Yuba County Yores

EVA M. BRADLEY--a woman of many "firsts"

by Carol Wirthington


While many area residents may recall the Bradley Department Store on D Street in Marysville, it is interesting to note that its founder was a woman whose pioneering spirit and perseverance led to its establishment.

A native of Westfield, New York, Eva M. Bradley was the daughter of Isaac Bradley and the former Frances Cooper, a relative of James Fennimore Cooper from which Cooperstown, New York was named.

Eva attended local schools while living in Westfield and in 1884, she graduated from Dansville Seminary in New York. Somehow the lure of northern California attracted her. It may have been the fact that her uncle, Samuel H. Bradley, had come to California in 1849 in search for gold, where he settled in Marysville. In addition, her father later made his move to the state and by 1883 became a partner with his brother in operating a wagon and carriage shop.

Whatever her reasons, Eva arrived in Marysville immediately after graduation and was soon hired as a clerk in the office of Edward Weilander, who ran a dry-goods store in Marysville. Of special significance is the fact that Eva became the first female clerk in Marysville during the time that women were never employed in that position. And, as the story goes, because she reportedly "pleased" one important customer so much, Eva was immediately promoted to sales representative. Although she started at a salary of ten dollars per week, Eva eventually earned five raises during her first year on the job.

In 1903, Eva formed a partnership with H. A. Bruce and together they purchased the Weilander store. Six years later, she was able to sell her interest to her partner and start her own dry-goods store at the corner of Fifth and D streets. Although this area was considered out of the business district during that time, Eva proved her naysayers wrong. She was successful from the onset. Bradley, Inc., Dry Goods in Marysville was on its way.

Initially the floor space was small--only 40 by 60 feet, but the next year thirty feet was added, and later forty more. In addition, Eva installed a modern plate-glass front--the first of its kind in Marysville. Designed by a San Francisco architect, Eva was determined that her establishment would be one in which the community would take pride.

In addition, she installed a modern carrier system to make change and managed two trips to the Eastern markets for new goods and ideas. This also was a "first" for store owners in the area.

Despite her busy schedule, Eva became a prominent citizen in both civic and social matters. She was a charter member of both the Marysville Art Club and the Ladies' Improvement Club of Marysville. She also belonged to the Woman's National League for Service Club of San Francisco and was the first woman member of the Marysville Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Eva was the first woman to serve as chairperson of the Democratic Central Committee of Yuba County.

When she retired in October in 1921, a special banquet in her honor was given by the employees of her store--a living testament of Eva M. Bradley, a pioneer businesswoman whose store is still recalled with fond memories by many in the Yuba-Sutter area.