The 1896 and 1897 Gazettes carry the advertisement of Harry Reiber, located next to Dr. Steele's Drug Store. But unfortunately on November 18, he had to announce the selling-out of his business owing to the fact that he was forced to vacate his premises and had no other building available.

In the September 25 , 1902 issue we find Mr. J. D. Adam selling stoves, ranges, Sherwin-Williams Paints. But he too disposes of his business in May 1903, and moves to London after selling his residence to Mr. J.F. Krug for $2950. Mr. Adam had been very active in the Baptist Church of Tavistock.

On April 9, 1903 we find that Jacob Eidt of Wellesley returned to the employ of Mr. J.W. Ratz, located opposite the Arlington Hotel and that Mr. George Eifert must have been his neighbour in the same line of business. Mr. Eifert subsequently moved to his shop on Woodstock St. S., opposite the new Oxford Hotel, some time before April 18, 1912. Then the Gazette reports his raising the building for a cellar and encasing it with asbestos and sheet iron. This had formerly been a repair shop, owned by a Mr. Myers.

Mr. J .W. Ratz had likewise moved to Woodstock St. S., and at the same time ·Mr. Charles Klein, Sr., opened his hardware business beside him (see picture).

Harold Woelfle, Tinsmith & Plumber
The Jake Woelfle, Plumbing and Tinsmithing advertisement in the 1948 Centennial Booklet records it thus: "About 1885 J.D. Adam established a tinsmithing business in the present location. He was succeeded by Ratz & Klein in 1902. A.H. Gingerich becaine a partner to Mr. Ratz in 1903, but Mr. Ratz became sole owner a year later. On November 29, 1911, M. Woelfle & Son bought out Ratz (who bought a hardware business in Fordwich). The present owner, Jake Woelfle, a son, succeeded to the business on April 1, 1945. With his brother Martin and the former's son, Martin G., Mr. Woelfle is now able to supply high grade modern plumbing, heating and air conditioning."

On the death of his father, Martin G. took over, but changed into a variety store. His wife maintained it for some time after his untimely death. Later, Ken Mason opened a grocery store beside the long-established firm of Klein Bros. Hardware. After service in World War II, Harold, the son of Martin, took over the shop which his father had built on Hendershot St., and has carried on from there since 1958.

For many years George Eifert continued at his stand opposite the Oxford Hotel, formerly the Union. Associated with him was his son Carl who continued it for some years on his own. The premises are still in the hands of the Eiferts, but are rented to Klein Bros. Hardware.

Carl Eifert and Harold's son Kenneth complete the staff of the present firm.

Fred Weicker, Plumbing & Heating
After military service in France and Germany from 1943-46, Fred completed a plumber's course at the Veteran Rehab. School at London. He apprenticed with Forest Bickerton of Woodstock for 8 - 9 months, then with Davis & McGinnis until September 1949 to acquire his journeyman's papers. In 1949 he started his own plumbing and heating business, working out of his residence at 98 Hope St. W.

The earliest "horse doctor" in Tavistock was Dr. Philip Herold, who had been a member of the Township Council of South Easthope at the time of our incorporation. Herold and McKay have an advertisement in the 1896 Gazette: "O.V.C. graduates, on Woodstock S1. E., dealers in First Class horses, with a livery in connection." Dr. Herold until his death lived and maintained his barns at the corner of Jacob and Woodstock St. N. On April 13, 1911, Dr. Herold along with Dr. James Anderson left for Yorkton, Sask., with a carload of horses. It seems Dr. Anderson was associated with Dr. Herold in business, for the April 15, 1912, issue of the Tavistock Gazette reports his return to Brussels, after a five-year term with Dr. Herold. Other assistants, before and after graduation, were Max Bickle, George Blum and George Burton. Dr. Blum married Georgina Herold and practised here after Dr. Herold had passed on. Dr. Herold served as Justice of the Peace for many years after incorporation.

East of the Herold establishment, on Jacob St., was another veterinarian, called Dr. Croft, a self trained man who served on council many a term and afterwards acted as "critic" at the annual nomination meetings. He and Mr. Harvey Fuhr will always be remembered for the sparkle they gave the debate at these meetings. There must have been some rivalry somewhere for the Gazette reports that David Croft was fined $28. 10 in the Woodstock Court for writing V.S. after his name.

Dr. George V. Burton graduated from O.V.C. in 1937, having had summer training with Dr. Herold for the previous four years. He spent another year in his employ before setting up his own business in 1938 in the Baechler Block. In 1947 he built a new home and office at 90 Hope St. E. Associated with him have been Tom Melady and Dr. Dick Tenbergen. Walter Schultz is now in his employ.

Dr. Dick Tenbergen graduated from O.V.C. in 1959, only five years after he had land ed in New York as a Dutch immigrant. He worked with Dr. George Burton until 1966 when he began his own practice, ill his new house and office at 133 Hope St. W., built in 1963.

Most of the work of both Drs. Burton and Tenbergen is with the larger farm animals, but they render some service for dogs and cats and smaller animals.