John Francis (J. Frank) Lynch, born in Troy, Rensselaer, New York, on October 29, 1862, worked as a tailor at Morris and Gross Clothier in his hometown before moving to Erie somewhere around 1900. John begun his career in Erie first working as a Cutter at Straus and Lynch, Merchant Tailors, which was located at 1010 State Street, before opening his own shop, J. Frank Lynch Tailor Shop, across the street of where he was once employed. Originally located at 1017 State Street, later he would move shop to the second floor at 1019 State Street. John, who was the Secretary, in 1917, of Erie’s Merchant Tailors' Exchange, was known to advertise regularly in the Erie Times Newspaper. The following is a transcription from one of his advertisements that ran in the newspaper in 1923:
Time is the acid test that separates the gold from the dross. The season of 1923 finds the establishment of J. Frank Lynch firmly imbedded in the minds and patronage of that portion of Erie's men folk who have called upon our workmanship and materials and have received not only what they asked but that higher type of service that goes hand-in-hand with the Master Craftsman's work. It has never been the policy of this establishment to render just GOOD service, but always we have asked ourselves the question —
'HAVE WE GIVEN THE VERY UTMOST POSSIBLE?'
To be well dressed is not just a desire to be proper, It is an asset and a duty we owe to ourselves.
We cordially invite your inspection of the new spring styles and fabrics
J. Frank Lynch
1019 State Street
John eventually became the President of the Merchant Tailors' Exchange, and was instrumental in introducing the craft of tailoring as a curriculum in the Erie School District’s technical and trade schools.
John’s son, Francis Edward (Frank E.) Lynch, was born in Troy, Rensselaer, New York, on May 29, 1884, before being brought to Erie by his father. Frank graduated from Central High School in 1904, but soon afterwards left Erie to seek his fortune in Seattle, Washington. While in Seattle he worked as a Cutter at William Kuist Tailors. In 1911 Frank married and returned to Erie, working as a tailor at Ewing-Forsyth-Adams Company, through 1923, before working with his father. Frank took over his father’s business when he passed away on the 9th of February in 1933, at the age of 70 years. Frank continue to operate the business from his father’s shop on State Street as well from his own home at 217 East Eight Street until he passed away on December 23, 1946, at the age of 62 years.
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| John Francis (J. Frank) Lynch. |
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| J. Frank Lynch Tailor Shop, 1017 State Street (1920) |
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| Frank Edward Lynch at the cutting table. |
