Histories (of builders of the furniture industry
in their own words- a collectible 40 volume set
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation announced that it is now selling published oral histories of furniture industry leaders. The hard cover books come complete with family and company photos.
The first eight oral histories currently available from the 40-book set include: John C. Bernhardt; Alvin E. Bland; Rose G. Blumkin; Bob Bush, Sr.; O. William Fenn; Rawson Haverty, Sr.; Clyde Hooker, Jr.; and Don A. Hunziker.
“These rich little gems share the memories and wisdom of our leaders in their own words and through historic photography,” says Jeff Cook, Foundation president. “Our oral history and book publishing programs forever capture the personal stories and culture of the furniture industry in America and provide historical insight for future generations.”
In 2008, the Hall of Fame Foundation received a grant from the Furniture Foundation to digitize the transcripts and tapes of 33 previously recorded oral interviews that were in danger of being lost. These interviews, along with seven additional new oral histories, are available for purchase through the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library or online at www.furniturehalloffame.com. Individual copies cost $25 each or a complete set of 40 can be purchased for $1,000 (not including shipping and handling). Eight histories are currently available, while the others are advance purchase orders.
The 32 additional oral histories that will soon be available include: Nathan S. Ancell; Doug Brackett; E. L. Briggs; Paul H. Broyhill; David J. Brunn; Dan Edmonson; Bert Roy Fenn; John R. Gerken; Charles O. Gordon; Mary McKenzie Henkel; W.G. Holliman, Jr.; Leo Jiranek; William P. Kemp, Sr.; J. Wade Kincaid; Steven M. Kincaid; Bernard B. Lane; Joanna C. Maitland; Hyman Meyers; Steve Millender; Patrick H. Norton; Steve Pond; Joe Richardson II; Lawrence K. Schnadig; Irving Sherman; Edwin J. Shoemaker; Harley Ferguson Shuford, Jr.; Charles R. Sligh, Jr.; Robert H. Spilman; John B. Vaughan; Howard O. Walker; Ronald G. Wanek; and Elliott S. Wood.
High Point Market attendees can purchase the books at the following Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library locations with all proceeds benefiting the AFHF:
- Suites at Market Square - M 8047
- Plaza on Main - Crosswalk to Market Square
- IHFC - Commerce Street Lobby at Elevator
- International Home Furnishings Center - 11th Floor Hamilton Bridge
- Showplace - 3rd Floor Bridge
- 200 Steele Street - Cafe
- North Hamilton - North Court 3rd Floor
- The Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library - 1009 North Main Street
The Foundation continues to grow its oral history program and is accepting recommendations for other industry leaders whose story needs to be captured. To send suggestions or receive more information, please contact lestep@furniturehalloffame.com.
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. is an international, industry-wide organization founded to honor those individuals whose outstanding achievements have contributed to the continued growth and development of the U.S. furniture industry, as well as to research, collect and preserve our cultural, economic and artistic history. Membership includes eligibility to vote for inductees into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, and the opportunity to help preserve the history and heritage of the industry. The organization is based in High Point at 202 Neal Place, and can be reached at 336.882.5900.