MONROE - Paul A. Ruf ran a shoe shine and confectionery business on the northeast side of Monroe's Square for several years before he moved to the southwest side of the Square in 1904.
For a time he was the city's youngest businessman.
In 1904, Ruf refused to give up his stand on the northeast side of the Square where the city planned to build the Commercial & Savings Bank. City leaders arranged for him to move his business to the southwest corner of the Square, at 1600 11th St. At one time, before Ruf bought it, the building was used as a grocery store.
For more than 40 years, Ruf operated his business. Ruf operated a dry cabaret in the same building. The room was "dry" because it opened during prohibition, when alcohol was illegal. He also owned several bakeries in 10 cities throughout Wisconsin.
Ruf's Confectionery is now owned by Rodney Golackson. The name has remained the same, despite the fact Ruf sold the business in 1948.
The building retains its historic atmosphere. The store continues to use the same display cases and coolers, although the coolers now use compressors instead of ice to keep ice cream and other snacks cold. The marble countertop, original to the building, and the ceiling, have also remained the same.
The store sells magazines, ice cream, popcorn, candy and newspapers, just as it did more than a century ago.
For a time he was the city's youngest businessman.
In 1904, Ruf refused to give up his stand on the northeast side of the Square where the city planned to build the Commercial & Savings Bank. City leaders arranged for him to move his business to the southwest corner of the Square, at 1600 11th St. At one time, before Ruf bought it, the building was used as a grocery store.
For more than 40 years, Ruf operated his business. Ruf operated a dry cabaret in the same building. The room was "dry" because it opened during prohibition, when alcohol was illegal. He also owned several bakeries in 10 cities throughout Wisconsin.
Ruf's Confectionery is now owned by Rodney Golackson. The name has remained the same, despite the fact Ruf sold the business in 1948.
The building retains its historic atmosphere. The store continues to use the same display cases and coolers, although the coolers now use compressors instead of ice to keep ice cream and other snacks cold. The marble countertop, original to the building, and the ceiling, have also remained the same.
The store sells magazines, ice cream, popcorn, candy and newspapers, just as it did more than a century ago.