[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 72 (Friday, June 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HONORING KAVANAUGH'S FURNITURE FOR THEIR 125 YEARS OF BUSINESS

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 5, 1998

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged today to have 
the opportunity to acknowledge and honor Kavanaugh Furniture of 
Springfield, Massachusetts for its 125th year of business.
  In 1873, Mr. Dennis Nelen opened his establishment as a ``wholesaler 
and retailer in elegant furniture, hair and husk mattresses'' and 
before 1900 he partnered with Mr. William Kavanaugh. Today, Kavanaugh's 
is the largest furniture store in Western Massachusetts and has three 
sister stores with a fourth on the way. It is Springfield's oldest 
family owned business still in existence and one of the oldest 
operating furniture stores in the entire United States.
  In an era where retailers often sacrifice quality service for 
quantity sold, Kavanaugh's has remained a testament to the beauty of 
the family business. In their establishment, quality service is a trait 
passed down through the generations. Mr. Jack Nelen, who became 
Kavanaugh's president in 1965 and is the grandson of the original 
founder, began making deliveries for the store when he was just a 
teenager. The success of a family business can be measured, in part, by 
the duration of its existence. Kavanaugh Furniture has survived and 
flourished through two world wars, the Great Depression, and several 
other fluctuations in the economy. They were also able to last during 
the recession of the early 90s even though furniture was considered a 
luxury by many. Perhaps more impressive has been Kavanaugh's ability to 
survive the local ``big chain'' competition, while located in an area 
not supported by mega-mall traffic. In this regard, the Nelen family 
business can be considered a huge success and a strong example for 
other family businesses.
  Only 1 out of 30,000 retail stores makes it to be 100 years old, and 
Kavanaugh's has now reached its 125th year in the business. Not only 
has Kavanaugh's created lasting personal success for its owners and 
employees, it has been an enormous asset to the community and 
neighborhood as well. Its list of civil activities and commitments 
includes being a catalyst for and taking part in fund raisers for The 
Children's Miracle Network, Shriner's Hospital, the Red Cross, and the 
United Way. Kavanaugh's once even held a free picnic for over 2,500 
city kids.
  The Kavanaugh Furniture store is an anchor for the community. It has 
taken care of its customers and has been rewarded with 125 years of 
business. I wish the Nelen family and all of the folks at Kavanaugh's 
success in continuing a great tradition of excellent service to their 
customers and the community at large as they embark on the 21st century 
and another 125 years.

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