We're One Hundred Years Old And We Have Something To Say About It.

Bradford Wholesale and Retail Furniture Company And Staff At Our Broad Street Location In 1912.

Do you remember what it was like buying furniture in Nashville before Bradford's? Very probably not.

You see J. H. Bradford began the Bradford Wholesale Furniture Company in the year 1889--and that's 9 years before the Spanish-American War. America had just elected a Republican President, Benjamin Harrison and the South was getting back on its feet after the ravages of the Civil War. As the Railroad revolutionized transportation, America was civilizing the West--Cowboy and Indian stories were real life news and Washington, Montana and the Dakotas just made states. On Nashville's local scene the Daily American National Bank showed a cash capital of the astronomical sum of one million dollars! George W. Stockell, a Nashville Businessman was advertising buggies, wagons, and carts 10% cheaper than anybody in town and one contemporary of the day, probably not interested in a cheap rid was George Vanderbilt who recently announced his plans to build a million dollar "southern home, sweet home" near Asheville, N.C. Life in 1889 was promising and America optimistic.

Life in a booming downtown wasn't much different in 1889 than today--hard work, hectic traffic, and lunchtime gossip.

J. H. Bradford began our business on Broad Street as a furniture wholesaler to retail stores but also selling at the retail level to walk-in customers. Soon we began manufacturing in our own factory at a building on North First which still stands today. As business grew we moved from Broad Street to larger space at Third Avenue North. The manufacturing and wholesale end of our business became less and less important until the late 1930's when we put our major focus on the retail market as we are today.

A bull story that's no bull.

We've had many amusing incidents in our 100 years but one story in particular is of the time a large white faced steer wandered through our open door, proceeded halfway to the office, and abruptly turned around and then bolted full speed out the door--fortunately there were no casualties either furniture or human. Unfortunately there have been times of adversity for our company. In 1945 a devastating fire put us out of business for four months and in a freak accident a ceiling above our warehouse caved in by the weight of tons of stored walnuts--turning our inventory below into kindling.

In 1951 we moved to the country--Green Hills.

Before there was a Green Hills Mall and H. G. Hills Center and when Green Hills was literally Green Hills we decided to move outside the city--on Hillsboro Pike. We were originally at the south end of our present center, to the north was a vacant lot used only at Christmastime to sell Christmas trees, and across the street--a small market. The site of the present Mall at Green hills was such poor rocky soil that even the hardy cedar trees which dot the landscape couldn't grow. Our own land was a low spot which would flood during heavy downpours. After wading through water and salvaging furniture several times we finally expanded onto the vacant Christmas tree lot where we built our present three-story building.

Well, the Green Hills of 1951 turned into the Green Hills of 1989 and Bradfords grew right along with it. The accelerated growth of the city and our dedication to service and quality home furnishings insured the prosperity of Bradfords to what it is today.

We've learned a lot in 100 Years.

Whether you've lived in Nashville for six months or 60 years we thought you'd be interested in this small piece of your city's history. After all there aren't many companies that can claim a 100 year heritage and quite honestly we're very proud and anxious to tell our story--we feel we've earned it! But the best thing about our past is the thing that's the brightest about our future--you our customer. In celebrating 1989 as our 100th birthday we will be offering many special events throughout the year in appreciation for all the support you have shown for us!

The more things change the more they stay the same.

Bradfords was founded on quality furnishings, and will continue to deliver only quality furnishings. We have seen many trends come and go but we have remained dedicated to value, quality and service. We pride ourselves on one of the most experienced design staffs in town plus on-hand inventory and a seven-day trial period to insure that the item you fall in love with on our floor is everything you thought it would be in your home. For your convenience we offer several flexible payment options and merchandise delivered and inspected with tender loving care.

As we work towards our bicentennial we can't thank you enough for each and every visit to our store--whether just browsing or furnishing an entire home. Throughout this very special events and take advantage of our "centennial" pricing throughout the store. It's been a great 100 years and it's with eager anticipation that we look forward to the next! Thank you Nashville and we hope you'll stop by soon to help us celebrate 1989!