American Furniture Hall of Fame seeking vintage factory photos

Photo archive will preserve industry's heritage, history

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, July 14, 2009

HIGH POINT — In an effort to preserve the cultural and artistic history of the furniture industry, the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation is asking the industry to share photos of furniture factories from before 1950.

This vintage furniture factory photo — possibly from a Lane plant — is an example of what the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation is seeking.

"If we do not preserve our priceless industry memorabilia now, it will not be available for future generations," said Don Belgrad, president of the foundation. "Please help us preserve our heritage and history by expanding our photography collection."

The foundation is seeking photos of manufacturing plants, facilities and assembly lines. Photos that are submitted should include the company name, year and a description.

Photos received by mail will be scanned, archived and returned immediately, according to the foundation. To be included on the organization's new Web site, it is requesting photos be submitted by July 31.

Photos can be sent to the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation, 202 Neal Place, High Point, N.C. 27262, or by e-mail to Lauren Estep at lestep@furniturehalloffame.com. If sent digitally, photos must be 300-dpi JPEGs and at least 5 inches by 7 inches.

Questions can be directed to the foundation at (336) 882-5900.