The legacy of Michael Dempsey

Manitowoc Gas Company office at North 8th and Commercial St., the Dempsey building circa 1920

Reminders of our community’s past remain all around us. Framed photos, street names, and historic buildings help us share the story of our county’s founding and growth. The Dempsey name can still be seen etched in history by all who pass by the namesake’s building at the corner of North Eighth Street and Maritime Drive in downtown Manitowoc. But who was M. H. Dempsey?

Michael Dempsey came to Manitowoc as a young child. He was born in Milwaukee in 1866 and was one of 14 children born to Michael Dempsey Sr. and Mary Gilbert. At the age of 13, Michael took a job on a sailing vessel, a job of which he was well trained from his father who was a foreman at the Burger and Burger shipyards. Michael continued to work on the Great Lakes through the early 1890s.

On October 24, 1902 Michael was married to Serena Greve, of Manitowoc. Serena would come to be active in the Southside Ladies Aid Society and other welfare organizations. The family home was located at 916 St. Clair Street in Manitowoc.

Upon settling into a career off the Great Lakes, Michael began an interest in business. In 1893 he founded the National Cafe at Eighth and Commercial streets in Manitowoc and soon became involved in various commercial and industrial projects throughout the city. With a growing need for a gas utility in the City of Manitowoc, Michael joined a group of talented businessmen - Henry Vits, Julius Lindstedt and Emil Teitgen to form the Manitowoc Gas Company in 1899. A little over a year later, the Manitowoc Gas Company plant was constructed, pipes were laid, and gas for lighting and cooking was made available to Manitowoc residents.

In 1909, the iconic Crystal Theater, located at Eighth and what was then Commercial Street in Manitowoc, burned. The theater was not rebuilt but soon Michael Dempsey would begin to erect the structure we know today as the Dempsey Building.

The Dempsey building, constructed around 1910 in the Neo-Classical style, features a façade covered in ceramic tile. The main entrance is pronounced by columns and those walking past the building can enjoy a band of egg and dart molding around the cornices.

The Manitowoc Gas Company was one of the early tenants of the Dempsey Building. Bright lights luminated the building at night and the company’s slogan to “light and cook with gas” was proudly displayed. Passersbys could note a barber pole outside for the National Barbershop, which also offered a bath service for customers.

Around 1922, the Manitowoc Floral Company became the corner tenant. Beernsten’s Confectionary came to the building in 1932 and began offering ice cream and candy to guests.

Michael continued to be active in the growth of Manitowoc. He was a part of the Manitowoc Merchant’s Association and was one of the leading personalities behind the rejuvenation of the Manitowoc County Fair after 1911. His obituary states, “He was one of 10 citizens named by President Frank Hoffman of the Citizens Association to continue the fair. He aided in raising a $5,000 guarantee fund to carry on the fair, served several terms as vice-president of the Fair Board and in 1918 was elected president.” It was perhaps Michael’s “great love” of horses that encouraged him in these efforts. It also led him to become a founder of the Manitowoc Riding and Driving club, which held many races at the fairgrounds.

He was director of the First National Bank in 1915 and in 1920 he became president and served in that role until January 1937. Michael was a member of the Elks lodge, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Lakeside Country club.

Michael H. Dempsey passed away on April 14, 1942 at his home on St. Clair Street. He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery.