Site of Muelder Store
New Berlin, Guadalupe County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Site of Muelder Store The community of New Berlin developed as German settlers came to the area in the 1840s. Businesses, schools and churches were established to serve its residents. In 1898, Luedger Kuehler, H. E. Kalies and Otto J. Muelder entered into a partnership, which they called l. Kuehler and Company. The partners operated a general merchandise store, saloon and cotton gin, and brokered cotton for area farmers. In 1916, Luedger and Hulda Kuehler sold the store, saloon and cotton gin property to Otto (1872-1927) and Blanche (1876-1955) Muelder. The names of the various businesses then were changed to reflect the Muelders' ownership. The Muelder family carried on the tradition of service and sales to the New Berlin Community, providing vital credit to local farm families dependent on the speculative nature of cash crops. The business remained in operation after a 1927 hunting accident resulted in Otto's death and later, when the Muelder Store and family home burned to the ground in 1946. With help and encouragement from the community following the fire, the store relocated to what had been the Muelder Saloon and reopened for business in a matter of days. In its 95-year association with the Muelders, the store was a gathering place for the area. The original store building occupied more than 5,000 square feet and, for a time, was the location of the only telephone in the community. The store was sold out of the Muelder family in 1993, and the building was demolished the following year. Its history, however, remains an important part of the social and economic heritage of this part of Guadalupe County. (2002)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
New Berlin grew from German settlers who reached this part of Guadalupe County in the 1840s. In 1898 a partnership opened a general store, saloon, and cotton gin here, and by 1916 the Muelder family had taken it over, extending credit that kept cash-crop farmers afloat. The store survived the founder's fatal 1927 hunting accident and a 1946 fire—reopening within days—before leaving the family in 1993 and being demolished a year later.
Why it matters
The Muelder Store shows how the country general store served as the economic and social hub of German farming communities, bankrolling the families who lived by the cotton crop.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Attractions
- Green Acres Golf and Games13.3 mi away
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Related people
- · Otto J. Muelder
- · Blanche Muelder
- · Luedger Kuehler
Themes & tags
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