Island History - Elfers' Store:
Elfer's Store is one of only a handful of commercial buildings on Kelleys Island and, unlike most of the others, has had little alteration. Fred Elfers, a German immigrant from Hanover, came to the island in 1861 and established himself in the mercantile business in 1876. His first store was located two blocks north or Division Street.

While operating the General Store across Division Street, he contracted August Schaedler to build the store which makes up the southern section of the building. It incorporated many of the newest innovations and labor saving devises of the time, including a pressed tin wall and ceiling covering, freight elevator, ceiling fans, and a coffee roaster. All were powered by a Thomson-Houston arc lighting system, the first electric light system in Erie County, and the only electric system then on the island. It also had an engine and boiler for steam heat. Elfers carried a "complete" line of merchandise including dry goods, boots, shoe, hats, farm implements, hardware and groceries.

In 1893 the second store was erected to the north, using the north wall of the first as a common wall, with openings were put through on both the first and second floors. The line of merchandise was now so varied that the store was jokingly known as "Noah's Arc." After Fred's death in 1923, his son, Arnold, continued its operation. Under a string of short-term owners, it was variously operated as hardware store and second-hand furniture store, remaining empty much of the time, until Frank Pohorence purchased it for storage for his adjoining business, the Island Market.


Source: "The National Register Inventory for Kelley Island" by Kevin and Betty Pape