100 Years Ago: The Engraving Shop Founder Dies

Richard Herman Schenke, founder of the Engraving Shop, died unexpectedly on December 14, 1925. An article in the Alton Evening Telegraph that day announced that he had succumbed to intense pain, causing shock, after a short illness (likely gallstones). He was only 53 years old. Mr. Schenke had been “a strong, powerful man, and one not given to paying attention to his health. When he began to have trouble with his health, he did not take care of himself as he might have done, but continued on with his work.” He was devoted to his shop, but also dedicated to his family. “In his home, he was the best of husbands and fathers. His interest centered chiefly in his family, and whatever he did was for the purpose of helping them.”

Richard Schenke was born in Germany in 1872 and immigrated to the United States as a young man. His wife, Clara (1878-1968), also emigrated from Germany, and they were married in Milwaukee in 1900. Their son Herman Bruno was born in 1901, Walter Anthony was born in 1905, and Richard Leroy was born in 1922. When Richard Schenke died in 1925, his youngest son was only three years old.

Schenke learned engraving in Germany. He had a large engraving shop in Quincy, Illinois, for 16 years before moving to Alton. Schenke opened the Engraving Shop at 109 West Broadway in November 1921. He “was in position to do photo-engraving and make half tones, zinc etchings, colored plates, and so forth.” In 1923, the shop moved to the Krug building at Broadway and Alby Streets. Many of the photographs and engravings printed in the Alton Evening Telegraph during the 1920s were done by the Engraving Shop. The work of the shop did not end with Schenke’s death. Papers of incorporation were issued to the Engraving Shop by the Illinois Secretary of State in 1927 to Wilbert W. Wachter, Anna Wachter, and Ruby Schenke (wife of Herman Schenke). Herman had followed his father into the engraving business, working first in Alton and later in St. Louis.

Special thanks to George Fuller for research help with this week’s article.

Sources

“Engraving Shop Founder Dies in His Home Today.” Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton, IL), December 14, 1925.

“Engraving Shop is Incorporated.” Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton, IL), August 16, 1927.

“Engraving Shop Will Move to New Quarters.” Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton, IL), September 12, 1923.

“Funeral of Richard H. Schenke.” Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton, IL), December 16, 1925.

“Opens Engraving Shop on West Broadway. Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton, IL), November 1, 1921.

More like this:

100 Years Ago: Alton Dog Show Draws Crowd (and Dogs) From Across the Country

Mar 29, 2026

100 Years Ago: Famous Ventriloquist and Alton Native Dies

4 days ago

100 Years Ago: Alton Newsboys Enjoy New Year's Day Off with Free Movie Tickets

Jan 4, 2026

100 Years Ago: Bear Cubs Die at Alton Tire Store

Mar 8, 2026

100 Years Ago: St. Louis Auto Show Fascinates Crowds and Continues Today

Mar 1, 2026