Harris Plumbing and Heating Inc. was established directly after World War I by Abraham Harris, the father of Paul Harris. At that time and up to World War II, Harris Plumbing engaged mainly in new construction by focusing on plumbing and heating in thousands of one and two-family homes. When World War II began, all new construction ceased and most of Harris' employees, including two of Abrahams sons, Paul and Edward, went into service for their country.