The History and Origin of Adirondack Furniture

The beginnings of Adirondack furniture are not sohe demanded all national parks employ the design.
humble, and stem back to the 1830’s, when the richOnce the eloquent indoors were created, the outdoors
and the wealthy discovered that lounging about in theseemed to lack the luster they had when first the
deep wilderness was a fashionable and catchy thingvisitor arrived. After all, who wanted to stumble around
to do. First, smaller cabins, though ornate and quiteoutside when the comforts and luxuries of these
expensive to build, begun to speckle the foothills andhandsome dwellings were so welcoming? Enter:
valleys of this spectacular region, the rich mingling withAdirondack furniture. First, designers were asked to
the lowly farmer of the backwoods. Ebenezercreate furniture for decoration and comfort of the
Emmons was summoned to the region shortly afterinside, and the beautiful, durable, natural pieces seemed
the final bullet of the Civil War was launched, as it hada perfect fit for the huge stone porches just outside
gained such popularity and intrigue amongst thethe door. Too bold and comfortable to stay idly at the
well-to-do, in order to survey the lands for recreationalporch, the ergonomic benches, chairs and stools soon
value and worth.found themselves beside lakes, on docks, and tucked
This is where the real tourist and travel history of theinto dewy valleys all over the region.
Adirondacks begun, as more elaborate cabins andThe demand for this type of adirondack chair
lodges sprung about the mountains, the lakes andfurniture hit a small lull during the 1930’s, but never
woods teaming with enthusiastic sportsmen. Utilizingbottomed out completely. With the world clamoring for
patterns, designs, and elements from the intriguingbeautiful, sturdy, and naturally built outdoor furniture that
chalets of Sweden and the greater Europeanstands the test of time and causes no ill effects to the
continent, famous architects were summoned for theenvironment, this wonderful tradition is vastly regaining
building and decorating of these lavish country retreats.its place at the top of the heap. This style of furniture
The Adirondack lodge, house, and cabin stylesis ultra comfortable, and is usually recognizable at first
became all the rage, even for President Franklinglance due to its high, wide-planked back, well curved
Roosevelt, who was so impressed with the beautyseat, and wide, practical arms.
and majesty of these naturally aesthetic buildings that