My great-grandfather, John J Strelesky, of the Edes Robe Tanning Co. came from the home office in Dubuque, Iowa, and opened an office in South Omaha, Nebraska. An article was published in the Omaha World Herald on December 5, 1909 discussing the new venture.

Transcription of article:

Edes Robe Tranning Co. Locates at South Omaha

John J. Strelesky of the Edes Robe Tanning company, who comes from the home plant at Dubuque, has secured an office at 2415 Q street, South Omaha, and will take orders there this winter. He will open a branch factory next summer.

Already the Edes company has a large trade in the west, but it wishes to enlarge it and to avoid the heavy freight charges between Dubuque and the west. It does not buy the hides and furs it makes into lap robes and garments. Instead, it avoids tying up so much money in stock. It deals direct with its customers, and does business as a custom tailor would. The farmer, stock grower or hunter brings his hides or skins to the Edes company to be tanned or dressed and made up into lap robes or coats or caps or fur garments, including ladies’ furs, mittens and rugs. Incidentally the company mounts birds and deer heads and fur animals.