For those of us clearing out our attics and basements, investigating inherited wood furniture, or scoping out roadside antique shops, it's common to come across a wood piece branded with the number “76.”
If you’re wondering what that logo means, you’re not alone. A quick Google search clarifies that many folks are too.
The answer? Bennington Pine Furniture.
Let’s dive into the history of the brand– or what little we know about it.
The Rise and Fall of the Bennington Pine Furniture Company
In Winooski, Vermont, during the roaring twenties, the Vermont Furniture Company opened its doors, embarking on a journey of craftsmanship in Northern Vermont following a tradition of Vermont Furniture making that can be traced to the 17th century. Known initially for crafting high-quality maple wood pieces, in the 1960s, the Vermont Furniture Company wanted to try something different: furniture made from pine. Thus, Bennington Pine Furniture was born sometime in the 1960s.
The 1970s were the golden era for Bennington Pine, a period when colonial-style furniture became a staple in American homes. These pieces, crafted with attention to detail, featured the durability of solid wood construction and classic tongue and groove drawers.
According to historian Joe Rosson, the company can be traced to the 1970s, “but the little information I could find suggests that the mother company and Bennington Pine were out of business sometime in the 1970s.” However, it’s not publicly available why the company went out of business.
Also according to Rosson, one way to distinguish the Bennington Pine benches from genuinely old pieces is that “the Bennington pieces were assembled with screws– not with square nails as they might have been otherwise.”
Where to View or Purchase Bennington Pine Furniture
Besides folks selling Bennington Pine Furniture independently, you might come across pieces from the brand in Vermont antique shops and vintage marketplaces. However, for information about other key players in the history of woodworking in Vermont, check out our Vermont Furniture Encyclopedia.
