G.H. Schanbacher was born in German in 1860. At the age of 14, he began learning the decorator’s trade. After establishing a successful decorating career in Germany, Schanbacher immigrated to the United States where he hoped to find even great business opportunities. He began G.H. Schanbacher and Son Church Decorating firm in 1889 and was quite successful in the Midwest. In addition to churches, the firm also decorated banks, theaters, courthouses, and private homes.
Items in this collection come from a scrapbook complied by employees of the G.H. Schanbacher and Son Church Decorators firm. They include brochures, photos, advertisements, and letters. Also included in the collection are family photos and mementos.