The Hespeler Furniture Company: A Century of Craftsmanship in Cambridge, Ontario

 

Hespeler Furniture Factory - credit Jim Hall

Here is a short history of the Hespeler furniture factory. I also did a video showing some of the many furniture pieces made there. Here is the video LINK to watch it. 

The Hespeler Furniture Company stands as a testament to the rich industrial heritage of Cambridge, Ontario, representing over seven decades of quality furniture manufacturing that helped shape the region's economy and identity. From its founding in 1901 to its closure in the 1970s, this factory was one of the largest furniture manufacturers of its kind in the area, leaving behind a legacy that collectors and historians continue to appreciate today.

The Founder: George A. Gruetzner

George Adolph Gruetzner, born on November 6, 1855, in Buffalo, New York, was the visionary behind the Hespeler Furniture Company. Before establishing his own enterprise, Gruetzner gained valuable experience working for The Simpson Co. of Berlin (now Kitchener), Ontario, where he served first as a salesman and later as factory manager. This experience provided him with the industry knowledge and business acumen that would prove essential to his future success.

When The Simpson Co. merged with the Canada Furniture Syndicate in 1901, Gruetzner saw an opportunity to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. Rather than continue with the merged entity, he chose to establish his own factory in the neighboring community of Hespeler, laying the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the local economy.

Building a Business and a Community

Gruetzner was not simply a businessman—he was deeply committed to his adopted community. His civic engagement began with service on the Parks Board before progressing to Town Council. In 1925, his fellow citizens elected him mayor of Hespeler, a position he held with distinction for five years. His leadership during this period helped guide Hespeler through the challenges of the late 1920s.

George Gruetzner passed away on August 25, 1948, leaving behind a thriving business and a community enriched by his contributions. His death occurred just before the factory would continue operating for another quarter-century under his legacy.

Hespeler made cherry wood furniture

Products and Craftsmanship

The Hespeler Furniture Company specialized in manufacturing high-quality bedroom and dining room furniture, with particular emphasis on period reproductions. Their product line included dressers, washstands, beds, dining tables, and other household furniture pieces that were marketed under the brand name "Craftsmanship Fine Period Furniture."

The company's furniture was renowned for its quality construction and attention to detail. Many pieces featured expandable designs, such as dining tables that could be adjusted from narrow to wide configurations, demonstrating the practical innovation that characterized their approach to furniture making.

An Unexpected Product Line: Radio Cabinets

In an interesting diversification of their business, Hespeler Furniture Company manufactured wooden cabinets for the Rogers Majestic Company of Toronto, an early radio manufacturer. During the 1930s, when radios were transitioning from utilitarian devices to elegant pieces of furniture, Hespeler provided the fine wooden cabinets that housed Rogers Majestic's electronic components.

Notable examples include the Rogers Majestic Radio Model 8M1092 from the 1930s, which featured shortwave bands and AM capability housed in Hespeler Cabinet Model No. 8106. Another example was the Rogers 12-126 "Teledial" model, which boasted automatic tuning and advanced features for its era, all enclosed in a Hespeler-crafted cabinet. These cabinets combined the elegance of fine furniture with the modern technology of radio broadcasting, creating conversation pieces that were as beautiful as they were functional. Here is a LINK to an article on the Radio Cabinets and how to identify the Hespeler ones.

The Factory's Operations

Historical records housed at the University of Waterloo Archives provide a glimpse into the company's business operations. The Hespeler Furniture Co. fonds includes day books and journals from 1901-1904, cash books from 1903-1906, five ledgers spanning 1907 to 1943, and accounts payable records from 1936 to 1964. These documents chronicle the financial history of a business that operated continuously for over six decades.

The factory employed numerous local residents throughout its history, becoming one of the largest employers in Hespeler. Stories passed down from workers who spent their careers at the factory speak to the skilled craftsmanship and strong work ethic that characterized the company's culture.

Hespeler Buffet Table 1920-1930

The End of an Era

The House of Braymore Toronto bought Hespeler Furniture in 1969 for $347,738.00. In 1988, the Hespeler Furniture Company factory locations at 927 & 1195 King Street East Street in Preston, were demolished. I am not aware of the final closing date of the company. It may reflect a gradual wind-down of operations during the company's final years. Regardless of the precise end date, the factory's closure marked the end of an era for Hespeler's industrial landscape.

Hespeler Furniture showing new owner House of Braemore Furniture

The Building Today

The vast Hespeler Furniture Company building still stands in Cambridge, Ontario, serving as a physical reminder of the community's industrial heritage. Rather than being demolished, this historic structure has been repurposed and now houses several modern businesses. The building's adaptive reuse preserves an important piece of local history while continuing to serve the community in new ways.

For those interested in architecture and industrial history, the factory building remains a landmark in Cambridge's Hespeler neighborhood, its presence a connection to the craftsmen and entrepreneurs who built the region's economy.

Collecting Hespeler Furniture

Today, Hespeler Furniture pieces are sought after by collectors and antique enthusiasts. The quality of construction and timeless designs mean that many pieces have survived in excellent condition. Authentic Hespeler furniture can typically be identified by tags or markings on the back or underside of pieces, usually bearing the Hespeler Furniture Company name.

The value of Hespeler furniture on the secondary market varies depending on the piece, its condition, and location of sale. Dining tables and other substantial pieces can command prices ranging from $450 to $575 or more, particularly for well-preserved examples of their period reproduction work.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Hespeler Furniture Company represents an important chapter in the industrial history of Waterloo Region. As one of the area's major furniture manufacturers, it contributed to the region's reputation for skilled manufacturing and craftsmanship. The company's success over seven decades demonstrates both the entrepreneurial spirit of George Gruetzner and the dedication of the workers who brought his vision to life.

The factory's story also reflects broader trends in Canadian manufacturing—the rise of local industries in the early 20th century, their prosperity through the middle decades, and the eventual challenges that led to the decline of many traditional manufacturing enterprises by the 1970s.

For residents of Cambridge, particularly those in the Hespeler community, the furniture company remains a source of local pride. Its building stands as a monument to the skilled craftspeople who once worked there, and the furniture pieces that survive in homes across Canada continue to serve as functional reminders of Hespeler's industrial heritage.

Conclusion

The Hespeler Furniture Company's story is one of entrepreneurship, quality craftsmanship, and community engagement. From George Gruetzner's decision to establish his own factory in 1901 to the company's operation through seven decades of changing markets and technologies, Hespeler Furniture left an indelible mark on the region. Whether you own a piece of Hespeler furniture, admire the historic factory building, or simply appreciate the history of local industry, the legacy of the Hespeler Furniture Company continues to resonate in Cambridge, Ontario.

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References

1. Archeion. "Hespeler Furniture Co. fonds." Archeion Archives Database. Accessed October 11, 2025. https://www.archeion.ca/hespeler-furniture-co-fonds

2. "Do What You Wish." Hespeler Furniture Company. WordPress blog. Accessed October 11, 2025. https://dowhatyouwish.wordpress.com/tag/hespeler-furniture-company/

3. Furniture Renew. "The old Hespeler furniture factory was operational until the 1970's." Facebook. Accessed October 11, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/ontariorefinishing/photos/a.218407381512748/1167299679956842/

4. Langan, Paul. "The Surprising Link Between Hespeler Furniture and Classic Radios." Paul Langan's Blog, January 31, 2025. https://www.paullangan.com/2020/05/hespeler-furniture-company-made-radio.html

5. University of Waterloo Archives. "Hespeler Furniture Co. fonds." Archives Database. Accessed October 11, 2025. https://archives.uwaterloo.ca/index.php/hespeler-furniture-co-fonds-2

6. "Waterloo Region Generations: Mayor George Adolph Gruetzner." Waterloo Region Genealogical Database. Accessed October 11, 2025. https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I1266&tree=generations

7. Waterloo Historical Society 37 (1949): 45.