The story of the
rocking chair ...
In America, already by the end of the 17th century, normal chairs were being converted into rocking chairs, by the simple expedient of fitting them with rockers.
In Europe, up until the 19th century, the only pieces of furniture that rocked were cradles and wooden horses.
The rocking-chair did not achieve true popularity in America until after 1800.
The legend mentions according to which Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) invented not only the lightning conductor but, it is claimed, also the rocking chair ... by the simple expedient of mounting his favourite easy-chair on rockers.
Now we know where, and how long ago it was chairs began to rock ... Our rocking chair was designed for us by Paul Tuttle.
He developed it with the expert aid of none other than Thonet, USA.