OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS - over a century ago, takes us back to pioneer days - a fitting time for the founding of a successful business! Into this setting at Red Oak, Iowa, came John F. Bloom, a young immigrant full of hope for the future. In 1879 the passing of a friend brought to this young stone-cutter the opportunity of marking the grave with a suitable memorial. Soon others, inspired by this example of his work, came to him with requests for similar stones.

So started the memorial business of J.F. Bloom and Company. Orders were obtained in the daytime - prospective buyers were visited on horseback and shown tintype reproductions of monuments from which to make their selections. Evenings were given over to engraving the stones. Business grew. Soon a room was rented and a small display of headstones put up where customers could more conveniently make a selection. Deliveries were made by horse and wagon when weather permitted.

By 1897, realizing that a greater volume of business could be done in a larger city, the business was moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, then three years later to 1815-17 Farnam Street, Omaha. With business increasing, Alvin F. and J. Roy joined their father in the early 1900’s. In 1910 a spacious display room and office building was erected at the northwest corner of 17th & Cuming Streets. As design and proportions began to play a more important part in selection of memorial, a design department was added in 1912. Many lovely memorials in cemeteries of Omaha and the Midwest have been created by this design department.

After the death of senior Mr. Bloom in 1918 the sons continued the same policy of friendly service, high quality, and value which had meant success from the beginning. Due to the advantageous location in Omaha and increased business, larger shop facilities became necessary. In 1927 the factory at 20th & Ames Avenue was erected. With railroad trackage into the building, a 20 ton traveling crane, and the latest safety features, J. F. Bloom & Co. became the largest manufacturer of memorials in the area. Office and display space were added next door to the plant in 1941. This location has since that time been the headquarters of the company. However, with the growth of the greater Omaha urban area, a Westside Sale and display office just south of 90th & Maple (no longer in existence). The company was now a third generation family business under the guidance of a son-in-law of Alvin F. Bloom.

FOUNDED  1879 by John F. Bloom

HEADQUARTERS  4431 N. 20th St. Omaha, NE

TRADITION  Operating for over 130 years

LOCATIONS  Omaha, NE; Council Bluffs and Harlan, Iowa