H.C. Gramann, or Gramann’s Grocery, was a mainstay for Victoria residents. Below is a monthly statement (signed by Henry!) from February 1912, for Mrs. Frank Napolean Fossati, of Fossati’s Delicatessen, the oldest deli in Texas (28°47'N 97°00'W). Articles in the Victoria Advocate would often spell the Fossati surname as “Fossati” and “Fosatti” even in the same article, so there is little doubt this invoice is for the actual Fossati family.
Oct 31, 1891
Victoria Advocate Jan 26, 1927
Mar 7, 1919
Nov 16, 1907
Dec 23, 1920
Dec 11, 1907
Victoria Bank and Trust Mural
Aug 22, 1908
Oct 9, 1915
Catherine Lukefahr (nee Smith), one of HC Gramann’s granddaughters, recalls receiving hard candy when visiting the store from this candy jar. (right).
By 1923, at the age of 68, HC Gramann was either downsizing or modernizing, as suggested by this advertisement in the Victoria Advocate from September 9, 1923.
Apr 25, 1908 Jun 13, 1908
Apr 23& Jun 4, 1887
Jan 16, 1914 Feb 19, 1914
The following are a sampling of the HC Gramann Grocery Ads placed in the Victoria Advocate over the years.
Jun 14, 1907
May 26, 1910
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Victoria Advocate Nov 15, 1926
Mar 22, 1913 Apr 8, 1913
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HC Gramann Grocery, The House of Quality
Henry Charles (Carl) Gramann, Jr., founded his eponymous grocery store in March 1878 after learning the trade apprenticing for his uncle, Adolph Goldman. The original location was on the east side of Main Street between Santa Rosa and Constitution Streets (28°47'N 97°00'W).
Three years later, the H.C. Gramann building is being advertised for sale or rent in this May 28, 1926, ad from the Victoria Advocate.
Aug 14, 1909
The building was, for a short time, occupied by a local dairy.
May 11, 1897 Oct 28, 1901
Nov 27, 1911 Dec 7, 1911
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A photograph in a private collection shows a HC Gramann float in a local parade, advertising Nabisco sugar wafers, among other products.
Apr 10 1915 Apr 17, 1915
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The Galveston Daily News.Friday, July 23, 1897
Henry advertised in various media, including a publication geared at employees and travelers of railroads and trains.
As late as December 16, 1970, 113 E. Santa Rosa was occupied by Typewriter Sales and Service. The location is now occupied by a large office building, as shown in this 2013 Google Maps view.
Sep 25, 1902 Sep 25 Oct 23, 1902
Jun 15, 1915
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Dec 11&14, 1907
Apr 6&7, 1914
Excerpt of 1873 Map of Victoria
He later moved the business to newly constructed brick building at 112 E. Santa Rosa (28°47'N 97°00'W).
May 23, 1913
The Galveston Daily News.November 22, 1891
Jul 9, 1910 Feb 13, 1911
Rear view of Gramann Bldg. Diesbach Drug Store druggist in rear of Gramann Bldg.
Jan 26, 1903 Jul 15, 1905
Apr 7, 1914
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Sep 11, 1915
The Railroad Trainman: Volume 22, January 1, 1905, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen