[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 101 (Friday, July 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1419-E1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING KAVANAGH'S FURNITURE FOR THEIR 125 YEARS OF BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 1998

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged today to have 
the opportunity to acknowledge and honor Kavanagh Furniture of 
Springfield, MA, 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 Kavanagh. Today, Kavanagh'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, Kavanagh's

[[Page E1420]]

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 Kavanagh'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. 
Kavanagh 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 Kavanagh'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 
Kavanagh's has now reached its 125th year in the business. Not only has 
Kavanagh'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. Kavanagh's once even held a free picinc for over 2,500 city 
kids.
  The Kavanagh 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 Kavanagh'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.

                          ____________________