Our Adirondack camp, Penwood, was named for our family's company, Penfield Mfg. Co. in Syracuse, New York. The company was run by my great-grandfather, then my grandfather, Albert Gordon, and finally, by my uncle Charles L. Gordon. It recently, sadly, closed its doors after a long and distinguished history as a part of the Syracuse community. Like many of the manufacturing companies that used to thrive in upstate New York, Penfield suffered from the modernization of the industry, global commerce, ease of shipping, efficient manufacturing, and consolidation of industries and, of course, competition. There was no 1-800-MATTRESS in the heyday of Penfield, let alone a mattress.com. Hotels did not sell their Fabulous Beds on their Internet sites, like Four Seasons, Starwood and other hotel companies now do. It was crippled by its inability to change and be flexible in a world of commerce that is all about adapting fast and staying competitive. Another local company, L&JG Stickley, almost suffered the same fate, but it was bought and rehabilitated by Alfred Audi and his wife and turned into a shiny new model of quality and efficiency. So here is a small tribute to Penfield and its great old building on Salina Street, with a little house on top.
Showing posts with label louise stickley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label louise stickley. Show all posts
Friday, November 10, 2006
And a House on Top. . .
Our Adirondack camp, Penwood, was named for our family's company, Penfield Mfg. Co. in Syracuse, New York. The company was run by my great-grandfather, then my grandfather, Albert Gordon, and finally, by my uncle Charles L. Gordon. It recently, sadly, closed its doors after a long and distinguished history as a part of the Syracuse community. Like many of the manufacturing companies that used to thrive in upstate New York, Penfield suffered from the modernization of the industry, global commerce, ease of shipping, efficient manufacturing, and consolidation of industries and, of course, competition. There was no 1-800-MATTRESS in the heyday of Penfield, let alone a mattress.com. Hotels did not sell their Fabulous Beds on their Internet sites, like Four Seasons, Starwood and other hotel companies now do. It was crippled by its inability to change and be flexible in a world of commerce that is all about adapting fast and staying competitive. Another local company, L&JG Stickley, almost suffered the same fate, but it was bought and rehabilitated by Alfred Audi and his wife and turned into a shiny new model of quality and efficiency. So here is a small tribute to Penfield and its great old building on Salina Street, with a little house on top.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
The Adirondack Boys Recommend: Stickley Furniture
Stickley furniture doesn't need our recommendation. It has its own storied past and was part of the venerable Arts & Crafts movement; antique pieces are auctioned for tens of thousands of dollars or more today. But that's antique Stickley. Here, new Stickley furniture fills the living room at our camp. This is all oak furniture. The settle is very traditional Arts & Crafts style and is upholstered in a thick, green, textured fabric. The sitting chair on the left is upholstered in deep red leather and is adorned with detailed inlay on the sides and back. The lamp is a new Stickley lamp as well, in oak with a mica shade. The mica is very fragile; it's a natural material and can easily break or chip. Our experience with Stickley was great. The salespeople are very helpful, the furniture is of excellent quality, and the designs are timeless. For more information about Stickley, go to www.stickley.com.
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