One of the lesser known but significant aluminum pioneers was German immigrant Conrad Werra who in 1896 founded the Two Rivers Iron Works and made castings from iron, brass, bronze and eventually aluminum.

Besides being one of Manitowoc’s most prominent and successful businessmen, Henry Vits served as Manitowoc postmaster (1894-1898) and a member of the state legislature, county board of supervisors, city council, school board, park commission and county asylum board of trustees. He helped organize the Manitowoc Gas Co. and Manitowoc Mutual Fire Insurance Co. He was an active member of the Odd Fellows and Concordia Singing Society.