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Furniture ➔ Table
Identifier:
1999.36.4Description:
This table, called the Historical Lincoln Inauguration Table, was manufactured by the Forslund Brothers Company around 1973 and is an exact replica of the table used to hold the oath-taking Bible and inaugural speech during President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration. It is made of American cherry and has an inset top with a molded rail. It stands on a turned pedestal and three shaped scrolled feet.This table is featured on page 28 of the Forslund Brothers Company trade catalog, accession number 2017.1.650 from 1973.
Marks and Labels
-"Carl Forslund | Father & Three | Grand Rapids Mich": Pyrographic mark on the underside of the top
-"575": Black stamp on the underside of the top
Date:
circa 1973Materials:
CherryDimensions:
28.5" h 19.75" w 19.75" dCurrent Location Status:
In StorageCollection Tier:
Tier 2Source:
Gift Of Jon ForslundRelated Entities:
Brothers Forslund Company (creator)Alternate names: Carl V. Forslund, Incorporated
Grand Rapids, Michigan
COMPANY HISTORY
1935: Carl Forslund Sr. quits as a salesman for Stickley Bros. to begin his own retail consignment store.
ca. 1948: Carl V. Forslund, Inc. adds catalog and mail order sales.*
1968: Brothers Forslund Company established to succeed Eaton Shops and Grand Rapids Custom Shop in manufacturing furniture for sale through Carl Forslund retail and mail order. Name is later reversed to Forslund Brothers.
1989: Forslund Brothers manufacturing division sold to Nucraft Furniture Company of Comstock Park.
1990: Carl Forslund retail division sold to Custer Office Environments of Grand Rapids.
1991: Manufacturing plant closed.
1992: Retail stores closed.
1993: Limited production of selected Forslund pieces is resumed for a short time through an arrangement with Swartzendruber Hardwood Creations of Goshen, Indiana.
PERSONNEL
The manufacturing, retailing, and mail-order divisions of Forslund were all established by Carl V. Forslund, Sr., who remained in charge of the company from its inception until his retirement in 1972. He was succeded by his sons, who joined the business in the 1940s and 1950s. Carl Forslund, Jr. headed the manufacturing operations, Jon Forslund the retail, and Blake Forslund the overall administrative and financial management of the companies.
PRODUCTS
Forslund specialized in the manufacture of cherry, oak, and walnut furniture, in revivals of various Victorian and Early American styles. The mail-order business adopted a “folksy” style of advertising, which influenced its product line, and had great appeal to its customers. Reproductions and adaptations were made from originals associated with colorful historical figures. Forslund catalogs were filled with pieces named for famous individuals and lively histories of their namesakes. Such pieces as the “Rip Van Lee Chair” and the “Aunt Lucy Ball’s Chair” were produced for decades and became popular favorites for local residents and devoted mail-order customers.
MARKS AND LABELS
Forslund adopted the silhouette of a Merry-Go-Round horse as its trademark and the phrase “Timeless Furniture” as its motto. Jon Forslund (donor) Abraham Lincoln (is related to)
Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American statesman and lawyer who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865.
