• Built in Salt Lake City, Utah 1858

• ;Replicated in 1995

Because pioneers hadn't been able to bring much furniture with them across the plains, a skilled woodworker like Henry Dinwoodey was an essential member of pioneer society. These craftsmen learned to adapt their work to the softer woods and different conditions that existed in Utah. They imitated the styles of the eastern hardwoods in native pine, aspen, cottonwood, and box elder. They used faux finish to paint and grain their products to look like hardwoods and marble. Dinwoodey built his first shop in 1858, a primitive board and batten structure.

Did you know? From 1865-1869 there was a shortage of scrap metal for nails in the Utah territory. One substitute available was rawhide, which was cut in strips, soaked in water, and woven to form chair seats and backs. When the rawhide dried, it tightened and held the chair together.