Harry A. Lurye, born in Russia, arrived in Superior in 1900 at age 36. Lurye was employed as a stove repairman but the entrepreneur spirit was burning within him.
In 1909, Lurye conceived the idea that he and his two sons, Maurice and Edward, would do well working together and Lurye & Sons Store on North Tower Avenue became a reality.
A man filled with confidence and a spirit of goodwill, Lurye began building his business in the area he knew best, the North End neighborhood. The early days found Lurye and sons going door-to-door to seek business for the stove repair section of their business. The furniture portion of the business was taking off and expansion was being considered.
In April 1919, a fire destroyed the first Lurye store and it looked like the hopes and dreams of Harry Lurye were dashed. In an article in the Dec. 16, 1919, Superior Telegram, Lurye stated: That within weeks the community offered many assurances of friendship and material help that would allow the family to rebuild the much needed larger Lurye Store. On Dec. 16, 1919 the new Lurye Furniture Store reopened.
The store moved one more time to its current site, 1208 Tower Ave. Lurye stayed informed on the furniture business and made innovative changes and brought new furniture offerings to Superior. Harry Lurye's entrepreneurial spirit and belief in his business led to Lurye Furniture becoming an icon and cornerstone in downtown Superior for 80 years.
