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Factory Find Linked To Eleanor Roosevelt

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By JAY MOORE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 22, 2009

Q. I would like information about my old table that is marked "Val-Kill." My grandfather worked at the factory so it means a lot to me. Please tell me more about the company and the value of the table.

K.M.

Tampa

A. It is a reproduction table based upon 18th-century William and Mary furniture, which was popular in England and America from the late 17th century through the 18th century.

Val-Kill Industries has an interesting history. Eleanor Roosevelt and several friends founded the small factory in 1927. The firm specialized in 18th-century style furniture, metalware and textiles.

Roosevelt and friends originally wished to provide extra income for locals in Hyde Park, N.Y. - the factory was located on the Roosevelt family estate - but did not meet its goal and closed in 1938.

Val-Kill reproductions are rare so they are a tough to evaluate. This table would retail for about $1,000. The Val-Kill factory site is a landmark watched over by the U.S. National Park Service.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear, high-resolution digital image in .jpg format to baylife@tampatrib .com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (not comp

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