The S. H. Kress Company was founded by Samuel H. Kress in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania in 1887. It was one of America’s five-and-dime retail chains that started in the last quarter of the 19th century only to fade from the landscape about a 100 years later. Despite the loss of chains such as Kress, there are many magnificent structures that remain for all of us to appreciate and admire. The S.H. Kress Companyin particular believed in the notion that

“Each Kress store was a gift of civic art to its community.”

What set many of S. H. Kress stores apart from the crowd was the magnificent art deco architecture employed in the design and construction. They were not just retail stores, they were statements of pride, by the company and for the community. So superb was the architectural detail, that the National Building Museumin Washington, DC has an entire collection dedicated to S.H. Kress stores!

It is often stated on webpages that only 50 of these architectural gems remain, many of which are rightfully placed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, I have compiled a list below of the remaining S.H. Kress stores and found many more than just 50 dotting the map. If you are aware of any I have missed or been unable to locate, please pass along the information. It would be very welcome.

Here’s is my list of 117 former S. H. Kress buildings that were found searching the internet, particularly through roadsidearchitecture.com and wikipedia. The year of completion and current use (if known) is provided. An asterisk* means the building is on the National Register of Historic Places or is located within a National Register Historic District. Whenever available, a link to a photo is provided too. Enjoy viewing these “imKressive” structures, most of which continue to serve as an inspiring architectural focal point of each community where they are located.

What to learn more about Kress? Below is a visual link to a book about the stores on Amazon.