Wadsworth Feed

“A person without knowledge of his history is like a tree without roots.” — Author unknown.

My guess is that “unknown” was a publisher and he specialized in history books. But, be that as it may, it’s still good advice. And to that end, the people at Klema Feeds and Wadsworth Saddlery & Feeds have been collecting historical information about the stores.

There is a collection of old photographs on display at the Klema Feeds store in Franksville. We invite you to stop by to see them. If you have roots in the Racine/Caledonia/Franksville area, be sure to check the names on the American Society for Equity charter (see image at the bottom of the left column). Maybe you'll find the name of one of your relatives.

The following paragraph is a quote from the book “Caledonia — Journey to a Village, 1835-2008” written by Nicholas P. Weber. This book, which is an extensive collection of historical information and pictures about Caledonia from 1835 through 2008, was produced for the town’s sesquicentennial and may be purchased from the Caledonia Historical Society.

“One of the oldest feed mills in Racine County and the only one remaining in Franksville, Klema Feeds has served the needs of the area’s farmers, gardeners, and property owners for over 100 years. Purchased by Martin E. Klema in 1919, the feed mill located just north of Highway K along the eastern edge of the railroad was established in the late 1800’s. Originally run as a cooperative, Klema was able to purchase the facility at a sheriff’s sale when the co-op went bankrupt during the First World War. In addition to dealing in seeds, feeds, and produce, the Klemas also dealt in farm machinery and barn equipment before the Great Depression.”