By Sophia Chang
The family-owned institution's last day of operation was May 1, according to a recorded message on the store's voicemail. “We're not sure what we're going to do,” said David Kraus, son of owner Leon Kraus and grandson of founder Albert Kraus, when asked if his family would sell or rent out the location at 43-23 Bell Blvd. Although Kraus declined to comment further, the recorded farewell message that one hears upon dialing the phone number shows the legacy the store has had in the Bayside area. “The Kraus family would like to thank you, our most loyal customer, for the opportunity to be a part of your family as you have been a part of ours since 1914,” the message says. Albert Kraus opened the shop as a small blacksmith and hardware store, located on what was then called Bell Avenue, just south of Northern Boulevard. Over the years, the Kraus family moved to their new location and expanded the store, doubling the size as Bayside changed from a rural suburb to a bustling commuter pocket. The apartment where Albert Kraus once lived with his wife Minnie above the store was converted to offices and storage space. By the time Albert Kraus died in 1969 at the age of 93, his son Leon and wife Corrine were running the operation before David Kraus took over.Customers said the store was popular and had good business, particularly as residential construction and renovation took off in recent years.”They always were very busy,” said Frank Skala, president of the East Bayside Homeowners Association. “Contractors, homeowners would always go in there.”Despite the sadness that inevitably comes with the closing of a longstanding family shop, local merchants and residents said they were surprised but not shocked at the news.”It's not good,” said Judy Limpert, president of the Bayside Business Association. “We like having that longevity. But life goes on and times change.” She speculated that the store's owners had decided to retire and would probably rent out the storefront, given its prime location on Bell Boulevard's commercial strip, and less than a block away from Northern Boulevard.”They were always very user friendly,” Skala said. “There were never any complaints. They're one of Bayside's old business families, and I'm sorry to hear they're going out of business.”Reach reporter Sophia Chang by e-mail at news@timesledger.com, or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
