Fancher Chair Co. in Falconer was presented official notification Friday of its incorporation into New York state’s Historic Business Preservation Registry. Pictured, from left, are state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; Pete Scheira, president; Gary Henry, owner/ operator; and state Sen. George Borrello. Submitted photo

FALCONER — Fancher Chair Co. in Falconer received official notification of its incorporation into New York state’s Historic Business Preservation Registry.

Established by legislation passed in 2020 and launched in the spring, the registry includes businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to history.

State Sen. George Borrello nominated Fancher Chair, located at 121 S. Work St. in Falconer, in January 2022.

Founded in 1807, the company is one of 100 businesses included in the first round of designations.

“Fancher Chair is amazing,” Borrello said. “Their furniture is known across the globe for its exceptional craftsmanship, comfort and style. It’s obvious that Fancher Chair’s management and employees take great pride in what they do. Always innovating and adapting, the company continues to thrive.

“Fancher Chair’s longevity and success is a tribute to its enduring commitment to quality and customer service. It is an extraordinary historic company and absolutely deserving of a place on New York’s Historic Business Preservation Registry.”

Fancher Chair’s origins trace back to Aug. 1, 1807, when a man named Edward Work purchased 1,260 acres from the Holland Land Company and constructed the first sawmill in the heart of the Allegheny forest.

Always evolving, Fancher Chair has lived in many guises. In 1905, as the William T. Falconer Manufacturing Co., it made washing machines. As the American Manufacturing Co., in 1910, it specialized in toys.

From 1946-1973, the plant started making larger furniture items. In 1975, the company began making residential furniture. Over time, Fancher Chair Co. converted to making wooden chairs for furniture retailers, and when the residential market moved overseas, Fancher Chair produced commercial chairs for banks, libraries, schools and businesses.

Fancher Chair is one of the country’s oldest manufacturing companies and is likely the oldest manufacturer in continuous operation in New York state.

The registry, which provides educational and promotional assistance to help ensure businesses in the state remain viable, is coordinated through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

An interactive storyboard map, which provides information about the location and history of each business, can be found on the agency website https://parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry/default.aspx