100 YEARS OLD
CENTENNIAL 1855-1955

Potgeter’s Elevator and Lumber was continued after George Potgeter passed away with his sons Jim and Ed at the helm. Three generations were now involved with the business. Jim ran the plant in Wellsburg, and Ed ran grain and lumber business in Steamboat. 

At the time the Potgeter boys retired Paul Eckhoff purchased the Steamboat Rock portion of the Potgeter company. Ed Potgeter opened a Lumber business in Eldora Paul continued the companies success. He constructed a new office south of the original structure and updated and added new equipment. 

Paul sold out to United Suppliers in the late 1980’s, and they continue to operate the business today. 

On August 13, 1989 the last landmark on the west side of the river where Isaac Lesh first settled was burned to the ground. On this day the Steamboat Rock Fire Department set the Potgeter elevator plant on fire maintained a watchful eye as the structure was destroyed. 

The major business structures that had stood west of the river as landmarks for so many years are now gone. The mill, in 1910 and the Potgeter plant in 1989.