The year was 1901 and brothers George and Waldron Bailey started a chair company in North Carolina. Their family had made 'pins' that were used on telephone poles to hold the insulators as the United States was linked across the country with electricity. Finding their market saturated, these young entrepreneurs looked for another use for 'pins'. With the Industrial Revolution gaining speed, the furniture industry was emerging in North Carolina. These enterprizing Baily brothers moved from Mt. Kisco, NY to Elkin, North Carolina and started a dining chair factory, the Elkin Chair Company, with just one style of chair.
After just a year or two, Waldron returned to New York to pursue another profession. George bought the company from his brother and it became the George Baily Chair Company. Within just a few years local investors bought into the growing chair company and it became the Surry Chair Company.
In 1911, George felt that Hickory was a better place for his company due to the emergence of a few startup furniture manufacturers that specialied in either dining room furniture, bedroom furniture or desks. He knew that there would be more skilled craftsmen available to make his chairs. Hickory needed more jobs for the growing community and to replace the jobs being lost at the Piedmont Wagon Company due to the impact of the horseless carriage. Local investors brought George and his chair company to Hickory with a dream to make more than one style of dining chair... to make upholstery of all types and perhaps more in the future. In 1911 the company began the process of building a factory, acquiring a railroad spur and a work force. George brought his expertise, patterns and determination with him to Hickory. In 1912 the first piece of lumber was sawn to build the first chair.
George retired in 1951 with 50 years of service to the company he began with his brother. We think he would be proud to know that 100 years later we are still here in Hickory sawing wood, cutting fabric, tying springs, applying finishes and making a full line of upholstery, living room, dining room and bedroom furniture. Nearly 90% of our entire line is made in America.
2012 has been a very good year for Hickory with the addition of almost 70 additional artisans and craftsmen. We should have approximately 560 employees by year's end. These talented artisans and craftsmen make each wood or upholstered item by hand to order in just a few weeks.
Hickory Chair is just one American company that has worked hard to overcome wars, depression, recessions, domestic and import competition and other challenges for over a century. We appreciate each person who chooses to allow Hickory Chair to make an heirloom quality piece for your home or business. You can help us create future chapters in our history by entrusting pieces to be made for your home by our artisans and craftsmen. Visit our website to find a recommended retailer near you or a to the trade showroom. With your support we can begin a fresh new year in 2013 with the ability to put more talented artisans and craftsmen to work making special pieces like the ones shown below...