Bradley Lock and Key
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Locksmithing |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Founder | Simon Bradley |
| Headquarters | Savannah , United States |
Area served | Savannah, Georgia |
Key people | Andrew Bradley (current owner), William Houdini "Dini" Bradley (former manager) |
| Products | Locksmith services |
Bradley Lock and Key, which is also referred to as Bradley's Locksmith, is a locksmith enterprise located in Savannah, Georgia. Founded in 1883, it holds the distinction of being the longest continuously operating business in Savannah and ranks among the nation’s oldest locksmith establishments. Since 1967, its operations have been based in the Patrick Duffy Building at 24 East State Street, situated within the northeast tything block of Wright Square. This historic structure was constructed in 1885.
The business was originally established by Simon Bradley, the grandfather of William Houdini Bradley, commonly called Dini, who managed the company from the 1950s until his retirement in 2019. William’s middle name was inspired by his father Aaron’s career as a hypnotist touring with Houdini. Upon retiring at age 85, William transferred ownership to his grandson Andrew Bradley, continuing a legacy of family leadership spanning five generations. Both Andrew and his sister Caroline gained early experience working at the shop. Meanwhile, Dini’s son Mark practices law as an attorney in Savannah.
The premises also contain historic W. W. Law stools, remnants from its period functioning as Levy lunch counter during Savannah’s significant Civil Rights movement.
William Bradley
William Bradley passed away on December 9, 2019, at the age of 85 and was laid to rest in Savannah’s renowned Bonaventure Cemetery. He was survived by his wife Riette, whom he had been married to for sixty years.
Milton Bradley, William’s brother and a Navy veteran known for his frequent visits to the shop, was tragically murdered in Savannah in 1994 at age 72. He was among six victims targeted by serial killer Gary Ray Bowles, who admitted guilt but was not brought to justice until a quarter-century later. Bowles was sentenced to death and executed by lethal injection in Florida in August 2019.
Another brother, Eddie Bradley, who also contributed to the family business, died in 2016 at age 89.
External links
- Bradley’s Lock and Key Shop – Savannah Walker Design