our HISTORY

The first business to be built on the property that is currently Fancher Chair was constructed in 1807. Edward Work, an attorney from Meadville, Pennsylvania purchased over 1000 acres from the Holland Land Company in the town of Worksburg, New York.

On this property, Work built a log house near the Chadakoin River. In 1808, sawmills were built and put into operation shortly afterwards. Two-inch planks were the first products of the mill. A gristmill was added beside the sawmill in 1809. Work sold his property in 1836 to Robert Falconer, a Scottish immigrant who settled in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania. In 1840, Falconer’s son, Patrick, bought the property and a great deal of other land in and around Worksburg.

In the late 1860s Falconer began manufacturing beekeeping supplies. In 1874, the name of the town of Worksburg was changed to Falconer. Patrick Falconer’s son, William, bought his sawmill and beekeeping business in January 1880. William also added sash door and trim work to the business.

AMC made a variety of products including thermometers, washing machines, and toys and involved the W.T. Manufacturing Company which kept its original trade name. In 1910, AMC was incorporated with W.T. Falconer elected President, the office which he held until his death in 1915. Although the original products continued to be manufactured,

American Manufacturing Concern added several goods to its product line. Living room tables were manufactured from 1930 to 1977; bedroom furniture was made from 1949 to 1960; and toys were continued in the line until 1968. In 1977, AMC began producing chairs, mainly Queen Anne and Chippendale styles.

The Fancher name came from Albert T. Fancher, the first president of the Fancher Furniture Company organized in Salamanca, NY in 1911. The Erickson family first became involved with the company in 1939. Fancher bought American Manufacturing Concern in 1976.

Under the leadership of C. Leonard Erickson, the name of the Falconer plant was formally changed to Fancher Chair on January 11, 1979. Erickson’s son, Brian, took over for one year in 1983. Brian was succeeded the following year by his brother, Bruce, who continued as president until December 2009 at which time the company was sold to its current owner, Gary Henry Jr.

From the roots of a small sawmill, to the bustling furniture factory it is today, Fancher Chair has been a pillar in the Falconer community for many years.

Fancher Chair has recently been recognized by being added to New York State’s Historic Business Preservation Registry.

Employees of W.T. Falconer Manufacturing.
Taken outside the factory in 1897