4-Generation Family Leaving Hardware Store After 145 Years

CHICAGO, IL — Stauber's Hardware on North Lincoln Avenue has borne the Stauber family name since 1872. Four generations have run the store over the decades, but the family has confirmed there won't be a fifth. The store is currently liquidating and set to close in November.

From Louis Stauber, to his son William, then grandson Louis, and lastly, great-grandson Steve, the family said it's been a "great run". Steve Stauber explained he's retiring after 45 years, and the children in his family have careers in other states. He owns a flight school and small airport in Wisconsin, and plans to pursue his love of aviation.

The family said they'll miss the customers and employees—some of whom have been around longer than Steve Stauber himself. (For more local news, subscribe to free email news alerts and a daily newsletter for your hometown Patch.) According to DNAinfo, negotiations between the hardware store and a prospective owner are underway, and Ace doesn't want to lose its location.

Steve's father Louis spent many years helping other aspiring hardware entrepreneurs get their feet off the ground in Chicago, taught classes on the business, and gave financial support to students, according to a post in the Chicago Tribune.

Louis Stauber was a founder of ACO Inc., one of the largest independent hardware chains in the United States. He also served during World War II in the Adjutant General Corps.

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