Biographies
FERDINAND KOHLER
An almost universal progressive tendency
in business circles and an expansion of commercial affairs commensurate with
local development have been noticeable in the history of Sacramento during the
opening years of the twentieth century. One of the very few exceptions to the
otherwise universal rule of expansion has been the history of the milling
industry, which has been injuriously affected by the lessened wheat acreage in
Northern California. The land having proved adapted to crops exceedingly
remunerative in value has been taken from its original cultivation in grain and
has been devoted to more profitable uses. As a result many mills have
discontinued business and of those still in operation the Phoenix is one of the
few that shows a constantly increasing patronage. The cause of this prosperity
is not difficult to ascertain. It is a result of superior business management
and the securing of a product of unsurpassed quality.
The secretary and treasurer of the Phoenix
flouring mill is a native of Germany, but has made America his home since 1872
and at the expiration of two years in Montana he came to Sacramento in 1874,
since which time he has risen to prominence among the business men of the city.
The firm of George Schroth & Co. purchased the
mill in 1881 and incorporated the business under the name of the Phoenix
Milling Co. in 1892. The original president was George Schroth,
who died in 1902. Ferdinand Kohler, who was the first secretary and treasurer,
has continued in the office up to the present time and has given his time
closely to the upbuilding of the business. The first
directors were J. G. and W. C. Schroth and J. H.
Arnold, in addition to the president and secretary. The company met with a
severe loss in 1885, when the plant burned to the ground, but in rebuilding a
more substantial structure was erected and more modern equipment provided, so
that every facility has been secured for the attainment of satisfactory
results.
The fact that the company has agents and
warehouses at Placerville, Chico and Oakland proves the importance of its
business and the expansion of its interests. The output averages three hundred
and fifty barrels per day, twenty-five tons of rolled barley and twenty tons of
other mill feed. The reputation of the mill has been greatly enhanced by the
manufacture of their famous specialty, White Rose wheat flakes, a favorite
cereal among the people of Northern California and a product whose superior
quality has resulted in an enormous sale in every locality where introduced.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Page 890. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.