Treasures of the Rare Books Room - The Gugler Litho Co
In 1878 the Gugler Lithographic Company began operating in Milwaukee. German born Henry Gugler (1816-1880) founded and operated the company along with his two sons, Julius and Henry Jr.
The company started by printing small items like envelopes, stationary and checks. Later Pabst Brewing became one of Gugler’s biggest clients. Over the years the company steadily grew and by WWII it was one of Wisconsin’s largest operating printing companies. Through the years Gugler printed lithographs as small as can labels and as big as billboards for both local and nationwide companies. In 1956 the last of the interested Gugler family members died and in 1966 the company was sold to Journal Communications. Ownership of the establishment changed hands a few times and by 2005 the Gugler brand ceased to exist.
To view the Gugler Sample and Invoice volumes, please call the Art, Music and Recreation Department at 414-286-3071 and arrange a visit.