The love for oak furniture goes back a long way, as far as the Gothic years! Dark English oak massive pieces were plentiful. In the early 1700's the North American seaports used white oak to build numerous ships. Also, during this time lumber mills were created to supply extremely long wide planks to build ships and colonial homes. The skilled craftsman took the builders techniques of mortised joints and constructed heavy furniture. Builders also used a combination of woods due to the diminishing supply of oak. Each had their own secrets in preparing lumber to mimic oak. Thus, factories appeared to accommodate furniture producers.

Grand Rapids, Michigan is well know for its oak furniture, its growth heightened during the Industrial Revolution Era 1860-1890. In the late 1800's, "Catalog Fashions" thrived. At this time, Sears, Roebuck, Montgomery Wards, Larkin's, and Eaton's of Canada- sent their catalogs from seacoast to coast and from booming cities to quiet towns. In 1882, Gustav Stickley of Syracuse, NY( near my home town) took his family furniture business to the next level. He bypassed mail order houses where furniture was put together, and sent smaller pieces directly to the consumers. His simple lines brought on the Arts & Crafts Movement. William Morris and Charles Locke Eastlake had simple styles that became part of the Arts & Crafts period. In 1893, Grand Rapids continued to grow with the Limberts Brothers Factory being one of 62 furniture makers. Semi-annual markets were arranged there; and 200 manufactures were displayed there.

Oak furniture has been an important part of America's history. Its popularity goes in cycles - due to when oak trees were plentiful then oak furniture is plentiful and affordable. Oak is desirable according to the various shades or types, such as a golden oak finish or quarter sawn tiger oak. From a true oak lover, each piece is a true heirloom telling its own story. Whether, it is an ornate sideboard, Morris chair, princess dresser, or a simple side chair. I was fortunate enough to grow up in Upstate New York, with an uncle as an auctioneer and a grandfather as a mentor. There, oak furniture was plentiful, from country Hooisers,to ornate China cabinets, and side by side desks. Ahhh....those were the days....

Please, stop back to read more about specific oak pieces.

Article presented by Tammy M. Desiderio

A Ruby Lane Shop Owner - Heritage Heirlooms

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/heritageheirlooms