Ernest L. Kraft, Jr. -- Kraft Shoe Company -- Lima, Ohio
Real photo postcard, circa 1910, of the Kraft Shoe Company shoe store, Lima, Ohio.
My research finds that Mr. Kraft, Sr. was a shoe salesman for a company in Toledo in the 1890's [source], then opened a shoe store in Lima on Kibby. They relocated to the pictured location at 713 S. Main St. in 1903. In 1914 they moved to 707 S. Main St. [source].
In 1913 Kraft Sr. celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. So this young man pictured is Ernest L. Kraft Jr., who was listed as Manager by 1909.
There were many ads in the Lima News over the years for the Kraft's Shoe Store, none found in the 1920s though.
E. L. Kraft Jr.and his wife Lulu were mentioned often in the society news. They had a son named Ernest, as well. In 1904, little 3-yr-old Ernest was very ill. Lulu Kraft's obituary in 1949 calls her a widow, and tells us Ernest the 3rd survived [source].
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Note: These items are part of my ''Collecting Lima Virtual Museum''. They are not for sale.
If/when I find more information on these items, I will add it to the post.
Read the Introduction to my ''Collecting Lima'' Virtual Museum Project, all about my Lima Ohio Bottles, Advertising, Antiques collection.
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Ms. Dow Antiques Blog 'Tique Talk is published by msdowantiques.com
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