The Hitchcock Chair Company is producing over…

Lambert Hitchcock, the son of John Lee Hitchcock, an American Revolutionary War veteran who was lost at sea in 1811, had attended the Episcopal Academy of Cheshire, now known as Cheshire Academy, and was an apprentice to woodworker Silas Cheney.

In 1818, he had opened a furniture factory in Hitchcocksville (now Riverton), Connecticut.

The factory at first made chair parts.

Soon, however, Hitchcock, influenced by Connecticut clockmaker Eli Terry, had begun mass-producing simple, affordable chairs and selling them throughout the United States.

Instead of painting designs on the backs, he used the relatively new and easier technique of stenciling.

The firm’s mass-produced standard birch or maple “Hitchcock chair”, which sells for about $1.50, has round, turned front legs, square-section rear legs, a back with a curved top rail, and a broad, curved slat; seats are made of rush, cane, or wood.

The chairs are painted black and decorated on the top rail, back slat, uprights, and front seat rail with stenciled floral and fruit designs of colors and gilt.

Although an innovative manufacturer, Hitchcock is an unsuccessful businessman.

After a fire-related bankruptcy in 1829, his company goes through receivership in 1832, with his brothers-in-law joining the business under the name Hitchcock, Alford & Co.