Photo courtesy of the Monticello Area Historical Society

Thomas Mitchell, blacksmith and wagon maker began business in Monticello in 1877. He built a shop in which he manufactured carriages and wagons along with horseshoeing and other general blacksmith work.  In 1884, Henry L. Babler purchased the blacksmith shop of the late Thomas Mitchell and moved the shop to the site where Voegeli Chevrolet is today.

Mr. Babler added to his shop and Christian Stauffer was employed as a wagon maker. Sometimes five men were employed shoeing horses, especially in winter when special shoes were needed for icy roads and ice harvesting. Mr. Babler and his brother Otto, worked at this trade for 35 years. In 1918, he sold the business to Christ Stauffer. 

For 37 years Mr. Stauffer owned and operated the blacksmith and welding shop in Monticello. Christian M. Stauffer retired in March 1956. His shop was a village landmark for 75 years. It was razed April 1, 1956 to make way for a modern garage addition to the Voegeli Chevrolet. Go to www.monticellohistoricalsociety.org for more.