Page 256 - Family History

Internet Information and Links

The Old Furniture Factory

Welcome To The Old Furniture Factory

A Venue for Art, Music, and Community Based Activities
History of The Old Furniture Factory

Today, 6 West Loudoun Street in Round Hill, Virginia is home to The Old Furniture Factory, but the
building has an interesting past...

1886: The building was originally built in the late 1880's by Walter Howell. Walter and his brother
Letcher operated a furniture factory here known as the Howell Brothers Furniture Emporium.

Originally, the building consisted of a smaller two-story post-and-beam structure occupying
about one third of the current floor plan. Later editions expanded both the first and second
floors, replacing the gable roof with today's shed roof. A stable or carriage house once stood in
the rear of the lot. Though this building no longer stands, evidence of its foundation can be
seen.

1895: Neighbor Niels Poulsen purchased the factory and machinery and it was later known as
the Klein Wright Building.

1910: Sometime around 1910 the Old Round Hill School, which was located across the street on
the site of the present day Methodist Parsonage, burned down. While the new school was being
built on High Street, The Old Furniture Factory served as a temporary schoolhouse from 1911-
1912.

1915: The building was used for William Osburn's grocery store and a tin shop occupied by Niels
Poulsen's son, K. Luther Poulsen. During prohibition, it served as a speak-easy.

1950: Herrell's general store was located here in the 1950s and early 1960s. A hand painted
Coca-Cola sign on the sign of the building was uncovered during recent restoration work.

1985: Wally Johnson along with a partner purchased the Old Furniture Factory in 1985 and
operated American Woodworkers Incorporated until 1997 when AWI moved. During this time,
historic reproduction cabinetry and stairs for many of the regions' historic homes were built by
hand in what is now the building's woodshop.

1997: American Woodcrafters Incorporated leaves the Old Furniture Factory and Wally Johnson
and Carolyn Kruger become owners of the building.

2001: From 2001 until 2009 The Old Furniture Factory was home to the Round Hill Arts Center
founded by building owners Wally Johnson and Carolyn Kruger. The owners wish the Round Hill
Arts Center the best of luck as they go forward in their new location with programs and activities
at Hill High Orchard in Round Hill. For information regarding Round Hill Arts Center activities
please refer to their website at www.roundhillartscenter.org.

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