There’s a good chance your granddad spent time enjoying life in a rocking chair, and it might well have been a Brumby rocker since they’ve been around since Thomas Brumby created the first one in 1875. This American classic has been handed down for generations as a valued heirloom. Even if you weren’t lucky enough to have one passed to you, you can start your own traditions by purchasing a new one.
The Brumby Chair company flourished for 70 years until 1944 when the factory was closed and sold to a manufacturing company in Ohio. The Brumby family, however, retained the Brumby Rocker trademark and Brumby chair name—a smart move which paved the way to the chairs returning to production in 1972 under a license to Frank and Carole Melson.
After Carole Melson retired, production of the chairs ultimately landed back in the hands of The Brumby Chair Company President Otis A. Brumby, Jr., who is the youngest grandson of the original founder. It remains in the family today under the leadership of two of Otis Brumby’s daughters: Anna Brumby and Spain Brumby Gregory.
Each chair is exquisitely hand crafted out of Appalachian Red Oak in the company’s factory in Marietta, Georgia. Local artisans product the caned seats and backs using an intricate herringbone pattern. It can take up to 10 hours to complete the caning of one chair.
Items offered for sale on the website include the Jumbo Rocker ($995), Baby Rocker ($395), Courting Rocker ($1,499), Brumby Lap Desk ($150), and the Brumby Footstool ($355).
