It was May 21, 1914, when Arthur R. Setz took over the A. W. Reddeman Insurance business, which was conducted in a shop owned by his father Robert beginning in 1897.
“Bob” Setz was the proprietor of his own harness-making shop, developing harnesses, whips, bridles, halters and blankets, all for horse furnishings for over 40 years. It was in this shop on 143 N. Monroe that Art’s father showed him the business of dealing with farmers, gear for animals and service that met their needs.
Later, in this same shop, the area was transformed into an insurance office.
Arthur, Robert’s only son began his own legacy of good business dealings with local citizens that lasted over 60 years, descendants now continuing his good faith dealings.
The first Setz to settle in the Waterloo Area arrived circa 1852. Limited information reports Conrad Setz and sons Joseph and Higen emigrated from Wurttemberg, Germany. Conrad eventually bought over 100 acres from C. H. John in the “Island area” Waterloo Township.
Higen and Anna Setz had seven children; Josephine, Felix, Robert, Louis, Albert, Anna and Herman. Robert, one of the four sons is of special interest. All children attended the Island School.
Robert (1864-1952), Arthur’s father, left the farm when he was 19 years old and pursued the harness maker’s trade. He partnered with Remigeus Langer, Adolph Koblitz and Charles Hasse in the beginning of the business but soon became the sole proprietor of The Harness Shop.
Robert married Ida Langlotz in 1893. Arthur, Edna and Mabel created the family that lived at 143 Boorman St.
Arthur R. Setz and his sisters went to Waterloo Public Schools, attended the Episcopal Methodist Church and were involved in community, church and school events much like his parents Robert and Ida were involved.
One interesting aspect of Arthur aka “Art” (1896-1987) growing up was his involvement in music. In the early days of settlement of the Waterloo Village, a boys’ band called “The Juvenile Boy Band” or “The Youngest Band in the U.S.A.” was organized, circa 1907. Arthur played a clarinet in the Boys’ Band.
Later in life “Art” played in the first American Legion Band, The Cornet Band, Zor Shrine Concert Band and The Waterloo City Band.
When Arthur graduated from Waterloo High School in 1914, he, like his father, was interested in community life i.e. “people” business. At first, he tried delivering mail, then acquired an interest regarding insurance.
Fire and other insurance business groups were becoming popular in the area of insurance. His own self-education in insurance programs, civic contributions, even a musical talent in an early “all boys band,” all blended together for a thriving self-made Waterloo business man. From sharing an office in the Hyer and Bibow buildings, Art eventually moved his Insurance Office to his father’s vacant harness shop.
The same address of the Insurance business today, 143 N. Monroe St., but now the address is 139 N. Monroe St. due to some space modifications and city address changes.
Art married Mae Stokes in 1917, shortly after graduating from high school. Together they were blessed with one daughter Margo, who in her own right continued the legacy of community involvement. Later Margo married Gordon
Cronin, and besides helping her Dad in the insurance business she and Gordy were involved in the Carousel, the Firemen’s Park and other community activities.
From the early years of a “horse harness shop” to over 60 years of an “insurance shop” the spirit of Robert Set; son, A. R. Setz, to the third generation Margo Setz Cronin to the fourth generation of Jane Cronin (Tim) Haldiman and their son Trent Haldiman, their time-honored heritage is not forgotten. It is not only what you inherit, it is what you believe and do with what you were given that is remembered and revered.
From the Merry-Go-Round aka Carousel to the iconic painted Water Tower, from the 1905 hand and horse scraper built Firemen’s Park the Arthur R. and Mae Setz, Gordy and Margo Setz Cronin, and descendants remind us all of community involvement as a life-style remembered for all seasons!
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