Peter Zimmerman standing behind the counter of his Cigar Factory Shop. Lyle Kotchen Collection
Peter Zimmerman was born in Rauenberg, Germany on May 18, 1861. As a young man, he learned the art of cigar making in his father Henry’s factory, in his home town of Rauenberg. In 1883, Peter emigrated from Germany to New York where he found employment in the cigar industry. From New York, Zimmerman moved first to Ohio, then to Kenosha, Wisconsin. While living in Kenosha in 1890, Mr. Zimmerman met and married Mamie Gales. The couple came to Manistique in 1891, where Zimmerman opened a very successful cigar factory. Mr. Zimmerman was a skilled and prosperous businessman who was extremely popular and well respected in the community.
Zimmerman operated his cigar factory for twenty-two years, prior to his accidental death on November 3, 1913. Zimmerman was riding his bicycle on the “wagon bridge” over the Manistique River, when he was startled by the approach of a “machine” coming from Elk Street driven by Louis Malette. Zimmerman’s bicycle swerved into the path of the vehicle. He was critically injured and passed away several hours later at the Rutledge Hospital, thus becoming Manistique’s first automobile fatality.
Following Peter Zimmerman’s death, the cigar factory continued in business under the direction of his son Francis. He combined the cigar factory with a pool room and later became the agent for the United Cigar Company. Zimmerman sold out in 1926 and moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Employees outside the Zimmerman Cigar Factory on Cedar Street. Lyle Kotchen Collection
Peter Zimmerman Float in the 4th of July Parade on Oak Street. Cigar makers are rolling cigars and throwing them to the people. Lyle Kotchen Collection