From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th
Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
"As a citizen of Harlem, Mr. August Thode has the esteem and confidence of his townsmen in the fullest measure. He was born in Germany in 1854, and came to this country when he was fourteen years old in 1868. He then went to a farm where he remained for three years. He returned to Chicago in 1871, just after the Big Fire, and learned the brick laying trade and was one of the men who in a practical way helped to rebuild the great city from its ashes. He remained at this trade for twelve years. In 1883 he came to Harlem and opened a saloon and restaurant at Des Plaines Ave. and Sterling St. Two years alter he moved his business to Madison St. and Des Plaines Ave., his present location, where he has the largest business in his line, and his building is one of the largest and most commodious in the village.
"Mr. Thode has a very large acquaintance, not only in Harlem and the surrounding towns, but also with the best people of Chicago. He is not only a popular and successful business man, but has also found time to serve his village as trustee on several occasions. He belongs to a number of fraternal and benevolent societies. He was married in 1883 to Miss Carrie Listmann, a woman of splendid character, and highly popular among her many friends. They had five children, one of whom, Harry, is deceased. Those living are Clara, Elsie, Walter and George."