Reid-Made Chair

Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Description: The chair that was once a famous craft made by the Reid Family and known throughout the region as "the finest chair"

History: Made by the Reid Family that once settled in the Choestoe District of Union County, these chairs were once thought to be some of the "finest chairs around", as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. People from all over the mountain region and beyond would travel to Union County specifically to buy these chairs. It is believed that the nearby John C Campbell Folk School in nearby Brasstown, NC has many of these chairs on the site of their location. Most of these chairs were stand still and/or rocking chairs. The chairs became a family tradition by way of Jason Jesse Reid who then taught the craft to his sons, Lon, James, and Harvey who continued the family tradition. Today, you can find these chairs displayed in the Atlanta History Center.

Fun Facts: 1. The chairs made by the Reid's can be found on display in the Folk Life section of the Atlanta History Center. 2. One of the rocking chairs can also be found at the Butt-Mock House Annex of the Union County Historical Society. 3. Many of the chairs are still believed to be used at the famous John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. 4. There were multiple generations of chair-makers within the Reid Family. 5. Many descendants of the Reid chair-makers still reside in Union County today.