by Juanita | Feb 24, 2020 | 50th anniversary, Ava Lee's History Corner, Chair, Rocking Chairs
High Chair Designed
There is a saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. George and I spent our first year of marriage in the mountains of West Virginia. While there, I became pregnant with our first child. After spending a year there, we moved back to Elizabethtown, PA, Lancaster County in November 1969. George got a job at a saw mill where he learned about grades of hardwood lumber. In April our daughter, Juanita, was born. When she learned to sit up, George and I went shopping for a high chair. After a discouraging time of searching and not finding one that we liked, George said, “I think I will make one.” I looked at him in disbelief.
“I think I will make one.
“Oh yes, George”, I said, “I know that you can make things with wood, but a high chair with a tray? That seems quite complicated.” Well, I have learned not to question my husband when he says he will do something, because there isn’t much that he won’t try and with success. The high chair that he built has survived 4 children and is now in the historical museum section of the showroom. When we have family dinners that require 2 high chairs, the first high chair comes into my house to be used for one of my grandchildren.
Child’s High Chair legacy
After making the high chair, George made chairs for our table, replacing the folding chairs that we had received as a wedding gift. Soon after that, he designed:
- A rocking chair that will not tip over.
- Chairs of all sizes to go with the tables he was making,
- Arm chairs
- Intermediate chair for children ages 3-8.
- Swivel chairs for the bar
- Swivel desk chairs.
All chairs are made with a 2 inch plank bottom seat shaped for comfort, designed for strength. The eight sided rungs create extra strength and are inserted at precise angles, providing long lasting service.
“Necessity is the mother of invention”
It all began because our daughter needed a high chair. Come and explore the new ideas that were started by a unfulfilled need that Georges craftsmen listen and then created one-of-a-kind heirlooms that will serve for years to come. The wood shop and showrooms are located in the heart of Lancaster County’s farmland along the Susquehanna River. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of nature as you create furniture that meets your need and brings nature’s beauty into the home.
by Juanita | Jan 17, 2020 | Ava Lee's History Corner, Coffee End Table, Customization
Birth of quality furniture
George first began his business in 1972. He made furniture in an old dairy barn wood shop and marketed it at a small stand in Lancaster County. The Gurnsey Barn, was a local venue for country music and local theater nestled along the tourist stretch of Route 30. It was there that George met many tourists and his customer based expanded throughout the east coast.
Wood Shop Tour began
While the customers loved the quality they also wanted to watch the furniture building process. So, in the late 1980’s, George transformed on old 5 car garage, on the farm, into a showroom. The wood shop and showroom together invites the public to watch the craftsman building wooden heirlooms. Tour the wood shop and discover the thought and the skilled design each piece of furniture receives. The craftsman signs and dates his carefully created heirlooms.
Bus, motorcycle, airplane
Many people visiting Lancaster County enjoy the excursion through the rolling farmland of western Lancaster County. They tour the wood shop and purchase solid wood furniture created to their specifications. Although customers often come by car, motorcycle or tour bus, some more adventuresome ones have arrived by bike. They follow the many historical bike routes throughout the county. One couple even landed their small plane at a local airport 5 minutes from George’s Furniture to place their order for furniture.
So with access to the internet, Georgesfurniturepa.com contains videos about how our furniture
is made. Explore the many samples of quality furniture, to inspire new furniture design. Although the website contains a lot of pictures to view, it is only a small sampling of the furniture we make. Each piece of furniture is carefully designed, allowing for the natural wood to adjust to moisture changes. Then it is assigned a skilled craftsman to build. The final step is the application of the craftsman’s signature and dated. Bring in your own ideas and George’s craftsmen will bring those dreams to a reality.
by Juanita | Dec 14, 2019 | 50th anniversary, Ava Lee's History Corner, Entertainment Centers, Events, George's Furniture, Rocking Chairs, Tables
As 2019 draws to a close, we look forward to 2020 with anticipation and excitement. The Christmas season surely brings a sense of excitement and wonder as we celebrate the coming of Jesus for the salvation of the world. We pray that the remaining days of 2019 are a time of rest and celebration with family and close friends and that you will experience peace and joy!
The thought of the new year is thrilling to us as 2020 is the 50th Anniversary for George’s Furniture! In celebration of our 50th year, we are offering specials on our quality, handmade, solid wood furniture. Each month holds a different item, so pay close attention!
Here is what you can look forward to in 2020:
Register for your gift registry and receive a Keepsake wooden box or a set of wooden coasters. Or, refer an engaged couple and receive a gift certificate of $75 when they register.
$250 off Dining Tables
10% off a 3 piece standard-design bedroom set or
$300 off King or Queen bed or
$200 off Full/standard or Single bed
$350 off Buffet or similar storage unit.
$500 off Hutch or similar storage unit.
$400 off Coffee table and 2 end tables set
10% off custom entertainment unit
15% off Side chairs, benches, settees and rocking chairs
September and October: Small Christmas items
Plant stands, Cutting boards, Saddle seat stools, 10 x 15 x 10 Foot stools, Coaster sets, Small cross, Vanity bench. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to find details. Orders placed by October 31 to have by Christmas.
2020 promises to be an exciting year at George’s Furniture. If you haven’t already, visit our showroom to learn more about the quality, solid-wood furniture that we have been making for 50 years! You won’t be disappointed! We can’t wait to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with you! Stop on by the shop and visit! We’re looking forward to seeing you!
by Juanita | Nov 8, 2019 | Ava Lee's History Corner, Office, Tables
Pentagon commissions expanding conference table
“West Donegal woodworkers crafts table for Pentagon.” Lancaster News Paper headlines announced a local family-owned business received a commission, an expanding conference table, from the Department of Defense. See complete story.
Quote to Completion
It all started with a quote. Tipped off by a current customer/employee, the Department of Defense commissioned George’s Furniture to design an expanding conference table. The table measures 8 ft in length however, it expands to 12 feet, allowing for the flexibility in meeting sizes. The Pentagon accepted the and the fun commenced. Assigned to a skilled craftsman, the conference table continued its journey to completion. Lancaster News papers heard the news. A Lancaster County business making a table for the United States government! They were ecstatic. A reporter was quickly assigned, however, the photographer barely snapped enough pictures before the craftsman finished building the table.
Unique Delivery
Meanwhile, delivery preparations were finalized, clearances submitted and specific instructions confirmed for transporting the table to its final Pentagon office location. At the security gate, government employees carried the heavy oak conference table into the complex.
Grand Tour
As a result of a department meeting going overtime, the delivery which Chris and Anthony thought would be short, turned into a 3 hour ordeal. During a three-hour grand escorted tour around the Pentagon, they explored the many hallway displays and the inventory room that keeps track of everything from toilet paper to combat tanks!
Back to work
Once the meeting finished, Chris and Anthony assembled the conference table. Firstly, the men secured the legs and the hooked the cabling into the two receiver boxes. Secondly, they placed the four table leaves into their storage cabinet to quietly wait for the next large meeting. Lastly, they gave instructions about how to properly operate the table.
Currently the table’s handcrafted strength and natural grain quality shines for everyone assembled. Gather around George’s tables for your next family or business gathering. Contact us.
by Juanita | Nov 8, 2019 | Customization, Office
For centuries, craftsmanship has called to mind terms such as quality, durability, excellence, trust, and value. Similarly, art reflects skill that has been acquired by experience. Despite the ease in which furniture of all types can be bought in person or online, many people still seek furniture that reflects fine workmanship. Office furniture is no exception. Just like furnishing your home, furnishing your office requires good planning. Below are some things to consider that will help you to choose the right office furniture.
How to Choose the Right Office Furniture
- Measure your space. Sometimes, rooms look bigger than they really are when they are completely empty. It is important to measure the room so that you know exactly how much furniture you can place in the space.
- Measure your new furniture. Of course, you can’t know how much furniture will fit in the space you have unless you know the width and length of the furniture you are considering! George’s does have measurements on the website to help you in your selection process. Remember, George’s furniture can be customized so don’t be afraid to ask for a piece in a smaller or larger size! Consider the space needed for your chair when ordering your desk.
- Plan for growth. Do you plan to hire more people? Will you be relocating in the future? More people = more necessary space. Determine how much furniture can fit in your space without crowding. Also, consider, as your company grows, you may move to a new location. Will your furniture hold up in the move? Will it look attractive in any space or location? A timeless look for your office furniture can be a wise investment as it will compliment any office space.
- Looks matter. It’s easy to overlook how people feel when they walk into your office. Ask yourself: Does your office furniture produce positive vibes about your company? Does your office furniture inspire your employees and engage your clients? Is your office furniture comfortable to work at and pleasing to the eye? Does your furniture give you credibility?
- Budget appropriately. Office furniture often comes with a higher price tag. Paying a higher price for higher quality is a wise decision. With greater durability, your office furniture will withstand the rigors of everyday use while retaining its beauty. With office furniture from George’s Furniture, we are confident that you will only have to buy once…unless, you expand and need more! Our furniture will last for generations to come.
- Choose ergonomics, not style. Comfort is key for those who work in an office.
There are studies that show the comfortable employees are productive employees! Give your employees (and yourself!) ample storage, work space, and solid furniture for comfort and excellence. Additionally, your clients will notice that you and your team are comfortable, and they will be too!
- Ask for delivery dates. Naturally, planning for your new office furniture means that you will have to ask when the furniture will be delivered. Working with George’s Furniture means that your order will be custom made and handcrafted. Allow for adequate time. George’s will inform you at the time your order is placed when you can expect your items.
- Choose durability. Choose solid wood. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to consider the materials the furniture is made of BEFORE you purchase it. Because office furniture is typically used 8-9 hours per day, 5 days per week, you will want furniture that can tolerate hard use over time. You will not be disappointed with solid wood furniture built with our time-tested techniques! Our building techniques combined with our guaranteed finishes means that your furniture will endure through many lifetimes of daily use.
Expert Help is at Your Fingertips
Of course, choosing office furniture is best done with the help of an expert. George’s Furniture offers custom desks, file cabinets, bookshelves, and even lamps! Contact George’s Furniture for assistance in choosing solid wood furniture to beautifully outfit your offices, keep your staff comfortable, and wow your clients!
