MSS 322 - Krauss Department Store Collection: Inventory

Krauss Department Store COLLECTION

(Mss 322)

Inventory

Earl K. Long Library

University of New Orleans

Summary

 

Size:                          27 linear feet

Geographic

locations:                 New Orleans, La.

Inclusive dates:      ca. 1903-1997

Bulk dates:              1990s

Summary:                Records of Krauss Department Store, chiefly pertaining to advertising but also including photographs, correspondence, memorabilia, and other materials.

Related

collections:              J. Philip Preddy Collection (Mss 282)

Source:                     Gift, 2005

Access:                     No restrictions

Copyright:                Physical rights are retained by the Earl K. Long Library, University of New Orleans.

Citation:                    Krauss Department Store Collection, Earl K. Long Library, University of New Orleans

 

 

Historical Note

 

In 1903 Krauss was opened at 1201 Canal St. in New Orleans by Leon Fellman and his nephews, the Krauss brothers—Max Alfred, Leopold, and Fritz.  The building cost $25,000.  Because of its location—right on the edge of Storyville—the store sold satin and lace to the ladies of the “District,” as it was known.  Of course, women from all over the city shopped there, as well.  Krauss was the first department store to install air conditioning in 1925 and also the first to have escalators—then known as mechanical stairs.  The store survived into the 1990s by stocking obscure items not available at large chains and by refusing to reduce service to its loyal New Orleans customers.  It was a monument to the old-fashioned way of doing business, and proud of it.  During its 94 years of existence it expanded from 20,000 square feet to 350,000 square feet, all on a real estate parcel of 8½ acres fronting on Canal Street.  Krauss closed in 1997.

 

Sources: Gambit Weekly (December 28, 2004); “Louisiana Timeline: 1903,” http://www.enlou.com/time/year1903.htm#january1903 (accessed August 16, 2006).

 

 

Container List

 

The collection has not been processed.

 

Index Terms

 

Department stores—Louisiana—New Orleans

Krauss Department Store (Firm)