This receipt is from the Burlington Tent and Awning Co., which operated in Burlington for more than 80 years. The receipt shown here is from June 13, 1923. A Mr. C.W. LeBoutilier purchased an awning for $21.15. The invoice was marked paid and signed by M.F. Widemann, the company’s founder.

The receipt has a picture of an army-style canvas tent with three soldiers outside and “All Kinds of Canvas Goods” printed above it. Below the picture it advertises that “We pay no freight or Express Charges.” It also states that “Sleeping tents are a specialty.”

W.F. Wiedemann founded the company in 1879 and was a career change for him. He had graduated from law school at the State University of Iowa in 1876 and came to Burlington after that. He found law practice to be a bit slow and looked around for a new endeavor. He noticed Burlington lacked a canvas fabricating business and saw an opportunity.

He established Burlington Tent and Awning and began manufacturing canvas tents. Eventually, he expanded the business to also produce awnings, street decorations and flags. All of this work was originally done using foot-treadle sewing machines.

In 1917, Wiedemann’s son, Albert, joined the firm and worked in all areas of the company. When his father died in 1933, Albert took over running the company on behalf of his mother, Rosella. The company continued to expand under his direction and began producing the Burlington brand tarpaulin which were sold all over the eastern half of the United States.

The company had several locations over its long history. The offices and factory were first located at 313 N. Main. In 1954, Wiedemann purchased the building at 113 Washington St. from the S.R. and I.C. McConnell Co. and moved all operations there. Four years later, this building was sold to the government for $25,000. The building was razed to make more room for the new post office.

The company spent a year at the Union Supply building before purchasing 230 S. Third St. from the Blaul estate. The building was remodeled to accommodate the company’s offices and manufacturing needs.

This building had its own long history. Portions of it date to the 1880s, when it was constructed by the Burlington Linseed Oil Co. The Blaul family purchased the building in 1901 and possibly rented it to the Burlington Paper Co.y until 1904. The confectioner, Gardner and Gould, moved in at the point.

In 1910, the candy company expanded the building to its current configuration. Gardner and Gould operated out of the building until 1957 when the company was sold and manufacturing operations transferred to Moline. Two years later, the Wiedmanns purchased it from the Blauls.

Albert Wiedemann died in 1963 in his office. Reports said he suffered a massive heart attack. In 1964, Robert Ahrold purchased the Burlington Tent and Awning Co. A few years later, his son, Buzz, joined the business. It continued to operate at the location on 230 S. Third St. until just a few years ago.

“Out of the Attic” features artifacts from the collection of the Des Moines County Historical Society. For more information, to ask questions or to offer comments or suggestions, call (319) 752-7449 or email dmchs@dmchs.org.