A Look Back In Time

Ever wondered what Harry's was like during the prohibition? Did you know that Harry's actually suffered a fire at one point in time? Well, today that is what we would like to tell you about.

Harry's Chocolate Shop opened in 1919. The original owner was Harry J. Marack. At this time, Harry's was the only soda fountain near Purdue's campus during this time and it remained to stay that way for a while. Harry's originally sold sodas and lunch items. Then one thing changed that would change the fate of Harry's forever. Harry's obtained their alcohol license.

Harry J. Marak, would continue to help his father run Harry's Chocolate Shop long after World War II. The shop played a big role in the Marak family until 1977. That year, Herschel E. Cook II took over and purchased the business. Cook and his wife were Purdue graduates and formerly lived in South Chauncey. Who could be a more perfect fit?

In 1995, the unthinkable happened. Harry's suffered from a fire that took place on the second floor of the bar. 60 firefighters worked hard and diligently to save the bar. Luckily, the fire did not make it to the bottom floor. Making repairs in a month's time, Harry's was completely back and up and running for business.

Coming up on the 100 year anniversary coming up within the next 4 years, there is no doubt that Harry's will be around for 100 more years to come. Harry's Chocolate Shop has been a staple on Purdue's campus since 1919 and we cannot imagine how much it is going to grow in the future.