Carey, Charles Henry. "History of Oregon." Vol. 3. Chicago-Portland: Pioneer Historical Pub. Co., 1922. p. 474. JULIUS FREDERICK BROETJE One of the finest nurseries in the country is owned by Julius Frederick Broetje, who is known all over the country as the producer of the finest line of ornamental shrubbery and bulbs in the west, the nursery being located at Courtney Station, Clackamas county Mr. Broetje is a native of Illinois and was born in that state in 1869, a son of John P. and Augusta (Schugert) Broetje. His father was an early settler in Illinois and was for thirteen years a teacher in one school of that state. His mother was also a native of Illinois. In 1882 the family removed to Oregon and the father started a small nursery in the vicinity of Mount Tabor. Julius F. received his educational training from his father and also worked in the greenhouse, thereby gaining a thorough knowledge of the business in which he has made such a success. Later the family removed to Clackamas county and established a small greenhouse at Courtney Station. Here Mr. Broetje worked until he was twenty-five years of age, when he took over the responsibilities of the plant, with a debt of eight hundred dollars to be cleared. He entered into the enterprise with spirit and the determination to succeed, and succeed he has. Today his nursery is known all over the country as producing the finest line of ornamental shrubbery and bulbs in the west and he makes shipments as far east as New York Mr. Broetje specializes in water lilies, both flowers and plants, and is the only extensive grower of water lilies in the state. He also specializes in Scotch heather and is the pioneer in that line. During the twenty-five years that Mr. Broetje has conducted the nursery he has paid off the debt and replaced the one small greenhouse by two very large and beautifully constructed greenhouses. With ever an eye for beauty he has three lily ponds which are dotted with his choicest varieties of lilies. The beautiful modern home of Mr. Broetje is surrounded by rows of bulbs and plants and is built over a spring, the cool and sparkling water of which has been piped to all corners of the house. In the year 1906 Mr. Broetje was united in marriage to Miss Clara Heitkemper whose parents were among the most respected in Clackamas county. Mrs. Broetje is an up-to-date and progressive woman and is always active in any church work. Mr. Broetje, while a member of the republican party, has never taken any active interest in politics although he takes great interest in civic matters that tend to improve the state. By his own diligence and labor he has made his nursery what it is today and it amuses him to note that the workmen of today are paid twenty-five dollars weekly for their services at the nursery and also provided with housing, while he worked for the wage of one dollar and fifty cents a day. Mr. Broetje's nursery is one of the enterprises of which the state is proud and his fellow citizens owe him a debt of gratitude for the prominence he has gained for the county. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in May 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.