Winchendon Furniture Company
American
Winchendon Furniture Company, located in Winchendon, Massachusetts, boasts a storied legacy that dates back to 1939. The company was founded by Richard Ladeau, who developed a passion for furniture while working alongside his father, George, in a furniture manufacturing business. This early exposure laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving enterprise.
In 1943, Richard took a significant step to expand his business by purchasing a building at 13 Railroad Street. This acquisition not only allowed him to grow Winchendon Custom Upholstery Co., Inc. but also provided a space for restoring antique furniture, showcasing a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The business took another important turn in 1945 when Richard's brother, Frank, returned home from World War II. Frank joined the company as a partner, further solidifying the family’s involvement in the business. This partnership helped to strengthen the company’s foundations as it navigated the post-war economy.
One notable highlight in the company’s history occurred during the 1950s when renowned designer Paul McCobb collaborated with Winchendon Furniture Company. While McCobb became best known for his innovative furniture designs, he also made his mark by designing radios and televisions for CBS-Columbia and hi-fi consoles for Bell & Howell, among other household items. His Planner line, manufactured by Winchendon, emerged as one of the best-selling contemporary furniture lines of the era, remaining in continuous production from 1949 until 1964. McCobb's Planner series has since become an emblem of 1950s American furniture, showcasing the synergy between modern design and quality craftsmanship that Winchendon was known for.
After Richard's passing in 1972, his sons, Joe and Jack Ladeau, took a decisive step by purchasing their father's half of the business from Frank. This marked a new chapter for the company, and in 1978, Joe and Jack acquired the remaining shares, officially rebranding the company as Winchendon Furniture. Their leadership helped modernize the business while preserving its rich heritage.
The 1980s marked a period of expansion for Winchendon Furniture. In 1980, the Ladeau brothers opened a new store in Amherst, Massachusetts, further broadening their market reach. This growth continued into 2014 when the family opened a location in Keene, New Hampshire, demonstrating their commitment to serving customers across the region.
However, the retail landscape began to shift, leading to changes in operations. In 2019, the Amherst store closed as part of a strategic downsizing. Most recently, in 2023, the Keene location was also shuttered, allowing the Ladeau family to transition into retirement after decades of dedicated service.
Through its many years of operation, Winchendon Furniture Company has remained a cherished part of the local community, known for its craftsmanship and family-oriented values. The company’s journey reflects not only the evolution of furniture making but also the enduring legacy of a family business rooted in tradition and quality. With the influential contributions of designers like McCobb, Winchendon has played a significant role in shaping American furniture design.
In 1943, Richard took a significant step to expand his business by purchasing a building at 13 Railroad Street. This acquisition not only allowed him to grow Winchendon Custom Upholstery Co., Inc. but also provided a space for restoring antique furniture, showcasing a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The business took another important turn in 1945 when Richard's brother, Frank, returned home from World War II. Frank joined the company as a partner, further solidifying the family’s involvement in the business. This partnership helped to strengthen the company’s foundations as it navigated the post-war economy.
One notable highlight in the company’s history occurred during the 1950s when renowned designer Paul McCobb collaborated with Winchendon Furniture Company. While McCobb became best known for his innovative furniture designs, he also made his mark by designing radios and televisions for CBS-Columbia and hi-fi consoles for Bell & Howell, among other household items. His Planner line, manufactured by Winchendon, emerged as one of the best-selling contemporary furniture lines of the era, remaining in continuous production from 1949 until 1964. McCobb's Planner series has since become an emblem of 1950s American furniture, showcasing the synergy between modern design and quality craftsmanship that Winchendon was known for.
After Richard's passing in 1972, his sons, Joe and Jack Ladeau, took a decisive step by purchasing their father's half of the business from Frank. This marked a new chapter for the company, and in 1978, Joe and Jack acquired the remaining shares, officially rebranding the company as Winchendon Furniture. Their leadership helped modernize the business while preserving its rich heritage.
The 1980s marked a period of expansion for Winchendon Furniture. In 1980, the Ladeau brothers opened a new store in Amherst, Massachusetts, further broadening their market reach. This growth continued into 2014 when the family opened a location in Keene, New Hampshire, demonstrating their commitment to serving customers across the region.
However, the retail landscape began to shift, leading to changes in operations. In 2019, the Amherst store closed as part of a strategic downsizing. Most recently, in 2023, the Keene location was also shuttered, allowing the Ladeau family to transition into retirement after decades of dedicated service.
Through its many years of operation, Winchendon Furniture Company has remained a cherished part of the local community, known for its craftsmanship and family-oriented values. The company’s journey reflects not only the evolution of furniture making but also the enduring legacy of a family business rooted in tradition and quality. With the influential contributions of designers like McCobb, Winchendon has played a significant role in shaping American furniture design.
Winchendon Furniture Company
Planner Group Three-Drawer Chest on Low Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
H 39 in W 59 in D 18 in
$ 1,950
Winchendon Furniture Company
Set of Three Paul McCobb Wrought Iron Stools
H 16.14 in W 20.47 in D 20.47 in
$ 3,950
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Winchendon Furniture Company
Vintage Cherrywood Cow Horn Bench by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall
H 25 in W 54 in D 17 in
$ 3,200
Access Trade Price
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Suite for Winchendon
H 35 in W 19 in D 21 in
$ 8,500
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Winchendon Furniture Company
Planner Group Drop-Leaf Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
H 18 in W 56 in D 36 in
$ 2,300
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Sold
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Twenty Drawer Chest Of Drawers or Sideboard Credenza
H 33.07 in W 72.83 in D 18.11 in
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Model 1580 Planner Group Iron Maple Coffee Table for Winchendon
H 16.54 in DIA 35.83 in
$ 6,500
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul Cobb Coffee Planner Table in Black Iron and Solid Maple Top by Winchendon
H 16.14 in W 59.84 in D 24.02 in
$ 3,250
Sold
Winchendon Furniture Company
Pair of Ebonized Planner Group Side Tables by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
H 22 in W 24 in D 18 in
Winchendon Furniture Company
Pair of Paul McCobb End Tables for Winchendon, Planner Group Series
H 19 in W 24 in D 18 in
$ 1,950
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Planner Group Six-Drawer on Bench by Winchendon
H 43 in W 48 in D 18 in
$ 5,500
Sold
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza or Chest of Drawers for Winchendon
H 33 in W 59 in D 18 in
Sold
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table for Winchendon, USA 1950s
H 20.47 in W 59.84 in D 18.11 in
$ 1,750
Sold
Sold
Winchendon Furniture Company
Set of Eight Paul McCobb Spindle Back Chairs for Winchendon, USA, 1950s
H 29 in W 18 in D 16 in
Sold
Sold
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Planner Group 8-Drawer Dresser for Winchendon Furniture
H 32 in W 60 in D 18 in
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon
H 34 in W 61 in D 18 in
$ 2,950
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Planner Group dresser
H 33.07 in W 59.84 in D 16.14 in
Request Price
Sold
Sold
Winchendon Furniture Company
Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s
H 17.72 in W 20.47 in D 20.47 in
Sold
Winchendon Furniture Company
Paul McCobb Stylish Desk In Ebonized Maple 1950s (Signed)
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
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