I thought it would be interesting to research and share information about the great American furniture manufacturers – both those still in existence and those no longer in business - and relate it to the pieces I have acquired over the years. One of Wydeven Design’s primary goals is to applaud this fine heritage and in my own small way, do what I can to extend the life of the fine quality pieces they have produced. It is because they have crafted such exceptional furniture that my business of refurbishing “heirloom pieces” exists – there are many pieces around and available and, with any kind of concerted effort, they will still be around for generations to come.
Over the past seven years, I have carefully recorded the provenance of pieces I have acquired and refurbished whenever that information was available. I noted that many of the finest companies have their origins in North Carolina. Some have simply vanished; some have been merged with other companies both in NC and elsewhere; and some remain to day as they have stood for decades and more. I plan to do a series of blogs on fine American manufacturing and this is my first installment focusing on some North Carolina Companies. In this listing, I will skip well-known and beloved manufacturer, Hickory Chair (Hickory, NC) since I’ve addressed them in another blog.
Bernardt - (link) - Lenoir, NC since 1889. In 1958, they launched their Flair Division.
Bernhardt Chairs (SOLD) |
Lee Industries loveseat (SOLD) |
Century Furniture – (link) - Hickory NC since 1947
Disque Furniture Company (out of business) - High Point, NC
Schoonbeck Company (out of business) - High Point, NC
The list goes on and on and I will introduce others in future blogs.
There is one lesson here – if you can find pieces made by these great companies – buy them and preserve them – they represent the best in American craftsmanship!!
I work at a new and used furniture store in Denver, CO. We recently purchased a large used inventory of Bernhart, Dique and Herman Miller. They are basically giving away these pieces. Do you know anyone in Denver who would be interested? Thank you, Gina Evans 303-241-1328
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