Wingerter Brothers Cigars

In the late 1800s Wingerter Brothers Cigars, located in the city of Erie, resided at 926 State Street. The business occupied the third floor of the building. Those familiar with State Street will recognize the address. Many years later, in 1916, Pulakos Chocolates would reside at the same address: the address, which became Pulakos’ brand signature.

Wingerter Brothers Cigars was owned by Adam and George Wingerter. The Wingerter firm was one of the largest businesses, and a major employer, in the city in the latter part of the nineteenth century, doing business throughout the northeastern region of the United States until the 1920s.

Adam W. Wingerter, the senior member of the firm, was born in Erie on December 28, 1858. His parents, Peter and Maggie (Nepper) Wingerter, who were natives of Leinersheim, Germany, came to America about 1849, relocating in Erie where Adam’s father, Peter, followed his trade, contracting and building, until his death, June 7, 1875 — Adam’s mother, Maggie, passed away on May 4, 1864.

Adam’s parents had six children: John, a boss builder, in the employ of T. M. Nagle, Erie; Philip, steward for the Jefferson House, Toledo, Ohio; Marion, Mrs. John Staub, of Denver, Colorado; Peter, who was foreman for the Hugh Lyons & Company, of Lansing, Michigan; Adam, and George B. Wingerter, who would become the junior member of the firm Wingerter Brothers.

Adam received his education in the public schools of Erie, and early in life was employed with Hugh Jones, of Erie, to learn the carpenter's trade, with whom he apprentice with for three years. He followed carpentry work for about seven years, working in Erie, and Cleveland, Ohio. Afterwards, Adam relocated to Colorado where he worked at his trade, until he and his brother, George B.Wingerter, opened a cigar factory in Central City, Colorado, where they operated for two years, before returning to Erie in 1885.

Upon their return to Erie, they created the firm of Wingerter Brothers Cigars, which became one of the largest in the city, employing thirty-two hands, turning out the choicest cigars found in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Among their famous brands were:

Wingerter Brothers' Bouquet
Family Doctor
The 926
Henry Clay
Lady May
Roman Eagle
Green Eagle

Any and all of these brands were established favorites that George Wingerter peddled, as a traveling salesman on the road, while Adam remained in the city looking after the business.

Adam was united in marriage on June 6, 1890, to Miss Jessie, the daughter of William and Margaret (Johnson) Tate, who were natives of Scotland. Together, they had one child, Ethel. Adam was a member of the Catholic Church, and his wife, Ethel, attended the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, Adam was affiliated with the Democratic party.

George B. Wingerter, the junior member of the firm, was born in Harborcreek Township on August 18, 1862. He was the youngest member of the family. Educated in the public schools of Erie, early in life George learned the cigar-making trade with Manley & Company, with whom he worked about ten years. He then worked with E. A. Fette for four years when they went to Colorado and manufactured cigars for several years. In 1883 George made his brother, Adam, a business partner and they opened their first factory in Central City, Colorado. Two years later, they would sell their business in Colorado, relocating their business interests to Erie. The Wingerter Brothers were up-to-date business men, and were beyond doubt among the most progressive and successful cigar manufacturers in Erie. They manufacture over a million and an-half of cigars yearly, they were one of the largest manufacturers of cigars in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

George was married on February 6, 1889, to Miss Katherine, the daughter of John and Katerine (Diefenbach) Fisher. They had one child, Emery. George was a member of the Catholic Church. Politically, like his brother Adam, George was a Democrat.