Do you own a Lane Cedar Chest?

In thinking of topics to write about my hometown of Altavista, Virginia I began exploring monumental points in the history of Altavista. One of the first points that I have always thought of when explaining the geographic location of my little home town is the question "Do you own a Lane Cedar Chest"? If you do chances are it was built right here in my hometown just 20 miles south of Lynchburg, Virginia.

The Lane Furniture Company's main plant was located here in March of 1912 when John Lane purchase a box plant and and encouraged his young son Ed Lane to manufacture cedar chest. Initially the Lane's were unsure if the venture would work so they didn't name it "The Lane Company" it was called the "Standard Red Cedar Chest Company" little did they know just how popular the cedar chest would become. Most every little girl back then had a hope chest or dowry chest to house contents that would be used in their future household. I would venture to say that there are many households across the world who still have the cedar chest which some models being collectors items.

Unfortunately the plant which was the largest employer of The Town of Altavista closed in 2001 and moved the headquarters to Tupelo Mississippi. The former plants now house two other companies and the office building is host to many small businesses. This hometown girl still misses the blow of the work whistle which sounded every morning and afternoon notifying everyone around town the workday was over. It is unfortunate that this company that pretty much founded my little hometown was subject to corporate downsizing. I will always have memories of years gone by and the hard work many of the area residents put in by taking one look at my own Lane Cedar Chest.