Not much is known about his birth and origins. However, his parents moved from what is now Poland to Jaroměř in 1872, where they established a business dealing in shells and cardboard goods. In 1893, Josef Wenke became a co-owner of the company and recognised its potential. After his father’s death in 1905, storage capacity proved insufficient, prompting an expansion of the business. His brother-in-law, Josef Máša, oversaw the construction work on the new department store, drawing on his experience.
The end of the Habsburg monarchy and the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918 brought challenges, as borders, trade routes and customs regulations all changed. The company managed to survive by diversifying its offerings and working with new partners. However, Josef Wenke died in the spring of 1929, after which two of his three sons took over the business.
Sources
Buildings
Jaroměř, Czechia
Wenke's department store