The 70’s and 80’s: Traditional thinking…

1975 Elmira “chicken barn” factory

1976 – expanded manufacturing plant

Elmira’s connection to vintage appliances dates back three generations. Founder Tom Hendrick’s father supplied woodburning cookstove parts to local Mennonites from his hardware store in Elmira, Ontario. In 1975, Tom saw an opportunity to supply cookstoves to the local market and beyond. He acquired the rights for the Findlay Oval cookstove, and began manufacturing in a former chicken barn just outside of Elmira. The popularity of the stoves grew, and consumers began to ask for similar styling in gas and electric models. Hendrick responded, and the product line expanded to include a full line vintage inspired appliances with the modern features the company offers today. Fireplace shops, appliance stores and emporiums across the continent became an enthusiastic dealer network for Elmira’s growing line of products.

The 90’s: Good ideas growing…

Complete Antique kitchen

The nineties saw Elmira expand its “Antique” line, with refrigerators, wall ovens, microwaves and dishwashers; offered in rich, traditional colors (Black, Bisque, White, Cayenne Red and Liberty Blue). As the product line grew, so did the company’s customer base; purchasing vintage-styled appliances for Victorian homes, cottages, log homes, or accent pieces in more contemporary kitchens. Tom’s son Brian joined the company as Vice-President in 1995.

 The 2000’s: “Retro-fit” the right fit for Elmira…

Complete Northstar kitchen

In 2001, Elmira took a sixty-year leap forward, adding 1950’s-styled fridges to its 1890’s-styled appliances. The fresh colors – Candy Red, Robin’s Egg Blue, Buttercup Yellow, Mint Green, Tropical Blue; along with more subtle Black, Bisque and White – smooth curved lines and bright chrome accents, were an immediate hit. Drawn by the trend to reminiscent styling, a younger audience quickly adopted Elmira’s Northstar appliances as its answer to throwback styling. Over the past two decades, the Northstar line has expanded to include refrigerators, ranges, range hoods, splashbacks, microwaves and dishwashers – an impressive offering of twenty-three models in total!

2006 Elmira head office, warehouse, manufacturing plant

2006 saw Elmira Stove Works move into a new office, warehouse and manufacturing facility in Elmira. In 2009, Elmira Stove Works returned to its roots in the cookstove business with the introduction of the revolutionary Fireview stove. The Fireview features modern clean-burn technology, a viewing window, and optional gas side burners… all while maintaining Elmira’s signature vintage styling.