Maine craftsmanship at its finest

I finished my tour of the Thos. Moser workshop in Auburn, Maine with two primary thoughts. First, the furniture crafted in this place has a simple elegance that stands out in a day of mass production. It is made with skill and heart. Secondly, the people who painstakingly create these useful works of art seem more like one big family than a group of employees. 

The handwork that is shipped out of these facilities arrives in homes where its quality will allow it to be passed down from generation to generation. Approximately a third of what is created is sent to non-residential spaces — some of the names might be familiar to you. Projects have been completed for the National Geographic Society, the New Yorker Magazine, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the Henry Ford Museum, and so many other well-known locations. You can find Thos. Moser made-in-Maine furniture in offices and libraries on academic campuses such as Harvard and Yale, Princeton and Columbia. One of the newest designs was recently completed in collaboration with the New York Public Library.

From what I observed, I think it is safe to conclude that Thos. Moser is representing Maine with a high degree of excellence. That quality begins on the floor of the workshop. The employees I met throughout the tour of the 88,000 square foot facility could not have been any friendlier. Their interactions with each other revealed a tight-knit community and family atmosphere. When you consider that most of the cabinetmakers count their time at Thos. Moser by the decades, it’s no wonder they have formed strong bonds.

Much of this environment can be attributed to the way in which its founder and namesake, Tom Moser, built the company. The former Bates College professor left academia in the 1970s and began crafting and selling a variety of objects from wood. He found great inspiration in the work of the Shakers and used this foundation to create his own designs. I was able to see his signature piece — the Thos. Moser Continuous Arm Chair — in various stages of production. The idea that a stack of wood at one end of the workshop can be transformed into a beautiful chair at the other end is mind-boggling to me.

From start to finish, twenty-six hours of work is invested in one of these trademark chairs. They are designed to last. The same can be said of the company. It continues to be run by the Moser family. I had the opportunity to meet one son, Andy Moser, during my time on-site. The senior Mr. Moser — while no longer working in the daily operations — still comes by. In fact, his 85th birthday had been celebrated shortly before my visit. The sign and balloons remained on display.

Despite the many hours that go into the furniture-making process, the dedicated workers are able to produce thousands of chairs, tables, beds, dressers, desks, bookcases, and more every year. And they still find time for “play.” The workweek ends at 1PM on Fridays, but many of the 65 employees on the workshop floor don’t go home. Instead, they’re allowed to spend the next three hours on their own personal projects. There is no question that woodworking is their passion.

The projects the employees complete for the company bear their own unique signatures — literally! Every cabinetmaker signs and dates the items they create. When you order a piece of furniture from Thos. Moser, you’ll know exactly who made it.

If you want to see Thos. Moser furniture in person, you have options. Tours, like the one I took, can be arranged by contacting the main offices in Auburn. You can also stop by one of their five showrooms. Locally, you can find one in Freeport. If you are traveling or live out-of-state, there are others in Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. Check out the Thos. Moser website for all these details.

My deep appreciation to tour guide, Andy Pinkham, who has been part of the Thos. Moser family for the past 23 years. I can attest to the fact that he remains enthusiastic about the company, products, and process.

I’m on a mission to visit every town in Maine. Check here to see if I’ve featured yours yet: All The Visits.