Hickory Rockers are a homey addition

Capturing the spirit of the American pioneers, hickory rockers are a stylish and timeless addition to the interior or exterior of any home. There’s just something about a rustic hickory rocker that invites one to relax and decompress after a long day.

While the origins of the twig rocker are unknown, it appears to have evolved from the skates or rockers used on cradles and rocking horses dating all the way back to the 15 th Century. Early rockers were simply traditional chairs that had skates added to them to make them rock. It appears it didn’t dawn on anyone to create a “rocking chair” from scratch until the late 1700s. The first reference to the term rocking chair can be found in a dictionary that dates to 1787.

The first American rockers can be traced to the Adirondacks and Appalachians, where early settlers built cabins and lodes to escape the summer heat. Several styles became extremely popular during this time, including the Andrew Jackson Rocker and the Two Hoop Hickory Rocker. Both designs came from the Old Hickory Furniture Company, which was started by Billy Richardson.

The company’s twig rockers rapidly became known for their superior craftsmanship and quality. Other companies soon followed suit.

Today you can choose from a wide range of rustic hickory rockers in a variety of styles and finishes. The homespun Amish Hickory Rocker is one of the more popular styles these days, as is the Bow Hickory Back Rocker.

One of the pieces enjoying a renaissance is the Andrew Jackson Rocker. The original three-hoop rocker is believed to have been made for the president’s Tennessee retreat by Richardson and his father. After being discontinued for decades, it was reintroduced in 2003 by Old Hickory.

The Two Hoop Hickory Rocker is another favorite for American homes. The finely crafted piece is known for its durability, comfort and classic style. The two bent twigs used to build the back and arms are extremely strong.

Regardless of your tastes in furnishings, there’s a hickory rocker that will meet your needs. Whether they grace your great room, sunroom, patio or porch, you can be sure that they will not only be a beautiful addition to your home, but a comfortable one as well.