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.
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This post would do well to be included in the BLAST FROM THE PAST group. Did you know you can put your post into 5 groups?
Georgina,
Thanks for the advice I was not aware of that as I am still fairly new in the AR Community and I am still trying to get the hang of blogging. Thanks again and best wishes!
i have a lanes red cedar hope chest.the style is 1850 and the serial is 442211 can you tell me how old it is .and the value thank you
i also have a lane cedar chest and would like to know which ones are collectors items ? and any information about style 2525-3m,serial# 052211 thank you
I have a early Lane Chest. Model 48142. Made before serial #s were used. According to Lane its one of the first made. I am looking for any information on this chest. It was given to me by my great aunt
I have a Lane Sweetheart Chest - Style #2298-50 & Serial #2965150. I would like to sell it. Can you tell me what it sold for and what it would be worth today?
Thank you
Could anyone tell me the value of a Standard Red Ceader Chest Co Alta Vista USA. ITT HAD I BELEAVE IT HAD VICTOR or Val But its a nice Hope or ceader chest Its about three or more fett long and two or more high.Its in nice condition and is supposed to be over 60 or more years old.Any help would be great!Thanks Paul
Hi, I wrote that terrible artical in the dark and sent it like it is.Sorry.But i am looking for any info on this type of chest But it says Standard Red Ceader Chest and i guess Alta Vista Is the name of the town.It is my cousins and he read off what i have above but it was 3-4 long and standard at it tallest.Thanks Paul
HI, Hope! How appropriate that you would write a blog about a hope chest! I have a very plain, classic cedar chest that I bought in the first months my husband and I were married in 1980. It has held blankets, sweaters and my treasured antique quilts (stored first in pillow cases--never store a quilt directly in a cedar chest). I am so sorry to know that your local plant shut down, but it is good the real estate is being used rather than standing empty.