Redeux Saves Derailed Showers Brothers

How does a powerhouse of a company, seemingly doing everything right, go out of business in the blink of an eye?

That is the story of the Showers Brothers Furniture Company of Indiana. Started in the mid 1800’s, Showers Brothers made quality furniture and made several innovations in manufacturing including inventing laminating wood and were the first to switch from steam power to electricity. The company not only survived but thrived through depressions, the Civil War, WWI and WWII. So, what brought an end to this great company? Actually, it was two things. First, the cost of labor. As the cost of labor in the North rose, many companies moved to the South where labor was less expensive. Secondly, the motor vehicle and the highway system. Showers Brothers relied on the railroad to transport their furniture – often filling 16 train car loads of furniture daily. But, after WWII the highway system was expanded and trucks became the preferred method of shipping by manufacturers. Except for Showers Brothers. They stuck to the rails and quickly saw other furniture manufacturers fill orders more quickly and reach new markets not accessible by rail. Despite making furniture that would last several generations, the lack of understanding an emerging trend in American life caused this great company to go out of business by the mid 1950’s.

Redeux Vintage Furniture acquired a Showers Brothers chest desk a few months ago. Now that we have settled into our new shop, work has begun in restoring this lovely piece of furniture. Standing at just 41” tall and about 29” wide, the second drawer of this chest opens to reveal a writing desk, complete with cubby holes. Some of the work will be done in front of the shop. Stop by to take a look at the progress being made on this piece and to see what Redeux does.

This past week has been busy in many ways. So many new customers have come by and more and more  Friends of Redeux from the garage days have continued to come in to the shop. I will always be grateful for the support and encouragement from each of you. During this time I have also been able to finish a few pieces including an oak chest with carved mirror dating from the late 1800’s to very early 1900 ( picture at top); a rocker with stenciling and curved arms, probably made of maple, and different from most of the other rockers we’ve had in the past;

Also, a slant-top desk from Maddox Furniture and a very charming “small apartment” sized suite of living room furniture from the 1950’s. Made of maple, this suite consists of coffee table with rail, two matching end tables and a lamp table. It really is perfect for small apartments or rooms where space and function need to co-exist. Also, ready is an art-deco era floor lamp with cast "love birds" and Bakelight detailing and also a "printers box" from an old print shop in NYC - it makes a nice little curio/keepsake cabinet.  Lots of other goodies, too.

 
Coming up soon will be several bookcases, all are very striking.

 More mirrors will be added to our regular offerings. So many of you have requested them that Redeux will now feature vintage mirrors and also mirrors made from vintage picture frames.   Each will have its own history.

Hope to see you again soon.

Best regards, Bill

Grand Opening a Success!

The Grand Opening of Redeux Vintage Furniture this past weekend was a great success!

Many of our old friends from the “garage days” stopped by to say hello and their reaction to our new shop was 100% positive.  Folks visiting Redeux for the first time were amazed at our selection and value.  It was a great time and several suggestions were made and will be introduced to the shop as soon as possible.

There’s no doubt about it, the new shop is comfortable and we’ve had a few folks ask about having a place to sit. Talking about the furniture, the old manufacturers, the history of the pieces themselves seems to just come naturally at Redeux. So, we’re going to make it more comfortable to do so – and have coffee available, too.

More accessories, please.  Our selections of prints have been a great hit.  Pam Geiger’s prints of her oil paintings and our vintage prints have added a new dimension to Redeux and the reaction has been great. We’ll add vintage prints to our list when going our treasure hunts. We’ve also had requests for us to carry more lighting.

With so much going on with setting up the shop you might wonder if any new pieces were finished. Oh, but of course!

A Maddox Governor Winthrop style slant top desk has been finished. Made of mahogany, it is in very nice condition.

Two rocking chairs are now available. A nicely painted and stenciled Nichols & Stone is an elegant addition to any room. An older, spindle back chair with wonderful patina is also ready for a new home.

A nice tall side table with turned legs has turned out rather well, too. While working on this piece I nearly had to put in a call to my dentist to help with the extractions! Nails – lots of them – had been added over many decades to stabilize the legs. In taking this baby apart it was discovered that it was likely hand- made. It is now back to close to original shape and is lovely.

Lastly, the antique desk that I mentioned in the last blog is being sold in a new way – a Silent Auction. Just something a bit different for our Grand Opening. The desk appears to be from the early 1800's.  Come take a look and place your bid!

Please note our new hours and the shop telephone number: 203-522-5588.

Hope to see you all soon!

Best wishes,

Bill