Richmond's own Bliley Funeral Home Hand Fan

The Bliley Funeral Home is one of Richmond's oldest mortuaries in Richmond, Virginia.  Joseph W. Bliley opened his business in 1874 and it still operates today.  One of the original locations was at 300 East Marshall street but has since been razed to make way for the Richmond Convention Center.  The Bliley's aren't just known for their funeral services.  In 1970 Joseph Bliley's grandson, Thomas J Bliley Jr, was elected mayor of Richmond and served until 1977.  Later he was elected into the House of Representatives and served until 2001.  He was also the President of his family's funeral home before starting his political career.

This fan is fashioned out of woven rattan.  It has a wrapped handle and "The Four Bliley Brothers" name printed on the front.  The original address, telephone number and "(Our only location)" is also printed on the front.  We can only wonder what that was all about!  The handle of the fan is capped with a small piece of bone. Not only is this a great item for your curio cabinet but it is also a fantastic piece of Richmond history.