Luther W. Bloch, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Luther W. Bloch
LUTHER W. BLOCH, JR. - Owner of the popular hostelry of Valparaiso, known as Bloch's Hotel, and the second generation of Bloch's to cater to the traveling public, the subject of this sketch was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, on April 29, 1897, the son of Luther and Lizzie (Weinkauff) Bloch, the former of whom was born in 1867 in the building now occupied by the hotel, and the latter in Wanatah, Indiana. The paternal grandparents were Conrad and Catherine Bloch, the former of whom was a pioneer merchant and manufacturer of custom-made shoes. He was widely known in this line of business, employing a number of workmen, and did more than usual business during the period of the Civil War, when there was a great demand for his product. The father of our subject opened a laundry in the same building. The son, Luther, the father of our subject, was one of the following children born to his parents: Martin, Julius, Nancy, Lillie, Lillian and Kittie. The maternal grandparents were Charles and Anna Weinkauff, both of whom were natives of Germany and came to this country in 1861. Shortly after landing in America, Charles Weinkauff was shanghied for service on a ship and was kept under this impress for three years. He eventually escaped and joined his wife in New York. To them were born the following children: Charles; two sons who died in infancy; William; Gust; John; Anna, the widow of Julius Bloch; Lizzie, the first wife of Luther Bloch; Gusta, the wife of Earl Dowdell of Valparaiso; Hilda, the second wife of Luther Bloch: Dora, now Mrs. Bernard Koselke; and Ella, the wife of August Koselke. To Luther and Lizzie Bloch were born the following children: Luther Bloch, Jr., and Lillian, the wife of Nicholas Yellenti, of New York City.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the Valparaiso High School, and later became a partner in the enterprise with his father in the hotel business. He enlisted for service in the World war, with the Depot Brigade, and was sent to Camp Taylor and then to the artillery branch of the service, spending some time at Camp Jackson. He was discharged on December 22, 1918. He then returned to Valparaiso, and took charge of the restaurant and hotel business. The father passed away on February 18, 1926, and the mother in 1901.
The hotel has developed from a very modest beginning, it having consisted of but five rooms in the beginning and in 1918 additions were made making eighteen rooms available - all of which are modern and in keeping with the best demands of the public. It is a favorite for tourists along the Lincoln Highway, and also enjoys a very fine patronage among commercial travelers. Further enlargements were made in 1921, particularly in the extension of the restaurant along modern lines.
Mr. Luther W. Bloch, Jr., is a member of the Masons, Shrine, Moose and American Legion. The buildings occupied by the hotel are the property of Mr. Bloch, and he is otherwise interested in building affairs of the community.
Source: Cannon, Thomas H., H. H. Loring, and Charles J. Robb. 1927. History of the Lake and Calumet Region of Indiana Embracing the Counties of Lake, Porter and Laporte. Volume II. Indianapolis, Indiana: Historians' Association. 827 p.
Page(s) in Source: 206-207
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook