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- (Research):GEORGE SCHLEE
1858-1944
George Schlee was born June 4, 1858 on a farm near Centreville, a few miles east of Kitchener. In 1876 he apprenticed as a stone mason in Listowel, Ontario, returning to Berlin following his marriage to Eva Hallman of Hanover in 1882.
In 1890 he purchased the construction firm of Jacob Baetz and became prime contractor of the community for imposing residences and civic buildings such as the Walper House, Zion Evangelical Church and a major portion of the K-W Hospital.
Following a visit to the United States, he returned home filled with enthusiasm for the potential in manufacturing of rubber footwear. With his initiative and drive, he organized the Berlin Rubber Company in 1899 and supervised the construction of the first rubber factory in Waterloo County on the corner of Margaret Avenue and Breithaupt Street. Through his vision, and the support of men like Jacob Kaufman and A.L. Breithaupt, the rubber industry was established in this community. In 1906 he sold his interests in the Berlin Rubber and founded the Berlin Button Works (Kitchener Buttons Ltd.), remaining active in this business until his death October 31, 1944.
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