MJ Salmon & Son is a well-known and respected name in the world of fine woodworking. The company, which was founded over a century ago in the small town of Ashford, Connecticut, has built a reputation for producing high-quality, handcrafted furniture that is both beautiful and durable.
The story of MJ Salmon & Son begins in the late 1800s, when a young man named Michael James Salmon set out to make a name for himself as a carpenter. Michael was a skilled craftsman who had learned the trade from his father, who had worked as a furniture maker for many years. With a strong work ethic and a passion for woodworking, Michael quickly established himself as one of the best craftsmen in the region.
In 1896, Michael decided to start his own woodworking business, and MJ Salmon & Son was born. The company started out small, with just a handful of employees working out of a small workshop in Ashford. But as word of Michael’s talent and craftsmanship spread, the business began to grow, and before long, MJ Salmon & Son was known throughout the state for producing some of the finest furniture money could buy.
One of the things that set MJ Salmon & Son apart from other furniture makers of the time was Michael’s commitment to using only the finest materials in his work. While other craftsmen were content to use cheap, low-quality lumber, Michael insisted on using only the best woods available, such as oak, cherry, and walnut. This attention to detail and commitment to quality quickly earned MJ Salmon & Son a reputation for producing furniture that was not only beautiful but also built to last.
Over the years, MJ Salmon & Son continued to grow and thrive, thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of Michael’s son, John. John had been working in the family business since he was a young boy, and he had learned the craft of woodworking from his father. When Michael passed away in 1925, John took over the company and continued his father’s legacy of producing high-quality, handcrafted furniture.
Under John’s leadership, MJ Salmon & Son expanded its product line to include a wider range of furniture, including tables, chairs, beds, and cabinets. The company also began experimenting with new styles and designs, incorporating elements of both traditional and contemporary furniture into their pieces. Despite these changes, however, one thing remained constant: MJ Salmon & Son’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Today, MJ Salmon & Son is run by John’s grandson, Thomas, who represents the fourth generation of the Salmon family to lead the company. Thomas grew up in the workshop, watching his father and grandfather at work and learning the art of woodworking from a young age. Like his predecessors, Thomas is committed to upholding the tradition of excellence that has defined MJ Salmon & Son for over a century.
One of the things that make MJ Salmon & Son stand out in today’s mass-produced world is their commitment to traditional methods of craftsmanship. While many furniture makers have turned to machines and assembly lines to speed up production, MJ Salmon & Son continues to rely on hand tools and old-fashioned techniques to create their pieces. Each piece of furniture is crafted by hand, with careful attention paid to every detail, ensuring that the finished product is of the highest quality.
In addition to their commitment to quality, MJ Salmon & Son is also dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company sources their wood from local, sustainably managed forests, ensuring that their furniture is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. They also make every effort to minimize waste and reduce their carbon footprint, using eco-friendly finishes and recycling materials whenever possible.
As MJ Salmon & Son looks to the future, they remain focused on their core values of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. With each generation of the Salmon family adding their own unique contributions to the company, MJ Salmon & Son continues to evolve and grow while staying true to the principles that have guided them for over a century. In a world where mass-produced, disposable furniture is the norm, MJ Salmon & Son stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.