New Berlin developed as German settlers came to the area in the 1840s, and businesses, schools, and churches were established to serve the community. In 1898, Luedger Kuehler, H.E. Kalies, and Otto J. Muelder formed L. Kuehler and Company, operating a general merchandise store, saloon, and cotton gin while brokering cotton for area farmers. In 1916, Luedger and Hulda Kuehler sold the store, saloon, and cotton gin property to Otto and Blanche Muelder, and the businesses were renamed to reflect Muelder ownership. The Muelder family continued serving New Berlin, extending vital credit to local farm families dependent on the speculative nature of cash crops. The business remained in operation after Otto's death in a 1927 hunting accident and after the Muelder store and family home burned to the ground in 1946. With help and encouragement from the community, the store moved to the former Muelder Saloon and reopened within days. During its 95-year association with the Muelders, the store was a gathering place for the area; the original building occupied more than 5,000 square feet and for a time housed the community's only telephone. The store left Muelder family ownership in 1993, and the building was demolished in 1994, but its history remains an important part of the social and economic heritage of this part of Guadalupe County.