More than one half of the 140 years the Frankford Arsenal has been in existence can be recalled from the personal experience of the Arsenal’s oldest living pensioner… Fred A. Stegmann, 86, of 2703 Kirkbride St., Bridesburg.  Here is how Mr. Stegmann came to work in the Arsenal as a lad of 11 years old.  He was signed on in 1880 as an apprentice boy in the paint shop under his father August Stegmann, who came to the Arsenal in 1858 as an enlisted man in the Army.

The older Stegmann was foreman of the shop.  After serving out his time, young Fred joined the ranks of journeyman painters an in due time became the foreman of the shop following the death of his father in 1893.  He remained in this position until his retirement 17 years ago in 1939.  During his long service at the Arsenal, Mr. Stegmann has received many letters of commendation from high ranking officials including the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Ordnance.

A lifelong resident of Bridesburg, Mr. Stegmann was born on Oct. 4, 1869 on Haworth St.  All his life he has been active in community affairs.  Today he is active as president of the Bridesburg Perpetual Building Association and treasurer of St. Patricia Society of All Saints Church.

Mr. Stegmann makes his home with his two daughters, Mrs. Florence Turner and Mrs. Mae Trapp.  One of his chief joys of life is entertaining his great granddaughters Deborah and Patricia Michniewica, granddaughters of his daughter Mrs. Florence Turner and daughters of her daughter, Mrs. Jean Michniewica.

As seen in the Bridesburg Bulletin May 25, 1956