Site of Muelder Store The community of New Berlin developed as German settlers came to the area in the 1840s. Businesses, schools and churches were established to serve its residents. In 1898, Luedger Kuehler, H. E. Kalies and Otto J. Muelder entered into a partnership, which they called l. Kuehler and Company. The partners operated a general merchandise store, saloon and cotton gin, and brokered cotton for area farmers. In 1916, Luedger and Hulda Kuehler sold the store, saloon and cotton gin property to Otto (1872-1927) and Blanche (1876-1955) Muelder. The names of the various businesses then were changed to reflect the Muelders' ownership. The Muelder family carried on the tradition of service and sales to the New Berlin Community, providing vital credit to local farm families dependent on the speculative nature of cash crops. The business remained in operation after a 1927 hunting accident resulted in Otto's death and later, when the Muelder Store and family home burned to the ground in 1946. With help and encouragement from the community following the fire, the store relocated to what had been the Muelder Saloon and reopened for business in a matter of days. In its 95-year association with the Muelders, the store was a gathering place for the area. The original store building occupied more than 5,000 square feet and, for a time, was the location of the only telephone in the community. The store was sold out of the Muelder family in 1993, and the building was demolished the following year. Its history, however, remains an important part of the social and economic heritage of this part of Guadalupe County.