Accessories 

This section highlights some of the accessories Eldred Wheeler sold in its stores and online. They include pieces that were crafted in the shop as well as those made by others. Some of the items the company made included mirrors, variety of boxes, quilt racks, colonial pipe boxes, hanging shelves, and some miniatures.

Over the years, the company partnered with a number of gifted artisans and offered an assortment of their items including wall clocks, wrought iron, folk art, paintings, whirligigs, sailor’s valentines, carvings, and ceramics. Some went on to form successful companies, while others moved on to new endeavors.

The Eldred Wheeler book lists most of the accessories the company made. Click here to view the book’s Appendix (best to select two-page view after opening).

Eldred Wheeler Crafted Accessories

The following PDFs describe some of the pieces the company crafted in house. Background on their selection and design are highlighted.

  • Eldred Wheeler Mirrors: Eldred Wheeler introduced four different mirrors after moving into its first shop in Hanson, Massachusetts. That was in 1978. Several months after we started the business, we were approached by an architect who was remodeling the lobby of a Cape Cod bank. He wanted the lobby to have an informal feel. It was an interesting project because he wanted us to supply both the furniture and decorative accessories. We decided to use a variety of courting mirrors to decorate one of the walls. It was this Cape Cod bank project that made us consider adding mirrors as a part of the product line. More

  • Eldred Wheeler Hanging Boxes: Eldred Wheeler made a variety of hanging boxes. They include pipe boxes, candle boxes, spoon racks, and knife boxes and were crafted in a variety of styles and designs. Some never made it past the prototype stage, others were only made in small quantities, but one example, the Old Sturbridge Village Tiger Maple Pipe Box was so popular that it was continuously offered. More

Outsourced Accessories

Products from numerous artisans were used to compliment Eldred Wheeler crafted pieces, and together they created the type of ambiance we sought for our shops.

  • Examples of Outsourced Accessories: One of the most enjoyable aspects of starting a business, like Eldred Wheeler, was meeting “kindred spirits” who also were just beginning their entrepreneurial adventures. Hearing their aspirations and telling them ours radiated enthusiasm and excitement. Bonds were formed, and everyone tried to promote each other’s products and capabilities.

    Likely, over the years we worked with more than 100 skilled artisans representing a broad array of crafts. The following PDF highlights a few such artisans and their crafts. More