Articles
The Adirondack
Chair
A History of Comfort
The Adirondacks is a mountainous area in northern
New York state, south of Ontario and Quebec. It has long been a
vacation resort because of its natural beauty which includes
over 2,000 lakes. Today there is a state park, four-star resort
hotels, about 100 camping grounds, and thousands of miles of
hiking trails. It remains nature's paradise.
Over a hundred years ago, this area was the vacation
destination of many New Industrial Age magnates, wishing to
have a country home away from the frantic life of New York
City.
Local carpenters began to build and sell porch furniture to
fill the large wrap-around porches the wealthy cottagers always
seemed have. One very unusual design was called the "Westport
Chair." Westport was a small town nestled deep in the
mountains. By 1910, Thomas Lee's Westport chair design became
the most popular for one simple reason - it was the most
comfortable. The Westport chair came to be known as the
Adirondack chair, and its popularity soared. Because its design
is so unique, a U.S. patent was issued in 1905.
Unfortunately for Thomas Lee, Harry Bunnell was the one that
received the patent. It seems that Lee showed the chair design
to Bunnell, who was his friend. Bunnell immediately recognized
the profit potential of such a simple but comfortable chair.
Without Lee's permission or knowledge, Bunnell applied for a
patent which was granted the following year. That gave Bunnell
20 years to profit from the chair.
Originally, the Adirondack chair cost
$4.00 and was available in only two colors: dark green and
dark brown. Happily, you can now order the chair in every
color under the sun. Oh yes, the price has gone up.
Those who have first-hand experience with the chair will
quickly tell you it is an exceptional chair. One of the most
comfortably designed outdoor chairs ever invented. A unique
feature that many people like is the wide armrests. Adirondack
chair armrests are especially wide, making them convenient for
a book and a cup of coffee.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, the Adirondack chair is
for you! It is the very best. Handcrafted, it has an ole' time
country look. It's curved back and seat are amazing in the way
it wraps around your body. Best of all, when cared for
properly, the Adirondack chair will last you for many, many
years.
See Adirondack Chairs.
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