Furniture makers often built coffins, and many became undertakers. In New Albany, John Shrader, Sr., and George Kraft took this route. Both were furniture makers who built coffins and became funeral directors. Both firms continued managed to remain in business long after furniture production became prohibitively expensive. The Shrader Funeral home closed in 2010 after the death of the fifth-generation owner. Kraft Funeral Service remains in business today at 708 East Spring Street.
Image courtesy of New Albany-Floyd County Public Library.