From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50^th Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"

"Mr. Nicholas Schank, one of the history makers of Harlem, was born in Germany in 1862.  He came to Chicago in 1882, a poor boy.  He worked at odd jobs until finally he was engaged as a bartender.  In 1891 he came to Harlem and started a business of his own.  He was very successful and built in 1898 the finest building Harlem, located at Harlem and Madison Sts., costing over $30,000 (including the land), which he named Schank's Hall.  Finding the undertaking too large, he disposed of it and bought the building now occupied by the Harlem State Savings Bank, which he sold to the occupants last year, 1905, and erected a handsome building in 101 Madison St., which he now occupies as a saloon.  Mr. Schank is one man who never knew the word fail.  For a young man he has achieved the success which, without great perseverance, could not have been accomplished.  He is very popular and enjoys a large tr4ade.  he belongs to several fraternal and benevolent societies.

"Mr. Schank was married in 1890 to Miss Anna Schuth.  They have four children -- Anna, Lizze, Nicholas and Elmer."