26 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
A Sparkling History
Bromberg’s Celebrates 175th Anniversary
BY DONNA CORNELIUS
JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER
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any business owners likely have suffered through sleepless nights as they wonder how their companies will cope with recent economic downturns. One Birmingham institution has endured not only swings in the economy, including the financial panic of 1837 and the Great Depression, but a catastrophic fire and a yellow fever epidemic. Bromberg & Company, celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, hasn’t just survived; it’s flourished. Whether it’s a diamond ring or a piece of fine china, a gift from Bromberg’s is one that many people receive with anticipation. Its silver gift box is as familiar to Birmingham customers as Tiffany & Co.’s famous pale blue box. In fact, Bromberg’s is a year older than the venerable New York store. Bromberg’s sterling reputation and longevity – it’s the oldest family-owned retailer in the U.S. – can be attributed to its willingness to change with the times, Ricky said. Bromberg, current president of the company and a member of the sixth generation of the family who started Bromberg’s in 1836. “The company has historically done well by adapting,” he said. “It’s always been primarily a jewelry store, but it included luxuries. “That definition changes over time. Cameras used to be a luxury. My greatgrandfather was friends with George Eastman (founder of the Eastman Kodak Co.), and we had the first Kodak dealership in the South.” When instant cameras, which were more affordable, came into vogue, “We exited the camera business,” said Ricky. That’s just one example of how the company altered its business plan to keep in step with the times. It’s a philosophy that started with founder Frederick Bromberg. Frederick was born in Prussia, where the Bromberg family was well known. According to a book commissioned for the company’s 150th birthday, the city of Bromberg was a thriving community, and the Bromberg castle overlooked the Danube. When the area fell to Polish rule in about 1831, many German artists and professionals emigrated. Among them was Frederick, who went first to Hamburg and then traveled to the U.S. in 1832. After two years in New York City, he and his wife moved to Mobile to open a store. Bromberg’s made it through the 1837 financial panic and then had to find a new location after an 1839 fire that destroyed much of downtown Mobile’s retail center. Frederick’s wife contracted yellow fever during an epidemic and had to return to a cooler climate for a while with the couple’s three children, leaving Frederick to carry on in Mobile. Happily, she eventually was able to return home so the family could be reunited.
Bride-to-be Sara Emily Allen, right, works on her wedding registry at Bromberg’s in Mountain Brook with her mother, Leslie Allen. Journal photo by Emil Wald
Brides Still Flock To Bromberg’s
BY DONNA CORNELIUS
JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER
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Ricky Bromberg is the president of Bromberg & Company and is a sixth generation of the family. This year, Bromberg’s celebrates 175 years of business in Birmingham. Journal photo by Emil Wald
Frederick’s grandson, a handsome fellow named Frederick W. Bromberg, was responsible for the company’s move to Birmingham in 1900. “Birmingham was a boom town around the turn of the century,” Ricky said. “It was a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, but it was a bold move.” The store’s first home was on 20th Street at First Avenue. North. Later, Bromberg’s bought the site of the former Drennen Department Store at Second Avenue and 20th Street North. Architect Gordon Carr, who also designed the Tiffany & Co. building in New York, was hired to create a showplace, a five-story building with an exterior of rose-colored terrazzo and limestone. With growth in Birmingham’s suburbs, Bromberg’s opened its Mountain Brook store in 1959. The first 3,000 visitors went home with a complimentary piece of jewelry. “Over the last 25 years, we’ve focused on Birmingham,” Ricky said. In addition to its two stores, the company retains its corporate headquarters in the 20th Street building. Frank Bromberg Jr., Ricky’s father, is “retired but comes in to check his mail,” Ricky said. Ricky’s brother, Frank Bromberg III, is executive vice president. Cousin Paul Byrne is retired but still has ties to the family business, while Paul’s son Russell Byrne is “our IT person,” Ricky said. The “family” extends to people like Frances Moore, a Bromberg’s employee for 71 years. “Her father worked here,” Ricky said. “You don’t see that except in a family company. We have longtime associates and very little turnover.” Bromberg’s has remained a family-
through the years ...
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Frederick Bromberg was originally from Prussia. He and his wife moved to Mobile in the 1830s and opened the first Bromberg’s. owned business for two reasons, Ricky said. “First, we’ve been fortunate to have six generations with the ability to run the company,” he said. “Also, given the times, we were fortunate that each generation had at least one son to carry on. Today, of course, that would be irrelevant.” Ricky’s first job was elevator operator in the downtown store – or, as he likes to say, “vice president of vertical transportation.” “I got paid 50 cents for my first day and still have it framed at my house,” he said. “Also, I got unlimited credit at the hot dog stand down the street.” ❖
romberg’s ability to change with the times extends to its bridal department. While the store still carries traditional favorites in china, silver and crystal, it has expanded its offerings to appeal to modern tastes. Julia Glass, the company’s gift buyer, searches out companies and artists who specialize in casual designs. “Most popular in our casual line is Jaliska from Portugal,” she said. “Number two, also from Portugal, is Legado by Skyros. “Tena Payne from Leeds designed a botanical line for us,” she said. “Everyone seems to like it. It’s handmade and eco-friendly. And Simon Pearce and his wife Pia, from Vermont, have been very successful for us.” Trends include monogramming; it’s hot, Julia said, not just in dinnerware but for other gifts. In addition to sterling silver flatware, brides might opt for Bromberg’s Supper Club hotel silver. “It’s just $25 a place setting,” she said. “It’s mix and match and fun for a dinner party.” Also on many brides’ must-have lists are Peterman’s wooden bowls and slabs as well as alternative metal pieces by Beatriz Ball. The Louisiana native makes pieces that safely go from freezer or oven to the table. Even time-honored Waterford has updated its act. “Waterford never goes out of style,” Julia said, “but the company wised up by changing its popular Lismore pattern. It’s now called Lismore Essence. It’s a taller glass and not as heavily cut, and it’s dishwasher safe.” At Bromberg’s, brides come in to meet with bridal consultants Janice Bowman at the Mountain Brook store and Debra Calhoun at The Summit. “They let the brides come in and play,” Julia said. “And brides from all over use our online registry.” Bromberg’s was one of the first companies to offer this service. “To me, it’s a joy to see the girls come in and work with our bridal people,” Julia said. While brides are usually the stars of the show, Ricky Bromberg has some sound advice for grooms. “Retain veto power,” he said with a smile. “If you really hate something, speak up. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut.” ❖