Pipe manufacturer
Willem te Gussinklo Sr. (1852–1920) was one of the key figures in the history of the horn-working industry in Aalten. Initially, he made German pipes and handles for walking sticks and umbrellas. Later, he focused on the production of buttons.
Willem te Gussinklo was born on 13 November 1852 at house number 284 (Markt 3) in Aalten, the son of shopkeeper Willem te Gussinklo and Josina Aleida Mierdink. On 26 May 1887, he married Maria Jacoba Gangel (a sister of the Reverend Gangel). Around 1890, they moved into a stately villa on Willemstraat.
Willem learned the craft of horn working from his brother-in-law, Gerrit Peters. Together with Wessel Becking, he started a pipe factory. However, in 1884 their paths crossed and they went their separate ways. Following the unsuccessful partnership with Becking, Willem te Gussinklo manufactured German pipes and handles for walking sticks and umbrellas.
Buttons
Around 100 years ago, companies had emerged in Germany and England that manufactured buttons from horn. Inspired by this example, Willem began making horn buttons in 1905, a first for the Netherlands. Soon afterwards, his son Willem te Gussinklo Jr. (known as ‘Piepkes Willem’) joined the company, developing into an innovative entrepreneur.
Te Gussinklo’s first factory was located at ’t Dal in Aalten, which is now Willemstraat.
Willem te Gussinklo Sr. passed away on 21 June 1920 and is buried at the Old Cemetery on Varsseveldsestraatweg in Aalten.
