User:SteveCMorin/Bridgman's Furniture

Bridgman's Furniture is a high-end furniture retailer located in Lebanon, New Hampshire. A single location, family owned and operated business; Bridgman’s Furniture boasts 27,000 square feet of retail space.

History
Nathan Crossman Bridgman, “Cross,” was a well-known auctioneer who traveled to New England to hold auctions. When he tired of travel and decided to “retire” he started up a small store on North Park Street in Lebanon, New Hampshire where he sold crockery and other home furnishings. The exact date is unknown; however, the earliest sales records are dated in 1891.

Cross’s son, Daniel eventually joined him in the business. Daniel then took control of the business after Cross passed away. He eventually moved to a larger store location on West Park Street in Lebanon. It was here that the store celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1941.

Eventually, Daniel married Susan Stearns of Lebanon. They had a son, Nathan Frederick Bridgman. Susan was an art teacher. However, when Daniel passed away at a relatively early age, Susan took over the business. Her son, Nathan, was of school age at the time.

Susan became a very savvy and well-respected businesswoman. It was Susan, who in 1950, sat on a tree stump on what is now know as the Miracle Mile and counted cars for the weekend. She declared, “This is where we are going to build our new store.”

Nathan returned home after serving as an Army artillery officer in Europe during WWII, and helped his mother in the business, eventually taking over control when she retired during the construction of the new store.

Key dates
1891 Bridgman’s Furniture earliest sales records.

1946 Bridgman’s Furniture is incorporated.

1952 In October, the new 20,000 square foot store opened on the Miracle Mile.

1980 It was in December when grandsons Steven and Daniel Rutledge took over the family business.

1985 Bridgman’s Pennsylvania House Furniture Gallery opened.

1989 The old warehouse was demolished and ground was broken for a new warehouse and a 7,500 square foot addition to the store.

1990 Bridgman’s opened a Thomasville Furniture Gallery as well as a Stickley Furniture Gallery.

1991 Bridgman’s celebrated its 100th anniversary.