The Legacy of Arthur and Hazel Auer
The story behind the Auer name is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to community.
The Brush & Broom Company in Kendallville, Indiana was originally founded by renowned author and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter. Over time, the company became an important part of the local economy and identity. However, on September 25, 1928, tragedy struck.
A devastating fire—believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion from broom corn dust ignited by sparks from a passing train—destroyed the facility. The main structure and an adjacent building were lost, leaving behind only cement block walls, twisted metal, and debris. Damage was estimated at $200,000, a significant loss for the time. The destruction forced the company into liquidation, and its future seemed uncertain.
But from that loss came new opportunity.
Two employees of the plant, Arthur A. Auer and Curtis A. Parker, stepped forward with a vision to rebuild. Shortly after forming a partnership, Arthur and his wife, Hazel S. Auer, assumed full leadership of the company. Their determination marked a turning point.
Hazel S. Auer, born August 2, 1893, to William R. and Sarah Strait, became a central figure in the company’s success and in the Kendallville community. A resident of Kendallville since 1911, she married Arthur in 1918, and together they built both a business and a legacy grounded in hard work and perseverance.
By 1929, the Auers had constructed a new facility just north of the original site along West Grove Street. They invested in modern machinery and shifted the company’s focus to manufacturing high-quality brushes for industrial, municipal, and highway use, later expanding into products for everyday household needs. With this transformation, the company became known as the Kendallville Brush & Broom Company, continuing to grow and serve customers for decades.
Arthur Auer remained actively involved in the business until his passing in 1967. Following his death, Hazel continued to lead the company, demonstrating remarkable strength and dedication. She carried the business forward with the same commitment they had shared, while also remaining active in her community as a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The Auers had no children, and after Hazel’s passing in 1972 at the age of 78, the company was eventually dissolved. Yet their legacy did not end there.
In 1998, through the estate of Hazel S. Auer, the Arthur A. and Hazel S. Auer Scholarship Fund was established to support East Noble High School students of Kendallville, Indiana. This lasting gift reflects the values Arthur and Hazel lived by—hard work, perseverance, and a belief in investing in future generations.
Today, their story continues to inspire. The Auer name stands as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, determination and generosity can create a legacy that endures far beyond a lifetime.
