Louis Yolen is proprietor of Yolen’s Mineral Bottling Works and also of the agency for the Liquid Carbonic Acid and Fountains at No. 116 Hamilton street, in New Haven. He was born in Russia, January 10, 1889, and his life illustrates what may be accomplished by citizens of foreign birth who adapt themselves to the conditions of the new world. He is a son of Sampson and Minnie Yolen and while spending his boyhood days in the home of his parents he attended the public schools. He also became a student in a mechanical school of that country, where he learned the bottling and allied trades, and further acquainted himself with the business through actual experience. He was drafted into the Russian army and served for one year, after which he went to Germany, where he was employed as foreman of a large champagne bottling establishment.

  It was in 1912 that Mr. Yolen came to the United States, making his way direct to New Haven, and while he could not speak the English language he soon obtained a position with a large bottling house and received full pay on account of his previous broad experience. He at once entered night school in order to acquaint himself with the English language and with the customs of the people as well as to gain a knowledge of the branches which he studied. It was his purpose to become an American citizen in spirit and interests, for he meant to make this land his future home. Soon afterward he embarked in business for himself in a small way, having at first but one employe. He established his present place of business in 1914 and has steadily expanded and developed his interests until he now has five employes and utilizes two trucks and two teams in the delivery of his product, the output being sold mostly in New Haven. He uses bottles especially made for the trade with his monogram blown in. Close application and indefatigable enterprise have been the foundation upon which he has builded his present success. In June, 1917, in company with his uncle, Harry Hyatt, the business was incorporated as Yolen & Hyatt, Inc., and on the 1st of the following September they purchased the Connecticut Weisbeer Company, which they consolidated with their own business.

  Mr. Yolen has been married twice. After coming to the new world he sent tickets for his three sisters and his affianced wife to make the trip. His first wife, Mrs. Nellie Yolen, however, died after a year of married life, leaving one son, William, who is now three years of age. In 1915 Mr. Yolen wedded Gertie Patuosico, of New Haven, and to them has been born a daughter, Ruth. Mrs. Yolen also has another daughter, Rebecca, by a former marriage.

  Mr. and Mrs. Yolen attend the Bradley Street synagogue and he is a member of the Independent Order of B’nai B’rith, of the Jewish Club and of several prominent Jewish societies. He belongs also to the New Haven Protective Association. His life is indicative of the progress that can be made when energy and ambition point out the way and from a humble start he has advanced to a point of success in commercial circles.