Bio: Treat, Royal & Emma

Surnames: TREAT OLSON

----Source: ABBOTSFORD, WIS. CENTENNIAL BOOK - 1973

Treat, Royal & Emma

R. . Teat arrived in Abbotsford May 30, 1903, and during his long residence here, served the community in many capacities.

He opened a jewelry store in the Erion Building, later known as the Thompson Hotel (located in area now havening Kelepp Implement). He acted as watch inspector for the railroad from the date of his arrival here until the year 1922.

(Click to enlarge)

R. H. Treat Jewelry Store left unknown, Mrs. Treat,

Mrs. Hilda Olson, Dela Donalson & Mr. Treat (1905)

On Oct. 17, 1904, he purchased the building on the opposite side of Main Street and moved the jewelry store to this location. During 1917, Mr. Treat purchased the Fischer Insurance Agency and operated both the insurance and jewelry business until George McClaren bought the jewelry stock in 1922. Mr. Treat, however, retained the insurance agency.

He married Emma A. Olson on May 23, 1906. A daughter, Helen, was born to them, April 19, 1907. Shortly before the baby arrived, a sing “Boy Wanted,” appeared on the store entrance. However, they settled for a daughter.

On Jan. 14, 1905, Mr. Treat was elected fire chief, a position he held for thirty-seven years. At the annual open house meeting of the fire department, he served his famous meat and vegetable stew and other refreshments to those who attended. He was janitor for the Fire Department at a salary of $5 a month for three winters. During the real cold weather, fires had to be built in wood burning stoves, an hour or two after midnight, to keep the chemical engines warm and ready for action in case of fire.

During the year 1907, he was elected justice of the peace, serve six two-year terms on the village board and two years as village assessor. He was custodian of the Masonic building, manger of the Abbotsford armory for several years, and was mess and supply sergeant of the National Guards for six years.

He was also active in the management of the Abbotsford Mfg. Company, was express agent from 1904 to 1908, Stanchion Factory and president of the Abbotsford Cemetery Association.