Who would’ve thought that Naegelin’s Bakery in New Braunfels, Texas has been operating for more than a century already? In fact, to date it’s been in operation for 145 years and counting. If you’re from Texas, you must be proud of what this bakery has achieved. By now it is an institution. It’s hard to beat such a feat. If you’re from nearby states and you happen to drop by at this bakery located at 129 South Seguin Avenue, perhaps you too might be amazed at how this bakery withstands the test of time and ask, how did this begin?
Naegelin’s Bakery was founded in 1868 by Edouard Naegelin Sr. He arrived in New Braunfels with just a very little cash in his pocket and only a sack of flour. He was 24 when he first set foot in this town. He was born in Alsace-Lorraine in 1844 but his parents brought him to the United States when he was only two. He joined the military forces when he was 19 and fought in the Civil War. After the war, together with a partner, he opened a bakery in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, their partnership did not succeed.
The first bakery he established in New Braunfels was in the Goldebagen building which at present is located at the City Hall. However, he transferred to his present site at South Seguin Avenue in 1870 and by 1874 he was able to buy the property. Since then, Naegelin’s Bakery continued to make a name for itself as a bakery that offers nothing but the best baked breads.
The bakery was totally a family affair as Edouard was assisted by his loving wife, Francisca Seekatz Naegelin, as well as his children. He managed the operation until his death in 1923. His daughter Leonie and son Edward Jr. continued the operation of their family business. But on January 1, 1924, Edward Naegelin and his wife Laura took over the management and redesigned the building in 1935. Then their son Clinton Frank took over and managed the bakery prior to its sale in the 1980’s to the Granzin family.
Edward and his family lived in the apartment just above the bakery. He and their son managed the bakery’s operation while Laura and their daughter, Amy Frances, were the front liners. Mrs. Naegelin knew how to handle customers and this contributed much to their continued success. She was able to establish a good relationship even with local traders, that gave them priority even when the time came that supplies began to lessen.
Naegelin’s bakery has had its ups and downs but as you can see it is still standing and continuously operating in New Braunfels. At present, it offers fresh and delicious cookies, pies, pastries, and cakes and has maintained its quality that won their customers’ trust and loyalty.
The bakery opens from Mondays-Fridays, 6:30am to 5:30pm and on Saturdays from 6:30am to 5pm. It has no operation on Sundays. Texas has some excellent bakeries and it is interesting to take a peak into history and see that a piece of history is still standing to this day.
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