Shelby County has a history unlike any other. From the early days of platting the community - to today's groundbreaking achievements - you'll find Shelby County history amazingly complex and interesting beyond compare!

Shelby County was officially formed in 1821, and is named after Isaac Shelby, a famous soldier and statesman, and the first governor of Kentucky. Shelbyville and Shelby County were a portion of the territory known as the "New Purchase", which the Delaware Indian tribe ceded by treaty to the United States Government on October 3, 1818. Early life in Shelby County wasn't easy - but settlers soon found the Big Blue River a welcome partner in pioneer life. The town of Shelbyville started merely as a trading center - but soon grew due to its relationship to Michigan Road - a major thoroughfare connecting Shelbyville to Indianapolis. Shelbyville's incorporation into a town on January 21, 1850, paved the way for commerce to develop - and a town to grow.

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Shelbyville was named after Isaac Shelby, a famous soldier and statesman and the first governor of Kentucky.

Shelby County was not officially formed until 1821, although settlers were here as early as 1818.

Shelbyville and Shelby County are part of a large territory known as the "New Purchase", which the Delaware and other tribes of Indians ceded by treaty to the United States on Oct. 3, 1818, in St. Mary's, Ohio.

Shelbyville was incorporated on Jan. 21, 1850, by a special act of the legislature.

Shelbyville's Furniture Manufacturing Roots

By the end of the 19th century, furniture making had expanded in Shelbyville. By 1909, Shelbyville had 12 of Indiana's 159 furniture factories. The state's white oak and walnut trees drew woodworkers and manufacturers. From the turn of the century until the Great Depression, Shelbyville became known as "Little Grand Rapids," second only to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the furniture industry. Shelbyville was home to the largest table manufacturing plant in the world at the time.

The Conrey and Birely Table Co., known as "The Dinky," was organized in 1884 and thrived until 1938. It became the largest exclusive center table and library table factory in the world; it employed more than 500 people. Later its name was changed to Davis-Birely Table Co. Knauf Fiber Glass GmbH now occupies its buildings on Elizabeth Street.

The Shelbyville Desk Company was originally known as The Shelbyville Lounge Company in 1885. They manufactured a complete line of fine hardwood office furniture. Oak roll-top desks accounted for more than fifty percent of their sales before the Great Depression. The company stock was sold to a New York holding company in 1944. The holding company continued the wood office furniture line until 1973. Today, the Old Hickory Furniture Company occupies the former building site for Shelbyville Desk Company.

The Origin of the Chamber Stove

John Chambers started the Chambers Co. in 1912. His product, a "fireless cooker", caught the nation's attention. The gas range cooked with the gas turned off, thus, it was touted as an energy saver. The Chambers Fireless Gas Range spread in popularity throughout the United States. Chambers sold the range business after World War II. In 1955, the range business was moved to Oxford, Miss., became part of KitchenAid and was phased out in the 1970's.

Chambers ranges, a heavy-duty cast-iron-and-porcelain Cadillac of the kitchen, are now prized as the top of the line in classic ranges. Those who restore classic ranges compare the passion for the uncomplicated, 500-to-1,000-pound Chambers ranges akin to restoring vintage automobiles. With care, a Chambers range can last 50 to 80 years or more. Accessories for the ranges are still sought today. Parts replacement can be expensive; for instance, a deep-well lid costs $100, used.

However, one classic stove restorer specializes in Chambers ranges. Macy Stern of Houston, Texas, does work for people across the nation. Her company can provide parts or do a complete overhaul. Her address is Macy's Texas Stove Works, 5515 Almeda Road, Houston, Texas, 77004; phone, (713) 521-0934.

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