4 New Hall of Fame Oral Histories Available

March 22, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on March 23, 2011

The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation has published four new oral histories furniture industry leaders.

Now available for sale are the oral histories of J. Wade Kincaid, Steven M. Kincaid, Joanna C. Maitland and Edwin J. Shoemaker. The hard cover books include family and company photos.

Twelve of the 40-book set have now been published. Those released last Fall 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.

"Our oral history program is one of the most important services that the Foundation provides," said Foundation President Jeff Cook. "There is nothing more important to our future generations that capturing the stories and history through the eyes of our leaders through oral interviews and photography. These published works permanently record their memories forever and through the website will be accessible for generations to come."

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. Individual copies cost $25 each or a complete set of 40 can be purchased for $1,000 (not including shipping and handling).

The 28 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., Bernard B. Lane, Hyman Meyers, Steve Millender, Patrick H. Norton, Steve Pond, Joe Richardson II, Lawrence K. Schnadig, Irving Sherman, Harley Ferguson Shuford Jr., Charles R. Sligh Jr., Robert H. Spilman, John B. Vaughan, Howard O. Walker, Ronald G. Wanek, and Elliott S. Wood.

The Foundation continues to grow its oral history program and is accepting recommendations for other industry leaders whose stories need to be captured. To send suggestions or receive more information, contact Lauren Estep.