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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 6, 2005 10:51:59 GMT -5
As per Rhonda Bolner's request, here is a folder regarding these historic places that were once an important part of Columbus. For convenience sake, here's a link to Rhonda's website: lincolnorinoco.yolasite.com/This folder is set up to discuss the history of the Orinoco Furniture and Lincoln Chair companies, as well as providing pictures of furniture some of you may own. Rhonda may be able to help you identify what might be sitting in your bedroom, living room or dining room!
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Post by Rhonda Bolner on Jul 7, 2005 23:08:55 GMT -5
David..........Thanks for making this folder! I look forward to comments and information here!
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Jul 10, 2005 5:15:19 GMT -5
Don't be a stranger here Rhonda. Tell us more about the Orinoco Furnture and Lincoln Chair companies. Its odd thats it so hard to find much information about companies that sold their goods far and wide. Maybe some folks on this board have memories of the factories and have some pieces in their homes. Its an important part of our local manufacturing legacy.
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Post by Rhonda Bolner on Jul 10, 2005 21:58:51 GMT -5
I would LOVE to hear from anyone who owns some of the furniture or has any memorabilia from the Orinoco Furniture Company or Lincoln Chair Company. I can help you learn more about your furniture and you can help ME make a more complete record of the pieces that were manufactured by these two companies.
For the past two years, I have been filling out paperwork, researching dates and documents, and locating all the information I can in application for a state historical marker for the Orinoco Furniture Company. In March, I attended a meeting in Indianapolis, of the "powers that be", and they have accepted my application and approved a marker! It's a long process, but stay tuned! A marker will be placed at the Orinoco site sometime in the near future!
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 11, 2005 16:15:43 GMT -5
Rhonda, that is GREAT news about the marker! I can only imagine how much work it was for you, but it's something that will be an important addition to the city of Columbus for our generation, and those to come! I think I speak for everyone who reads this board that your hard work and dedication, not only to this venture, but also to your website, is priceless...
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jul 11, 2005 16:26:40 GMT -5
Hi Rhonda, and I surely second David on your efforts. And for sure, I know it has been a lot of work. A cousin worked on a piece of family property over in Martinsville to get historical rankings, and she compared her efforts to when she got her PhD. You are to be commended. But worth all the effort. Congrats for a job well done, and preserving local history. Nanc
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Aug 27, 2005 22:12:28 GMT -5
Just wanted to let people know that I have been doing programs about the Orinoco Furniture Company and Lincoln Chair Company. I have presented the program to several local antique clubs,, and other organizations here in Columbus and last week I actually went to Indianapolis and did my presentation at two different locations on the same day for the "Oasis" organization. If you have a club or organization that might be interested in hearing the history of the two companies, let me know! I LOVE telling people about the wonderful furniture heritage that Columbus...and my family...have!
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Oct 11, 2005 16:17:19 GMT -5
I'll be doing my program about the Orinoco Furniture Company and Lincoln Chair Company again on December 12th for a group of ladies from First Methodist Church.
If you know a group or organization that would be interested in hearing the history of the two companies, give me a shout!
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Oct 29, 2005 10:04:03 GMT -5
I contacted the guys at the state who are working on "my" historical marker, to see where we stand in the process. It seems they are currently working on text for the marker. It will be sent before the marker advisory committee on December 2nd. If text is approved, it will then come to me for approval. Seems to be a l--o--n--g process. Or am I just impatient?
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Nov 19, 2005 21:18:35 GMT -5
I was recently able to obtain a complete listing of every item that was appraised and auctioned at the final closing sale of the Orinoco Furniture Company. The list of equipment, wood, fabrics, tools, etc., is 68 pages long! The appraisal was done building by building and floor by floor within each building. Most all the buildings are still standing and being used now for other businesses. On November 11th, I walked completely around the property with a Sanborn fire map of 1927, and photographed the exterior of all the buildings.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Nov 20, 2005 7:23:52 GMT -5
When was that final sale? We can't wait for you to put together a full history of the company. So many people have no idea of how important that company was in our local history. I'm glad that you are so persistent in tracking this stuff down.
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Post by bill pumphrey sr on Nov 22, 2005 8:15:52 GMT -5
In 1934-6 I stayed with my grandparents 5 doors south of Orinoco plant while my parents both worked.Being 5 years old at the time I recall the nieghborhood and across Orinoco street ,from my grandparents was a large 2 story building with people usualy sitting on the front porch. I assumed this was a hotel for traveling sales people that called on the plant. Some of you may recal my grandfathers sign in the yard. ( Pumphrey Plumbing) My grandmother died in that home in 1936 She and I were very close and it took me years to get over the loss.
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Nov 26, 2005 6:45:56 GMT -5
Ricky,
The final sale of the Orinoco business was in 1940.
Bill,
There was indeed an Orinoco Hotel/boarding house just south of the Orinoco factory. Old city directories indicate this.
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Dec 10, 2005 20:01:04 GMT -5
On December 2nd, the Indiana State marker Advisory Committee "unanimously and enthusiastically" recommended my application for a state historical marker for the Orinoco Furniture Company. It will receive final approval on December 16th from the Indiana Library and Historical Board. A tentative date for installation has been set for April 19th, 2006. This will be 116 years, to the day, of the company being established. It is also my birthday. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Post by David Sechrest on Dec 11, 2005 8:32:02 GMT -5
Rhonda, congratuations on all your hard work!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2005 11:12:23 GMT -5
Rhonda, Congratuations on a job well done.
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Feb 6, 2006 9:29:14 GMT -5
Great news! Last Monday, I received word that a local foundation will fund the cost of "my" historical marker for the Orinoco Furniture Company! Once the check is delivered to the guys at the State Historical Bureau, things should proceed more quickly!
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Post by David Sechrest on Feb 8, 2006 9:40:03 GMT -5
Rhonda, I'm sure that's a pretty big worry off your mind! Keep us posted...
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Feb 20, 2006 21:37:12 GMT -5
The marker paperwork has been sent in. The historical marker is now being ordered for manufacture. We are on target for the installation to be in mid-April. I must now meet with the owner of the building to discuss placement of the in-ground post. May even have to talk with the city engineers.......if placement falls into city right-of-way.
When I originally began this process, I never imagined how much I'd learn!
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Mar 1, 2006 12:32:15 GMT -5
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