Historic Name

Kraus Dept Store

Address

810-12 Parade Street

Municipality

City of Erie

Tax Parcel

15020016020900

Historic District

Classification

Class 1 (Definitions of Classes)

State Key Number

109895

Historic Function

Commercial - business

Style

Late Victorian

Built

1890

Architect

Builder

Barn Type on property

Last Entry Update

8/2/2016

The Kraus Department Store was established in 1886 by Edward Kraus, a German immigrant whose family settled in Erie. He built a one-story building at 810-816 Parade Street and called it the 5 & 10-cent General Merchandising Store. It would become one of the most successful businesses on Parade Street, Erie’s “original main street,” and for over a century a vibrant shopping area. In 1890, Kraus constructed a three-story building adjacent to the original single level store, which would become the beloved Kraus Department Store. Kraus was a pioneer in the department store industry, and in 1912, an important era of Erie’s merchandising history ended when he died. As a result, his children took over the operation of the store. The store expanded, selling a variety of hardware, housewares, and electric lamps—a novelty in Erie, as electricity was newly established. Kraus’s also sold women’s and children’s clothing and custom hats, as well as hunting and fishing gear.

In 1923, Edward Kraus’ daughter, Mary Kraus, and her husband, Edward Miller, began operating the store. The store thrived during the Great Depression and World War II because of its reputation for exceptional service and its loyal customer base, which continues to this day. The store expanded again in 1954 when one story was added to the building with an elevator that lead to the second floor. The Millers handed down the store to their daughter, Lou Ann, and her husband, Dan Nowosielski, as well as their son, Jerry Miller, and his wife, Betty. In 1980, the second floor was closed to the public and the Nowosielski’s took over the store. In 1986, the store received a special certificate from the governor of Pennsylvania to commemorate its 100th anniversary. Dan Nowosielski died later that year and Lou Ann became the owner of the store.

Lou Ann’s sons, Tom and Joe, became co-owners of the store in 2001 and expanded its services, including heavy equipment rentals and repair services. In 2012, the store won the first ever Commitment to Erie Award. In 2014 Preservation Erie awarded Kraus’s its Greater Erie Award for their dedication to Parade Street, and for maintaining the integrity of their iconic building. The Kraus tradition of personal service is lovingly carried on today by Lou Ann Nowosielski, Louis Nowosielski, and all of their employees. The store still has the old- fashioned feel of a family-owned business, good advice, and personal service. It is the place to shop for items that are difficult to find (“if we don’t have it, you don’t need it” is their motto), and the candy counter continues to attract Erie children.

Sources:

Kraus' History

If you have additional information or corrections to the existing information, send an email to info@preservationerie.org.
Submitted information is reviewed by Preservation Erie prior to updating the database.

Photo courtesy, Erie County Assessment Office