The Southern charm of Jimmy Carter's favorite rocking chair
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Photo: Courtesy of Brumby Chair Company
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter played a not-so-subtle role in the success story behind the Marietta, Georgia-based Brumby Chair Company's rocking chairs.
Why it matters: The Carters' fondness for the chairs earned the Brumby a place in White House history — and invited Cabinet officials and foreign dignitaries to discover the uniquely Southern joy of rocking back and forth.
- Both Bush presidents bought their own Brumby rockers, company veteran Paul Herrington told Axios.
Catch up quick: In 1972, early in Carter's term as Georgia's governor, four Brumby rockers were delivered to the Governor's Mansion, according to a 1978 New York Times story. The Carters fell in love with them.
- Jimmy loved the way they felt, and when the couple moved into the White House in 1977, Rosalynn ordered five Jumbo chairs — the company's most famous model — from Brumby's factory in Cobb County.
- The family placed the chairs on the Truman Balcony overlooking the South Lawn, and they found use during family moments and important meetings, including a Moscow trip debriefing from Secretary of State Cyrus Vance.
Zoom in: Founded in the 1870s, Brumby rockers are considered heirlooms — particularly those made before the company suspended production during World War II until the 1960s.
- Made with Appalachian red oak, the chair has a trademark hand-caned seat and high headrest, a design that's remained largely unchanged since the 1920s.
By the numbers: The Carters likely paid around $425 each for the five Jumbo rockers. Today, the Jumbo retails for $995.
Fun fact: Herrington said Carter fans over the years would send the former president an armrest from their rocking chairs, which he'd sign and mail back.
- The fans would then send the armrest souvenir to the company back with the rocker to be installed, Herrington said.
What they're saying: Herrington told Axios he called the White House curator during former President Obama's second term to inquire about the chairs. He was told the rockers were still there, though they and other furniture pieces rotate in and out of circulation.
- “It's a nice feather in the cap for us,” Herrington said. “It's nice to be at the White House. We've had other presidents purchase the chair. I'd like to think it's because they went out there and sat down.”