Jacob Kohler: Meestervakman en entrepreneur

Abstract

Jacob Kohler: Master-craftsman and entrepreneur:
Jacob Kohler (1851-1925), born in Bavaria, was the founder of Kohler Limited, destined
to be one of South Africa's leading packaging manufacturers. Jacob, a mastercraftsman
and entrepreneur, settled in Port Elizabeth in 1880. He was one of the most well-known builders and contractors in Port Elizabeth in the period 1893-1915. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Port Elizabeth were built by Jacob Kohler. He made a name for himself as a master-joiner. He excelled in innovative practices. He was a great believer in international contact and exposure. Kohler Brothers, for example, imported cargoes of timber from overseas. As a joiner, Jacob earned the respect of his peers by his hard work, thoroughness, dedication and ingenuity.

Keywords: Port Elizabeth; German community; building trade; joinery; First World War; packaging industry.

South Africa Journal of Cultural History Vol. 22 (2) 2008: pp. 1-19