Bluefield’s Oldest Elevator
Courtesy of the Mercer County CVB
West Virginia’s Little
New York features
one of the most
intriguing elevators in the city.
Exploring the city of Bluefield,
West Virginia, is, in many ways,
like opening a time capsule.
Recognized by its century-old
skyline, the southern town
echoes with the appeal and
vintage feel of a Little New York.
Since 1932, Kammer Furniture
Company has been a staple of
Bluefield’s historic downtown.
But just beyond the multifloored
establishment’s selection
of home furnishings and
appliances, the building itself
offers something unexpected:
a chance to snap a photo in —
and ride — one of the city’s
oldest elevators.
“When customers think
Kammer’s, they think of the
elevator,” said Harry Kammer,
president of Kammer Furniture
Company and grandson of
the establishment’s founder.
“It’s a unique characteristic
of the business and shopping
experience.”
When Kammer Furniture
Company opened in November
1932, the store was situated on
the lowest floor of a building
that also hosted a dental lab and
several apartments. Eventually
business grew – as did the
establishment’s need for space.
Prerogative Magazine 11