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Specialties
Wisconsin’s local outdoor store carrying clothing and outerwear, footwear, lifestyle accessories, camping gear and paddlesports including canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards. Alpine and nordic skis, snowboards and winter accessories. Outdoor patio furniture is available year-round.
Outerwear, Footwear, Camping, Outdoor Patio, Paddlesports, Ski/Snowboard
History
Established in 1844.
In 1844, Wisconsin was still a territory. Milwaukee had one of the best harbors on the Great Lakes and the confluence of three navigable rivers. The emerging city of 1,700 people was growing and so was lake commerce. Greenleaf D. Norris, an early settler, opened a ship’s chandlery and sail loft at the corner of Water and Erie Streets.
The Joys brothers assumed ownership of the company in 1875. The R. Laacke Co. was founded in 1887 by Richard T. Laacke. Tent making led to the R. Laacke Company’s growth as a camping outfitter.
The firms merged in 1957 and moved to the historic 1433 N. Water Street location in 1961. In 1982, Laacke & Joys was purchased by Ralph J. Wollmer, a long time Laacke employee, and Sargeant E. Joys, the fourth generation member of the Joys family in the firm. In 1996 the company changed ownership and is still locally owned and operated by the managing partner, Marsha K. Mather.
Our loyal customers have been the most important factor in our longevity.
Meet the Business Owner
Marsha M.
Business Owner
Marsha Mather is owner and president of Laacke & Joys. Along with retail, there is a manufacturing division specializing in the design and production of custom sewn products covering many types of industries from banking to railroads, to the medical field. In March of 2012, the company purchased Concept Seating, a 24⁄7 Intensive Use Chair. Laacke & Joys was established in 1844, making the company older than the state of Wisconsin. The company was purchased in February, 1996, and went under her leadership at that time.
Marsha sits on the boards of MMAC (Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce), Sports Specialists, Inc., MRA (Management Resource Association), Junior Achievement and The Bobbie Nick Voss Charitable Funds. She is a member of the Milwaukee Riverwalk District, Platypus Society, and Women for MACC (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer).