Rocking Chairs, an American Invention!

Hi.

I have always loved rocking chairs.  My first purchase of a rocking chair was in the 1970s and it was a reproduction modern style bentwood rocker.  While this style no longer appeals to me, rocking chairs still do.  Rocking is a great way to relax.  Rocking can also be therapeutic for my lower back problems.

A Brief History of Rocking Chairs

The rocking chair is one of the most popular furniture items and was invented in America.  Before anyone thought of creating a rocking chair, cradles and rocking horses were already in use.  While nobody knows who created the very first rocking chair, a 1774 bill found from the furniture maker  William Savery states "to putting rockers on a chair."  The charge was one shilling and sixpence.  Adding the curved rails to regular chairs was done to make them more comfortable.  Later, seat cushions were added as well.  Since early rockers damaged carpet by repeatedly rocking in the same place, they became known as carpet cutters.  Rocking chairs were created in various furniture styles that were popular, by simply attaching rails to the legs of the chairs.  Later in the 18th century, rocking chairs were specifically designed and made as rockers.  Many rocking chairs were made for outdoor use and relaxing in a porch rocker is still popular today.

My mother passed down this beautiful plank seat pine rocker to my sister and she uses it in her family room.

I bought this rocking chair last year for my living room.  It has carved decoration on the top of the wooden frame and beautiful caning on the seat and back of the chair.

Originally featured in my post on my trip to Adamstown, this is a pine plank seat nursing rocker with painted decorations on the back, seat front and rails.

Please comment on your interest in, and experience with, rocking chairs.  I would love to read your feedback and so would other readers.

Sincerely,
Lynn