A. C. Mehder, secretary, treasurer and manager of the Mehder Dry Goods Company, occupies a prominent position among the alert, enterprising and progressive merchants of Racine and his life history is indicative of the opportunities that are offered in the new world to the young man of foreign birth who, prompted by ambition and guided by sound judgment, puts forth earnest effort to win prosperity. Mr. Mehder was born in Denmark, October 20, 1870. a son of L. T. H. and Caroline Mehder, who spent their entire lives in Denmark, where the father conducted business as a merchant tailor.
Through the period of his minority A. C. Mehder remained in his native land, but in 1892 crossed the Atlantic and established his home at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he remained for a year. In 1893 he arrived in Racine and has since been actively connected with the dry goods business in this city. For ten years he was associated with the Schroeder Dry Goods Company, in which connection he worked his way upward until during the last four years he occupied the responsible position of manager. At the end of that decade he embarked in business on his own account, becoming a partner in the Nelson Mehder Dry Goods Company, but later he disposed of his interest and started in business alone, organizing the Mehder Dry Goods Company on the 20th of April, 1909. It was formed with L. F. Mehder as the president and A. C. A. Mehder as secretary, treasurer and manager. The business was established at No. 1412 Washington avenue and in 1913 a removal was made to 1408 and 1410 Washington avenue where he occupies a building thirty-eight by ninety feet, carrying a general line of dry goods and having the largest store in his part of the city. His stock is attractive, thoroughly modern and up-to-date and his business methods are such as win patronage and support. He has always recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement and has made every effort to please. He demands courteous treatment from his employees to his patrons and maintains the policy of one price to all, seeking only to realize a legitimate profit on his investment.
On the 1st of August, 1898, Mr. Mehder was united in marriage to Miss Maggie L. Lamp, of Racine, a daughter of Jorgen and Hannah Lamp. They now have two children, Alice and Clyde. Fraternally Mr. Mehder is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has various other membership associations, being identified with the Commercial Club and the City Club, also the Junction Advancement Association, and in these connections he is active in efforts to upbuild and improve the city along many lines. In politics he is a republican. That he gives thought yet to his native land through maintaining association with the native sons of Denmark is indicated in his membership in the Dania Society. That the spirit of humanitarianism is strong within him is shown in the fact of his active service as a director of the Central Association, which is the Associated Charities organization of Racine. He is ever willing to extend a helping hand where aid is needed and to speak a word of encouragement where disheartenment has blocked individual progress.