William Marquardt's Blacksmith & Wagon Shop

Oketo, Kansas

My research into this photo led me to Oketo, Kansas, where William Marquardt operated a blacksmith and wagon shop one door west of the M.E. Church on Center Street.  He ran a display ad in the Oketo Herald beginning in September 1890 and until his shop closed in May 1891.  Marquardt and his wife and child moved to Wisconsin the following month.  I found newspaper articles in Baraboo, Wisconsin, that indicate he built a new blacksmith shop in 1894.

The sign on the building reads: Wm. MARQUARDT - BLACKSMITH AND WAGON MAKER - HORSE AND MULE SHOEING.  On the inside of the left door I can see more text.  The first two letters appear to be QB followed by 30 DAYS.  This may have advertised a 30-day guarantee.  The name Orel is handwritten on the back in pencil.

The photo measures 5 5/8" x 3 13/16" and is mounted to a 6 1/2" x 4 1/4" card.  There's some wear along the corners and edges, as well as some stains.

Please see the images provided, as they're part of the description.