14 December 1914 - "Why Not A Victrola?"

On this day in 1914, Athens merchants Bernstein Brothers, then located on Broad Street, published an ad in the Athens Daily Herald with the suggestion, "Make This A Furniture Christmas" because "It may be, reader, that you have overlooked the possibilities furniture offers in this direction and if so we invite you cordially to look over our highly suggestive holiday stock."

Specific suggestions "For Father" included a smoking stand, a reclining chair, or a writing desk; "For Mother," a hall mirror, a dressing table, an art square, or a telephone stand. Other gift ideas included "Why Not Give This Ideal Fireless Cook Stove?," "Why Not A Victrola?," and "Rockers Are Very Acceptable Christmas Presents."

Bernstein Brothers started out as furniture makers for the Athens area around the start of the 20th century, and it was not unusual for such businesses to receive orders for coffins as well. Bernstein Brothers started their funeral business in 1911, and are one of the oldest funeral homes in Athens.

Learn More:

• Athens Daily Herald, Jul. 1913 - Feb. 1923 on Microfilm in the Heritage collection.
• Oconee Hill Cemetery Record of Interments in the Heritage collection.
• Oconee Hill Cemetery, Athens, Georgia, Volume I by Charlotte Thomas Marshall in the Heritage and general collections.
• Athens-Clarke County, Georgia Cemeteries compiled by Eve B. Weeks in the Heritage and general collections.
• Bernstein Brothers Funeral Home website.