Deconstructing Early 20th Century Softwood Furniture of Hawaii
As-found, Douglas fir dresser. Kona. There is not much information out there about once-common softwood furniture that was made here in Hawaii during the period of about 1900 to 1960. Wishing there was, I figured I would at least document what I have found because such furniture is rapidly disappearing, especially the earlier examples. Admittedly, there are legit reasons for the disappearance - and the dearth of info. This furniture is often battered, worn, splintery, termite-damaged, viewed as "old and worthless", rotted, heavy, in need of repair, has lead paint, etc. It was never intended as "fine furniture" but it served its purpose well for many years in a lot of homes here. While koa is a beautiful Hawaiian hardwood and grown right here on the Big Island (Hawaii Island) where my furniture examples came from, few could afford such furniture during the pre...