Stickley Furniture

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L. & J. G. Stickley was founded back in the early 1900’s by brothers Leopold and George Stickley. The company produces fine cherry, white oak and mahogany furniture. Over the years the company has experienced both good and bad times. At their highest peak, the company employed more than 200 employees. However, the company has also fallen into disarray over the years and once employing only 20 full time employees. Back in 1974 when the company hit this low point, it was bought by today’s present owners. For almost forty years now the business has prospered and grown by leaps and bounds. Today, Stickley Furniture has over 1,350 employees and has five retail showrooms in three states. Currently, Stickley Furniture is sold nationally by 120 dealers. Contained within this paper, I will discuss the rich history, considerable production and beneficial changes that Stickley has gone through over the years. I will also answer the five questions required that pertain to Stickley Furniture.

Back in the early 20th century, Stickley Furniture was born. Their mission back then was simple, produce beautiful oak furniture. Their designs were based on the notion that furniture should be honest and resist production of furniture with simulated joinery, superfluous gaudiness and poor workmanship of so many of the furniture that were being created at that time. Clean lines and pureness of function make Stickley Furniture truly timeless and the look is as appropriate in today's homes as it was over a century ago. Possessing a distinguished piece of furniture tells the world that you appreciate sophisticated comfort and solid craftsmanship (Stickley Furniture, 2012).

The Stickley brother insisted on using solid wood construction, strong joinery and only the highest quality of woods. What was even more unique was their brilliance they showed in

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designing and hand crafting from solid woods new and beautiful pieces of furniture that are strong, long lasting and complete for any American home furniture décor. Stickley Furniture is to be used, loved and cherished by both the old and young. Much devotion was put into the birth of each piece with great emphasis was placed on letting the gorgeous, organic forms of quartersawn oak and other woods speak for themselves. Finishes were not thick gums, but clear dyes that allowed natural grain to sparkle. The same devotion to design, the best workmanship, and enduring value was applied to all Stickley designs (Stickley Furniture, 2012).

Sadly the Stickley brothers eventually passed away. Albert remained the head of the Stickley Brothers Furniture Co. in Grand Rapids until his death in 1928 (Grand Rapids History, 2012). Gustav Stickley died on April 21, 1942. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse, New York. Stickley furniture