The story of the Heywood-Wakefield Company began when the United States was still finding its footing as a nation. The year is 1826 — a year defined by President John Quincy Adams's leadership, Thomas Jefferson's forthcoming death, and the nascent stages of American industrialization. In this rich historical landscape, the seeds of what would become a significant name in American furniture-making were sown.
Life in 1826
In 1826, the nation was in the early stages of its industrial revolution. George IV was the king of England, and the telegraph and electric light were innovations yet to be dreamt of. Boston, with a population of less than 60,000, was bustling with activity, including constructing America's first railroad in nearby Quincy. This four-mile stretch was intended to transport granite using horse-drawn cars. This was a far cry from the mechanized world that would soon develop.
The Heywood brothers began their pioneering work in this era against the backdrop of burgeoning industrial activity and a landscape vastly different from today.
Humble Beginnings in the Heart of Gardner, Massachusetts
Gardner, Massachusetts, a small town 58 miles northwest of Boston, had less than 1,000 residents in 1826. In a simple shed adjoining their father's farmhouse, the Heywood brothers — Walter, Levi, and Benjamin — initiated their chair-making venture. This modest workshop, where
Gardner’s City Hall stands today, marked the birthplace of an enterprise that would grow immensely.
Walter Heywood was the inventive spirit behind the initial chair-making endeavors. Levi and Benjamin contributed to the effort alongside their older brother while managing a nearby country store. The business quickly flourished, necessitating the establishment of a new shop that employed 15 to 20 workers.
Navigating Early Challenges
Later, the year 1834 brought adversity with a fire that devastated the original chair shop. However, this setback provided an opportunity to relocate to the shores of Crystal Lake. By acquiring a building equipped for wood turning, the Heywood brothers incorporated turning lathes and a circular saw into their operations — a significant step towards mechanization and efficiency.
In 1835, a formal partnership was established, comprising Walter, Benjamin, and their younger brother William Heywood, along with Moses Wood and James W. Gates. Levi returned from Boston that year to infuse fresh energy and vision into the growing business.
Levi Heywood's Vision of Innovation and Growth
Marked by an unwavering belief in the power of machinery to revolutionize chair-makin, Levi Heywood's leadership was transformative. Despite initial resistance from some partners, Levi's insistence on integrating new technologies propelled the company forward. His innovative use of machinery improved efficiency and set new industry standards.
Levi was a visionary whose contributions extended beyond machinery. His techniques for wood bending and chair-making attracted the attention of international figures like Francis
Thonet of Vienna, solidifying the company's reputation as a leader in the industry.
A Legacy of Resiliency
The company faced multiple challenges, including another catastrophic fire in 1861. The Heywood brothers rebuilt and continued to prosper through determination and community support. Levi's unyielding optimism and strategic vision were crucial during these difficult times and are commemorated by the
Levi Heywood Memorial Library, dedicated in his honor in 1886.
The Heywood Dynasty
As the company grew, younger members of the Heywood family joined the enterprise, continuing its legacy of innovation and expansion. By the 1870s, the company had diversified its offerings to include not only wooden chairs but also rattan and reed furniture and children's carriages.
Infrastructure advancements, such as the construction of the
Fitchburg Railroad and the
Boston, Barre & Gardner Railroad, further facilitated the company's growth. These railroads provided critical links to larger markets and raw material sources, ensuring the company's continued success.
The early days of the Heywood-Wakefield Company illustrate a story of resilience, innovation, and vision. From a small shed in Gardner, Massachusetts, the Heywood brothers transformed their fledgling chair-making business into a cornerstone of American industry. Their journey is a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and the transformative power of innovation. These principles continue to define the Heywood-Wakefield Company legacy today. Reflecting on these beginnings, we are reminded of the enduring impact that visionary leadership and an unyielding commitment to quality can achieve.
