San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1347
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 9/26/2009
GUSTAV H. ALTENHOFF
One of Stockton's successful merchants whose industry and application have enabled him to build up a prosperous business, is Gustav H. Altenhoff, the proprietor of the Central Bazaar at 17 South California Street. He was born in Essen, Germany, May 26, 1869, and from the age of fourteen worked in the coal mines there until he was twenty years old. The prospect of enlarged opportunities caused him to leave his native land in 1889, and in August of that year he arrived in California. The first year of his residence here he worked on a ranch east of Stockton for eight dollars a month, putting in long hours, from 5 o'clock in the morning to 11 o'clock at night. Next, he was employed as a cook at a restaurant at the San Joaquin County Fair Grounds and then was employed by his uncle, T.H. Eicholz, in his general merchandise store in the old Masonic Temple Building on North El Dorado Street.
On February 13, 1891, Mr. Altenhoff started in business for himself in a little store only eight by ten feet, on California and Market Streets, handling tinware and notions. From that small beginning he has advanced in his business to his present commodious store at 19 South California Street. It is one of the largest retail establishments in Stockton, occupying three floors and a basement, dealing in household goods, toys, etc., and has been the firm's home since 1906. He has built up this business by dealing honestly with the people, giving good values and courteous treatment.
Mr. Altenhoff's marriage, which occurred at Tracy, August 23, 1893, united him with Miss Frances Gunder, a native of Silesia, Germany, and they have one son, Henry G., who is married and has a daughter, Lillian Frances. In the summer of 1922, Mr. and Mrs. Altenhoff took a trip back to their native land, which Mr. Altenhoff had not seen for thirty-three years, and among the pleasant events of their journey was a banquet tendered by Mr. Altenhoff to sixty-eight of his boyhood friends. They also attended the Passion Play at Oberammergau, and many places of interest, but were glad to return to their California home. In fraternal life Mr. Altenhoff is a member of the Druids and Fidelity Lodge.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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