The history of furniture making, specifically chairs, dates back to the immigration of German settlers to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Many of the German settlers came to Sheboygan, WI in the mid 1800’s. Sawmills were built quickly on the county’s rivers, with Sheboygan Falls having the most reliable water supply; the Sheboygan and Mullet Rivers had the largest drop, necessary to create power. By 1885, Sheboygan factories made so much furniture the city was known as “Chair City.”
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, known for years as “Chair City” has been home to such companies as Phoenix Chair, Northern Furniture Company, Mattoon, Crocker Chair, Bemis-Riddell, Thonet, R-Way and more.
Sheboygan, Wisconsin no longer manufactures furniture, but there are places to shop for furniture.