James Waschbisch: My wife Becky stumbled upon this photo of her Grandfather working at Houmann’s Fish Market ~ 1950s
Houmann & Son is in the middle at 1026 State Street
Announcing the opening of our fish market on Tuesday, January 2nd, 1923, with a fine line of Fresh and Salt Water Fish.
Niels C. Houmann, 58, Fish Merchant, Dies in Hospital
Niels C Houmann, 58, prominent State street fish merchant, died early Sunday morning at St. Luke’s hospital. He was one of Racine’s most progressive Danish residents, retiring, but ever active in worth projects. For three years he was one of the sponsors of the Danish Hour over WRJN, the Journal Times station, convinced that he was contributing to the entertainment and enlightenment of his fellow countrymen in this area.
Born in Denmark.
He was born Dec. 12, 1874, in Lokken, Denmark. It was there he received his education and chose as his life work and business that of a fish merchant. He was prominent in his home town as president of the fishermen’s association and so favorably known that the community named one of its streets after him, conferring upon him that honor for his many outstanding qualities and his ever-active interest in its welfare.
Mr. Houmann came to Racine in April, 1911. It was not until the fall of 1922, however, that he engaged in the fish business on his own account, forming the firm of Houmann & Son, the business located at 1028 State street. His son, George, was his associate in that business.
He was a member of Dania society, the State Street Business Men’s association and the Immanuel Lutheran church on Lafayette avenue.
Surviving are his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Adelson of Kenosha, and Mrs. Gudrun at home, his son George, and seven grandchildren.
Funeral Wednesday.
The body is at the Christiansen Funeral home, Washington avenue, and will be taken to the residence where it may be viewed Tuesday afternoon and evening. Private funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at the residence at 1:30 oclock and there will be public services in Immanuel church at 2 oclock, the Rev. A. T. Schultz, the pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the family lot in Graceland cemetery.
Sandra Wallace Magle: Corrections: Niels C Houmann was my Great Grandfather, who started Houmann & Son (George) in 1922. Before that they fished Lake Michigan with Neils’ sister’s, (my Great Aunt Agnes’) husband (Adelsen correct spelling) from Kenosha. Niels & family originally came to the US in 1906, left and then came back again in 1911. Houmann’s continued to sponsor the Danish Hour on WRJN until the store was sold in the late 1970’s. George ran the store until his death in 1958, when my father took over as manager. photo above is 1946 at 1028. I believe the store moved in the later 40’s or early 1950’s to 1026 State St.
First opened its doors to the public 50 years ago in 1921 and has been a popular gathering spot for perch, shrimp, and haddock orders ever since! The market is managed by Jerry Wallace and with Edward Kapralian’s 20 year service, has grown steadily year after year.