Karges Furniture
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Karges - The Last Great American Furniture Company - Karges Furniture in Evansville, Indiana has been in business since 1886. Karges is a family owned company and manufactures high end, quality pieces of furniture in Evansville.
Karges Furniture in Evansville, Indiana has been making beautiful, durable furniture for over 120 years. In 1886, Albert F. Karges, a first-generation German immigrant, invested $600 and began making moderately priced bedroom furniture of solid oak and walnut. At that time, the river port town of Evansville, Indiana was one of the largest hardwood furniture manufactureing centers in the world. The Karges Furniture Company is the sole survivor. Now, more than 120 years later, Karges remains one of the only family-owned, family-operated furniture manufacturers in America; hence the epithet, "The Last Great American Furniture Company." The Company prospered through the turn of the century; and Albert's son, Edwin F. Karges, Sr., joined the family business after World War I. He had a keen interest in European designs and traveled extensively in an effort to learn more about the old-world styles. Soon, the Karges line took on a more classic look and began separating itself from its competitors as he began to develop his own ideas. Mr."K", active in the company for over 60 years, left elegant, timeless designs that are still best sellers after 40 years. After orld War II, Edwin's son, Edwin F. Karges, Jr., joined the business. He was graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Wood Technology, and his knowledge and skill in wood finishing provided the groundwork for developing the Karges finishing process. "Eddie" as he was known in the factory, passed away in 2006 yet will always be regarded as the expert in matters relating to the unique Karges finish, of which no other furniture can compare. During the past 30 years, all four of Eddie's children have been involved in the business. Joan Karges Rogier, now President, worked alongside her father and represents the foruth generation of leadership. Joan brings to the Company a true understanding and appreciation of the strengths and experiences bequeathed by her predecessors as well as a sincere concern for the workers. She understands why Karges survived and why it remains strong today. Joan would tell you "The only way to make the very best furniture in the world is the slow, careful, hands-on way." This quality philosophy trickls down to the work bench or desk of each employee. For the future, Joan's daughter Gretchen Keith, who joined the company in 1995, is learning the trade and the passion for Karges Furniture. As the fifth generation's representative, Gretchen is vowed to continue the amazing tradition of this family and this company. Over the decades, as competitors focused on cost-saving materials and quicker production methods, Karges refused to compromise quality for profit. Karges made the commitment long ago to remain a manufacturer in the US and to not flee to the cheaper, more profitable off-shore production. Karges will keep that commitment as long as it is Karges. Karges has long been a furniture of celebrities and overseas royalty. Because everything is hand made it is a very high end line as it costs this much to manufacture. Karges is sold mostly to designers through wholesale showrooms but is also sold in some retail sources in major metropolitan areas. Karges is often referred to as a custom line of furniture as any of the pieces are made to order, therefore are only limited by the customer or designer's imagination. Karges has no other lines nor are they a division of any other manufacturer. They are a privately owned company that still operates M-F in the small river town of Evansville, IN in its original building by the original Karges family.
