The Famous

The firm of Katz & Goldsmith, composed of Leo A. Katz and Louis J. Goldsmith, opened the department store “The Famous” on Braddock Avenue in 1881. The store prospered from the beginning as employment and output from Andrew Carnegie’s Edgar Thomson Steel Works dramatically improved the economy of Braddock.

The store soon became Braddock’s largest. It continually expanded, eventually opening an additional store in McKeesport. The Famous offered the finest department store goods in the area and attracted shoppers throughout the region.

These photos were provided by the Goldsmith family. Kenneth Goldsmith continued his family's involvement in the Braddock community through distinguished service on the Heritage Community Initiatives board of directors.

(Click an image to enlarge)

Horse and wagon

The Famous circa 1930s

The Famous Fleet

The Famous circa 1955