Historical Images of Porter County
Lowenstine's Department Store
Valparaiso, Indiana
Date: 1910
Source Type: Postcard
Publisher, Printer, Photographer: Lowenstine
& Sons, Portage Publishing Company
Postmark: September 6, 1910, Valparaiso, Indiana
Collection: Steven R. Shook
Remark: Jacob Lowenstine located his business in Valparaiso in May 1885.
His first retail outlet was called the Grand Opera One-Price Clothing House,
which was housed on the lower floor of the Grand Opera House (not the Memorial
Opera House). At that time, the ground floor of the Grand Opera House was vacant
given that the Quartermass Brothers had discontinued their business. After the
rent was increased considerably at the Grand Opera House location, Lowenstine
decided to purchase the old Odd Fellows building on Franklin Street, shown here,
and move his business there. Lowenstine's department store business grew rapidly
and the Odd Fellows building constrained growth. Hence, Lowenstine began
purchasing lots located to the north and south of his building. Eventually a new
store replaced the Odd Fellows building, as well as some buildings adjacent to
it. The alley behind the Odd Fellows building was also vacated so that it could
be used as ground for the new building.
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Image and related text prepared by Steven R. Shook