IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK -- Blog Post #31-- Cigar anyone?

It’s pretty amazing that cigar production once was such a big business in Marysville. In 1887, there were four factories in Marysville. At its peak, the Pusch Cigar Factory produced three million cigars a year making it the largest cigar factory in Kansas.

Charles doled out quite a few boxes of cigars to show his appreciation to people, while also doing his part to support the local industry. When the electrician and his men completed the tedious, big job of laying the wires for electric lights throughout me, Charles presented the electrician with a cigar and smoking case and a box of 100 cigars for a job well done. On another occasion, Charles took a box of cigars to the office force of the Advocate newspaper since it made several favorable mentions about the family and me, his house.

Charles Freidrich Koester and Charles Fredrick Pusch, the owner of the Pusch Cigar Factory, had a lot in common. Both were born in Germany and emigrated from the port of Bremen to America. They were successful immigrant entrepreneurs and civic leaders who shaped Marysville’s growth.

Pusch started his factory in 1872; Charles joined his brother-in-law at the Exchange Bank of Schmidt and Koester in 1872. Both served as mayors of Marysville—Charles in 1881 and 1882 and Pusch for 10 years, beginning in 1911. Charles was an officer of the Electric Light Company and Pusch was a director of the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad. Finally, Charles and Pusch had beautiful homes that were a block apart. Pusch built his house, often referred to as the Randall house, after Charles died.

Pictured above, the Pusch Cigar Factory at the corner of Broadway and Tenth Street in Marysville at one time employed 50 people including children. Photo from 1898.