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.
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