Finished-hides room

Founded by Herman Poetsch in 1883 at Army and Harrison Street in San Francisco, California, the company relocated in 1942 to 325 South Maple Avenue.  P&P's legendary golden latigo inspired a generation of west coast handbag & belt makers.  The tannery was closed because of new stringent environmental laws in the 1990s.

From the 1907 Bernal Heights Business Directory:

Gustave Peterson   Herman Poetsch
Phone Mission 696

POETSCH and PETERSON
Established 1883
TANNERS
Manufacturers of
Glove, Whip, Shoe,
Latigo and Lace Leather
Tannery: 3100-3162 Army Street
Bet. Folsom and Harrison
SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA

In 1902 P&P was hit by a workers strike.  

From the May 10, 1902  San Francisco Call newspaper:

Tanners Walk Out in Body
Men in the Employ of an Army Street Firm Ask More Wages

Twenty tanners in the employ of Poetsch & Peterson, tanners, at 3112 Army street, struck for higher wages yesterday.  The men walked out at noon with the consent of the agent of the Tanners Union.  About thirty more men are in the employ of the firm, and these gave notice that they would also walk out tonight unless the demands for higher pay are granted.

The men are at present earning $2.25 a day and an increase of 25 cents is demanded.  The members of the firm declined last night to say what action they will take in the matter, but the men express the belief that the demand will be granted today.  The strike was endorsed by the Tanners Union at last night's meeting.

From the May 14, 1902 San Francisco Call newspaper:

Strike of the Tanners

The strike of the tanners in the employ of Poetsch & Peterson remains unsettled.  A committee of the union visited the tannery yesterday and formally presented the demands of the striking employes for an increase of wages to the amount of 25 cents a day.  The proprietors took the matter under advisement and informed the committee that they would reach a decision later in the week.

The firm in question is utilizing the time in putting in new boilers and improving the plant.  Poetsch said last night that he was willing to meet the men half way, but that he could not say he favoured granting the demand as made.  He was in favour of establishing a piece-work system, by which the capable men would earn more than they are now asking for.  A plan to that effect will be presented to the strikers at the next conference.

The total number of men out on strike is forty-eight.  It was rumored in labor circles last night that the employees of other tanneries are contemplating making similar demands.  If the strike of Poetsch & Peterson's men is successful other strikes are likely to be inaugurated.

Charles Wagner, grandson of Herman Poetsch and the final owner of P&P, carried on in the tradition of his ancestors. Charles cordially greeted me for the last time in 1984 when we walked around the South San Francisco tannery and looked at their latest shoe leathers tanned for a shrinking local manufacturing culture.  I still have a small stash of P&P golden latigo and shoe leathers from my last visit to the tannery that I'm making into commemorative pouches.

Commemorative Poetsch & Peterson pouches using their shoe cowhide and golden latigo.

Ghosts in the Machine?

                 Press Release October 2, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Poetsch & Peterson Receives 2018
Best of South San Francisco Award

South San Francisco Award Program Honors the Achievement

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO  October 2, 2018 -- Poetsch & Peterson has been selected for the 2018 Best of South San Francisco Award in the Real Estate category by the South San Francisco Award Program.

Each year, the South San Francisco Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.  These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community.  These exceptional companies help make the South San Francisco area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category.  The 2018 South San Francisco Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the South San Francisco Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About South San Francisco Award Program

The South San Francisco Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the South San Francisco area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The South San Francisco Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community.  Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: South San Francisco Award Program

CONTACT:
South San Francisco Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@inrecognition.org
URL: http://www.inrecognition.org”

Poetsch & Peterson is a privately held company in South San Francisco, CA .

Categorized under Real Estate Investments.  Current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of less than $500,000 and employs a staff of approximately 1 to 4.                   

My last Poetsch & Peterson Golden Latigo half-hide Summer 1986