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Furniture Industry Archives ➔ Trade Catalog, Imperial Furniture Company, Imperial Tables
Identifier:
1992.99.4Description:
96 pages; black and white illustrations. Cover is dated Fall 1954 to Spring 1955.This oversized trade catalog features photographic images of various tables and furniture pieces in Traditional, French Provincial, and Modern designs.
Date:
1954 – 1955Materials:
PaperDimensions:
14" h 11" wCurrent Location Status:
In StorageCollection Tier:
Tier 2Source:
In Honor of the Former Investors and Owners of Bergsma Brothers Furniture CompanyRelated Entities:
Imperial Furniture Company (creator)Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan
SEE ALSO Grand Rapids Chair Co.; Bergsma Brothers
COMPANY HISTORY
1903: Founded by F. Stuart Foote.
1904: First dividend of 5% common stock declared.
1936: $80,000 showroom and dining hall built adjacent to factory.
1940s: Company builds airplane wings for the government.
1954: Company sold to Bergsma Brothers Co. after Foote dies.
PERSONNEL
F. Stuart Foote began at the Grand Rapids Chair Co., which his father, E.H. Foote, owned. There he learned about many aspects of the furniture business. In 1903, after ten years at the Grand Rapids Chair Co., he raised the money to found Imperial Furniture Co., with the help of Daniel McCoy, who was the president of Kent State Bank. McCoy was the first president of the company but Foote would soon take over and continue to be president for fifty years.
PRODUCTS
Imperial’s primary product were tables, with the addition of bookcases to its line later in its history. Foote laid claim to inventing the “coffee table” after he helped his wife prepare for a party by lowering the legs on a table. Imperial made dining room tables to go along with buffets made by the Grand Rapids Chair Co. Imperial was the first factory to bring out Duncan Phyfe reproductions. They worked mostly in mahogany but also had pieces of cherry. In the 1940s, they made wood airplane wings for the government. Imperial was the first company to concentrate large-scale efforts on occasional furniture.
MARKS AND LABELS
Through most of its history, Imperial’s trademark was a triangular shield with a crown on top. On the shield is written “Imperial, Grand Rapids, Michigan”. The crown and the lettering vary only slightly by date. James Bayne Company (creator)
The James Bayne Company was a photography and printing business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. James Bayne (1845-1924) started his furniture photographing career in Grand Rapids in the late 1800s, when visual proof of quality furniture merchandise was in demand. His business grew rapidly, and he took pictures of items ranging from typewriters to funeral caskets in addition to furniture. Bayne enjoyed hunting and fishing during his leisure time. Bayne died in 1924 at the age of 79.
(Source: Grand Rapids Public Library Bayne Collection Finding Aid)
