47

My Great GrandFather

Koester’s Bakery was founded by Eilert Koester (9-1858 to 11-7-1948) and his wife Lisette (12-1860 to 8-7-1947).

Hilda Koester my Grandmother (1893-1958) was the daughter of the founders of Koester’s Bakery,  Eilert Koester (9-1858 to 11-7-1948) and his wife Lisette (12-1860 to 8-7-1947). Both Eilert and Lisette were born in Germany

Eilert H koester was born in Oldenburg Germany and came to the United States as a baker while working as a baker on Ocean Liners. Eilert married Lisette and they had two children at the time, William Sr. (3-1888) and Hilda (my grandmother )(12-1893) who married Frank G. Schenuit later in life).  In 1885 they started the Koester’s Bakery that bore his name.

Eilert was considered one of the best billiard players in Baltimore and never a day passed without Eilert playing a game. After their 60^th wedding anniversary Lisette his wife passed away and the following year Eilert passed away

The bakery was founded in 1885 and was at one time the largest family owned bakery east of the Mississippi. The business, was located at 644 W. Lexington Street.

They employed about 450 people and had a huge operation delivering bread directly to the homes of their customers.

The bakery was later in the hands of William Koester Jr. and Richard Koester their sons. The bakery was later sold to Bar Realty a venture capital firm for $660,000 in cash and the assumption of 2.3 million of debt.

Below is Hilda Koester daughter of Eilert became the wife of Frank G. Schenuit who started Schenuit Tire Company and their 3 daughters: Elizabeth-Betty, Nancy Lee and Mary Jean= my mom

Both Eilert and Lisette died very close to one another