Lauerman’s Savings Bank Store

Joseph Lauerman and Donald McDonald founded the first store in 1890. The retail store was located on Main Street and had 25 feet of store frontage. They rented the building for just $25 a month. The first store was called Lauerman’s Savings Bank Store. Frank Lauerman, Joseph’s brother joined the store 2 years later. McDonald sold his interest in the store to the Lauerman’s to open a store of his own in Merrill Wisconsin.

The Lauerman’s boys were born in the Village of Muscoda, Wisconsin and both had worked in retail. When it got to the point where they had reached the top wage level, $45 dollars a month, they decided it was time to move on and to become the employer and no longer the employee.

A search for towns in which to locate a store ranged from Appleton Wisconsin to Hancock Michigan but when hearing of the Marinette area with its large population and booming economy it became there first and last stop.

 The two brothers were joined by a third brother Charles at the turn of the century. It wasn’t long before the 25 Foot – Front store grew by connecting the 3 surrounding stores into one. Making full use of main floor, upper floor and basement. The family called the store, Lauerman’s Saving Bank Store.

The Largest Small City Store in America

Through the years the Lauerman Brothers along with many other family members as well as a group of hard-working employees from throughout the area helped Lauerman’s Department Store to become known as the “The Largest Small City Store in America”  

Lauerman’s Business Commitment

In the beginning, the business grew and lasted as it did, primarily for two reasons.

First, the brothers had an incredible work ethic which found them not only sharing in the buying and office work of the business but waiting on customers and inventorying the stock. Starting from scratch in a strange town was an around the clock job finding the brothers often spending nights sleeping on a cot right at the store.

The Second, they based their actions on these simple fundamentals: There is no substitute for honesty, don’t buy merchandise unless you can pay in cash, advertise accurately and often, keep on top of what’s popular and to buy for less to sell for less. It must be noted that these two above reasons for their success are as important today for any business as it was way back then.

Through most of Frank’s Lauerman’s life he spent Monday nights on a Chicago Northwestern Sleeper to Chicago. Where he was known on Maxwell Street as keen buyer. Getting the Best product available at its lowest possible price. A living example of at least two of these fundamentals in action.

The Flag Ship Store

Lauerman’s Flag Ship Store was opened in 1904. It was built by then Senator Isaac Stephenson. It was a Hugh success from the outset. The brothers would soon add a wholesale department, a catalog service and branch stores in Oconto, Shawano and Clintonville, Ottumwa, Iowa, Escanaba and Manistique, Michigan.

In 1904 Lauerman’s also opened a Knitting Mill on Pierce Av. in Marinette. The mill, employed 160 persons. It made Nationally known “Marinette Knits” (quality Women’s Dresses), which also were sold under the Brittany Club label. Adding another type of industry to Marinette’s to industrial mix. It later owned a Mill in Oconto.

The Mills were owned by the Lauerman’s for about 30 years. The Closing of the Flag Ship Store was announced in May of 1987.

Anyone living during the Lauerman era probably had a mom or dad, sister or brother, aunt or uncle or friend, that either worked for or shopped at Lauerman’s. If they do, I’m sure they would say, any time the name Lauerman pops up, a picture, idea, or thought will come to mind. That brings them back to a simpler place in time that puts a smile on their face and warmth to their heart.

That my friends is leaving an Imprint.

Sources: Menominee Hearld Leader Saturday addition 4/26/1940, Eagle Star 5/26/87, Milwaukee Sentinel Wisc & Upper Mich. Profile section 1/11/1953, Ron Seguin.