Local News
Fives Giddings & Lewis Celebrates 160 Years with Open House on Saturday
One of Fond du Lac’s oldest companies is opening its doors
for the public for a rare open house this weekend. Fives Giddings & Lewis
is celebrating its 160th anniversary and is Fond du Lac’s oldest
manufacturing company and third-oldest company overall. Kimberly Prophett with
Fives says it’s been a long time since the public has been invited into their
facility. “We have not opened the doors for the public to come in since 1941,”
Prophett said. “It’s very exciting, and we’re very excited to have everybody
come and take a tour through our facility, and you can see what we’ve been
doing here in the community for the last 160 years.”
Fives Giddings and Lewis began as a machine and repair shop
for the agriculture and lumber industries in 1859. The company took on government
work during the World Wars, and continues machining work for governments and
other clients to this day. Saturday’s event runs from 11 am until 2 pm at the facility
at 142 Doty Street in Fond du Lac. Both self-guided and guided tours will be provided,
with machine demonstrations as part of the tour. No high-heels, open-toed shoes
or sandals will be permitted inside the building. A brat fry will also be held
to benefit Salute the Troops and the Fond du Lac Area United Way.