Wright's Furniture was founded in 1889 by George W.
Wright. At that time many residents of Dieterich were taking advantage
of inexpensive land prices in Arkansas and George W. Wright was no
exception. Although G. W. Wright was postmaster and owner of the general
store, the temptation of developing a new part of the country was
too strong and so he loaded his life's possessions on the train and
prepared for his new life.
Evidently, G. W. was not the only proprietor bitten
by the "Adventure Bug", because the owner of the local furniture store
met with G. W. Wright in an attempt to persuade him to give up his
place on the train and purchase the furniture store. George W. Wright
was not eager to give up his place on the train. However, he stated
he would if he could purchase not only the local furniture store,
but also the local funeral parlor. Late into the night these businessmen
still bartered. Finally, at approximately midnight on the eve of the
trains departure, a deal was struck! G.W. Wright unloaded his train
car and Wright's Furniture and Funeral Home were born. The furniture
store was first located on the south main and then moved to its present
location during the depression.
G.W. Wright passed his business to his sons George B.
and Arlin Wright. When Arlin died, George B. took full ownership.
In 1970, George B. sold the business to his son Cedric. The business
flourished under Cedric's leadership and expanded into many other
buildings on north main street. In 1991 a major expansion was undertaken
with the addition of a 4,000 square-foot La-Z-Boy Gallery. This addition
brought the showroom space to more than 35,000 square feet.
In 1996, the former Niebrugge Lumber Company buildings
were purchased. These buildings were remodeled to accommodate showrooms
and warehouse space. In June of 1997, Decorating Interiors in Effingham
was purchased and renamed Wright At Home Interiors. This marks the
first time our business has expanded outside of Dieterich. It also
fulfills a desire for us to enter the area of interior design with
window treatments and wall coverings.
Today Wright's Furniture Inc. provides employment for
25 area residents with Cedric Wright serving as chairman, Tom Wright
as president, John Wright as vice-president, Ruth Wright as secretary-treasurer,
and Tammy Wright as treasurer.