It's important to begin any enterprise with a firm

foundation and no one knows better than Abry

Brothers. The 166-year old company which

specializes in raising and shoring houses, remains

a solid, stable and firmly planted fixture in the

construction industry. The oldest foundation repair

company in the country, Abry Brothers had its

humble beginning in 1840 when John G. Abry, a

skilled shorer, arrived in New Orleans from Frank-

furt, Germany. Realizing he had a niche in the

construction market due to the unstable delta soil

which is characteristic of the area, Abry purchased

a lot at 816-18 North Johnson St. and set up shop.

He ran the business alone until the 1860's when

he was joined by his son Emile. Emile's three sons

came into the business near the turn of the century

and operated under the name "Emile Abry &

Sons." His sons would later change the name to

Abry Brothers. Six generations later, Abry Brothers

continues to be a stabilizing force in the building

industry, handling all sizes and types of jobs.