The 1970's, A New Era


1971 saw the business change hands. John Bell a native of Toronto, former junior executive with a large corporation, and a draftsman by trade acquired Pioneer Handcraft. An immediate change was the design of a new logo, the logo that we still use. It was a time of transition and growth until, in 1972, a fire burned the barn housed workshop to the ground. John made the most of this devastating set back by buying land at Severn Bridge, on the south bound side of Highway #11, near the site of the original barn workshop.


Pioneer Handcraft History

This move marked a turning point in the history of Pioneer Handcraft. John designed and built a new shop and showroom nestled in the virtually perfect setting of Canadian Shield rocks and trees. It was no mistake that it felt just like being at the cottage. Pioneer Handcraft was open for the 1973 May 24th weekend complete with the history building practice of burning the logo into the furniture. With a new location on Highway #11, known to many as "Main Street Ontario" and a new shop the business started to grow and expand. In 1978 a furniture design of John's, a unique sofa bed, won the Trillium Award for Design. This was a first for a small furniture company and a sign of things to come.

Pioneer Handcraft History
 
Pioneer Handcraft History


Pioneer Handcraft History


Pioneer Handcraft History






OUR ON-GOING
HISTORY


The 1930's

The 1940's

The 1950's and 60's

The 1970's, A New Era

The 1980's, A Time of Change

A New Century