Brewitt Funeral & Crematory Services

Although personnel has changed over the years the oldest funeral home in Haverhill carries on a long and rich tradition, and continues to serve the families of greater Haverhill with compassion, caring, and honesty. In 1839 two brothers-in-law, John P. Randall and Joseph H. Cummings, opened a furniture business that made and sold burial coffins. Above the store they established J.H. Cummings, Furnishing Undertakers. In 1882 the business was relocated to a storefront on Main Street. The business was sold in 1886 to a stable owner, Fred G. Richards, who later became mayor of Haverhill, and a prominent banker, George H. Dole. They changed the name to Richards & Dole. Richards stand was the oldest in Haverhill, and one could rent Tally-Ho coaches, barges, hacks,carriages, and find accommodations for 100 horses. Richards died in 1895, and George H. Childs, who had been an employee for four years, bought into the business, and the name change to Dole & Childs Funeral Home. Earle W. Graffam became an active partner in the firm upon his return from World War 1. After Childs & Dole passed away a corporation was formed in 1923, and George L. Riley joined Graffam in the business the following year. After nearly a century of service to greater Haverhill,Graffam recognized that a more modern approach to the funeral business was needed. In the past storefront funeral parlors had served the public well since wakes and funeral services were generally held in the home. Now, with more people living in apartments and smaller quarters, the new concept of the funeral home, where all services could be combined under one roof, was gaining in popularity. In 1932 Dole & Childs acquired the property at 148 Main Street from the Knights of Columbus. This Victorian Stick-style home was built in 1879. The woodwork and the staircase were carved by Italian artisans imported for the project. The first funeral in a funeral home in Haverhill was held on March 15, 1933. Following the death of Graffam, and Riley?s retirement, the firm was now headed by Wesley J. Shaw, Jr., who joined the firm before World War 11, and H. Lee Powell. Currently the business, Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, is operated by Wesley?s son David E. Shaw.

Runnell's Funeral Home established 1864 in Manchester, sold to Joseph Devine and became Devine Funeral Home. In 1962, J. Robert Durning purchased business and became Devine and Durning Funeral Home, later to be just J.Robert Durning Funeral Home. Charles Young associated with Durning Funeral Home for 30 years prior to Mr. Durning's death in 2006 at which time he purchased the business and combined it with Bykowski & Young Funeral Home, to become Durning, Bykowski & Young Funeral Home. John J.Bykowski Funeral Home established in 1928 by John J. Bykowski. It's present location was built in 1953. Upon John's death in 1969, his wife, Genevieve and daughter Matilda operated the business until their deaths in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Charles Young associated with the Bykowski Funeral Home for 20 years prior to his purchasing the business in 2001 and Bykowski & Young Funeral Home was formed. We arrange traditional services, custom services, cremation services (direct, with no service, or with services before or after cremation) direct burial, and pre-planning of any service we offer.