History of a Day

“This building was once the biggest in all of Milton. This being the largest stagecoach stop between Baltimore and Atlanta, it was used as a hotel,” beamed Twinkle. My mind seemed to stutter as I compared the current state of this little village with its former self. “This was a major shopping destination for folks within a several hundred mile radius,” she continued. Perhaps, this is why Thomas Day had his business here. Perhaps, this is why he became so successful and, at one time, was the largest furniture manufacturer in North Carolina.

The shop employed over 12 individuals, ranging from white apprentices-to-slave labor. Each piece of furniture was handcrafted to suit the needs of the customer. Truly bespoke. Yet, each piece was fashioned in the style of the era: American Empire. This style had become vogue for furnishing one’s Georgian home.

Sadly, Mr. Day did not sign a single creation. The furniture items on display were assumed to be his work, as they had been passed from generation-to-generation with a verbal trail of pedigree. A trademark of his craftsmanship was the shape of a scroll or curve. Since a distinctive element of this neoclassic period includes the ionic capital, perhaps it was from such this scroll shape was derived. In any case, it is prevalent in not only his furniture, but his architectural work as well. This included: newel posts, door frames, window pediments, and fireplace mantels. He was quite the purveyor of style. His later work whispering of the forthcoming architectural period, Art Nouveau.

“Mr. Day was very well thought of by the community,” chimed Twinkle. She went on to elaborate that Mr. Day was a member of the town board and bank. He had acquired quite a notoriety for his beautiful work, being commissioned to make furniture for North Carolina Governor David Reid and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

With Twinkle's permission, I was allowed to touch the furniture. Soon, I was opening drawers, studying the dovetail joinery, and marveling at the spectacular veneer work. This, indeed, was quality craftsmanship. Styles may come and go, but quality remains. I knew I was in the presence of some very important furniture pieces.