McKinstry's Home Furnishings

McKinstry's Home Furnishings. . , McKinstry's Home Furnishings of Beaver Dam is the oldest family-run business in the state of Wisconsin. John McKinstry came from Quebec, Canada, in 1858, and he built a strong business crafting such items as beds, cabinets, chairs, bureaus and wash stands from the area's oak, maple, walnut, and cherry hardwoods., The filling in upholstery and mattresses was made of green marsh grass twisted into rope-like strands, drying it to give it curl and cutting it to suit requirements. The grass was also used for padding under rugs made from old rags and woven into durable floor coverings., The company outgrew its original location and moved to its current site at 131 Front St. The store included a funeral home as well. W. D. McKinstry joined the business at age 16, and due to rapid expansion furniture from other manufacturers was sold there., When John McKinstry died, the firm became known as W.D. McKinstry Furniture and Burial Goods. W.D. was later joined by his sons, Irwin R. and Randall. When Randall was in high school he became lifelong friends with Fred MacMurray who also helped out at the store., Eventually the company became known as McKinstry's Home Furnishings, and shortly after the business's 100th anniversary Randall's son Bill became associated with the company. He remained active in the business until his death in 1964. John B. McKinstry joined the firm in 1965. Store manager Ric Fiegel joined the company in 1967., The chair in the mural was manufactured by the original John McKinstry. The tape measure on the chair was used by Fred MacMurray when he worked for McKinstry's. The glue pot aside the chair was used in the manufacturing of furniture.