At the election of 1886, Werner K. Ruhe was chosen Mayor over Alexander J. Zellner. The vote was 1967 to 1888. Mr. Ruhe was a son of Augustus L. and Addie L. Ruhe and was born in 1843. He died February 6, 1904. He learned the printing trade under his father in the office of the Allentown Democrat, entering in July, 1859. In June 1865, he purchased his father's interest
in the paper and continued a partner with C. Frank Haines. He was a director of the Allentown National Bank and the Allen Fire Insurance Co. and was President of the Allentown Hardware Works. Mr. Ruhe was an active member of the Columbia Fire Co., was long its Treasurer, served on the committee which on November 24, 1864, bought the Columbia Fire engine, and on March 16, 1872, was elected Chief of the Fire Department over Charles Mertz by a vote of 210 to 185. Mr. Ruhe served twice in emergencies during the Civil War in the 5th and 41st Regiments. While Mayor the garbage removal system was established in Allentown and he made the first recommendation for the purchase of the Fountain House property for water works purposes, and while Chief he made the first recommendation for the procurement of a Hook and Ladder Truck. January 4, 1887, the electric light service was established on Hamilton St., and in September following 75 electric lights were put to use on the city streets.