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Rockford Rewind: Swedish Craftsmen

By: Mimi Murphy
Updated: July 31, 2012
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The first major industry of Rockfordwas the manufacturing of furniture. At one time, Rockfordhad over 120 different furniture companies. The local industry prospered following The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Midway Village Museum Curator of Education Mark Herman says, "Rockford picked up the slack starting in the 1870's and a lot of Swedish craftsmen were imported from Sweden to come to Rockford to help rebuild Chicago and take advantage of the void that was left when the factories there closed."

Swedish craftsmen were known for their skill in wood carving and intricate furniture work. Rockford became the chief furniture maker in the Midwest from the 18-70's until the 19-30's.

"Until the Great Depression hit, most of the factories closed as a result of the Depression and by the 1930's, they were pretty much gone."

That forced the city to reinvent itself as it has many times over the years. Herman says, "Who would have dreamed that we'd be doing aerospace and automobiles and all the things that we do today that are the major employers. When something isn't working anymore, you phase it out and find something to replace it."

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