Finkenberg's Sons Furniture facts for kids

Finkenberg’s Sons Furniture was a famous store in New York City. It sold fancy furniture and was open from 1870 to 1948. It was like a big department store, but just for furniture!

A Furniture Store's Journey

Finkenberg’s Sons Furniture started in Manhattan in 1870. By 1940, it had grown into one of the biggest furniture stores in the New York metropolitan area.

After the founder, Adolph Finkenberg, passed away in 1914, his four oldest sons took over. Their names were Edward, Sam, Frederick, and Israel.

Building Bridges for Business

In 1919, getting to the company's main office became hard. A ferry line that connected Yorkville, Manhattan and Queens closed. This made it tough for people to cross.

Because of this, Frederick Finkenberg, who was the company's president, joined the board for the Triborough Bridge. His job was to help create a new way to get into Manhattan.

Ten years later, Frederick helped plan the bridge's opening ceremony. Important people like President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, and Governor Herbert Lehman were there.

The Flagship Store and Big Ideas

In 1927, Finkenberg’s Sons opened its main store. It was a huge five-story building right across from Bloomingdale's.

This store was special because it showed off the first "Jumbo Philco." This was known as the world's largest radio at the time!

Even during the Great Depression, when many businesses struggled, Finkenberg’s Sons Furniture kept doing well. They even opened new stores. In 1938, they opened one across the Hudson River. A year later, another big store opened on 36th Street and Eighth Avenue.

Friendly Credit and New Ways to Pay

Finkenberg’s Sons was known for its special "layaway plan." This was a new idea in the United States. It let customers pay for items over time.

Their motto was "Friendly credit since 1870." In 1941, a TV show called Philco Playhouse Network even praised the company for its smart payment ideas.

The End of an Era

In 1948, Finkenberg’s Sons was sold. It was renamed Finkenberg’s Furniture Co. The big store in midtown, near 58th and 59th Streets, became Alexander's Department Store.

Adolph Finkenberg's Legacy

Adolph Finkenberg was more than just a businessman. He helped start Temple Israel in New York City. He also helped orphans and gave shelter to African Americans during tough times in the early 1900s.

Adolph Finkenberg is remembered as a successful entrepreneur. He was also a strong supporter of people who needed help. Adolph, his wife Emma, their eight children, and their spouses are buried together in Mount Hope Cemetery in New York.