The Portland, Oregon, firm of Dekum and Bickel was established by two German immigrants, Frederick Bickel (1832-1929) and Frank Dekum (1829-1894), who had been partners in a St. Louis confectionary business. After traveling to California in 1852, they came to Portland the following year and established the first bakery and confectionary shop in the town. They later expanded their business to include a restaurant and a soda water factory. In 1878 Dekum went into the banking business and sold his share to Bickel, who also established a warehouse business and later built an office building. Frank Dekum became a successful banker, serving as president of the Portland Savings Bank and helping to organize the Commercial National Bank. He was involved in numerous local business enterprises and built many buildings in downtown Portland, including the Dekum Building, begun in 1892 and still standing in 2006.
From the description of Dekum & Bickel records, 1855-1930. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 69661274
