In 1877 Louis Bocher built a tavern with a second floor dance hall. He later added on, making it a hotel as well. This hotel was later owned by Kilen, Lemberg, Strahlow and then sold to Gust Martin.

The purchase of this hotel by Gust Martin took place in 1901 and he operated it for 25 years. His hotel was one of the most successful small town hotel businesses in the state and was well known by tourists.

Located at the corner of Green Bay St. and Appleton Street (Cecil St.), the Gust Martin hotel occupied a prime location. Through the early 1900's, this hotel catered to the many traveling salesmen who came in on the train and were transported by the Otto Brusewitz dray and livery operation into Bonduel. Those traveling through Bonduel on horse, or horse and carriage, and later automobile also quickly took note of this strategically located hotel and its fine service.

In the summer of 1909, Gust built a large brick barn behind the hotel, large enough to accommodate 60 horses. At the same time he tore down his ice house and made a new one in one of his stables. He also built a laundry house back of the hotel the same year.

Martin's hospitality and famous chicken dinners became popular with local residents as well.

He sold his business to Charles Griese who took possession May 1, 1927.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gust Martin was born August 15, 1875 at Neurenberg, Pommern, Germany and came to America with his parents when he was six years old. They first settled in the Township of Hartland where they lived for a short period and then moved to the Township of Waukechon where he was reared to manhood. He attended the St. Paul's

Christian Day School and was confirmed by Rev. Ebert. He married Hattie Buelow of the Township of Washington, January 21, 1902. This marriage was blessed with seven children. He died July 16, 1927.

Gust served as a director of the Bonduel State Bank and was a good citizen of the village.

Photographs (thanks, Bev!)