Have you come across a vintage wood table or bench stamped with the number “76”?
If so, you're not alone. Many people uncover this mark while clearing out attics, browsing antique stores, or researching family heirlooms—only to find limited information online.
The answer? You’ve likely discovered a piece of Bennington Pine Furniture—a short-lived but iconic Vermont furniture brand from the mid-20th century.
At Vermont Woods Studios, we’re passionate about preserving the legacy of Vermont-made solid wood furniture. Whether you're a collector, a design enthusiast, or just curious about a piece you've inherited, this guide will walk you through the origins of Bennington Pine and its place in Vermont’s rich furniture-making history.
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.
At Vermont Woods Studios, we carry the torch of Vermont’s woodworking tradition forward. Every piece of our solid wood furniture is handcrafted by local artisans using sustainably sourced North American hardwoods.
Whether you're searching for a future heirloom or simply appreciate the beauty of timeless design, we invite you to explore our collections.
