Street, now an apartment building. In 1951, Gutekunst sells his milk delivery business to Farner & Parker. Living to the ripe old age of 90, Gutekunst passes away in 1960 and is buried in Pine Hill cemetery. (Photo courtesy of the Gowanda Area Historical Society.) |