Many, many years ago I lived near Freeport Maine and one of my favorite things to do was stop into the big white barn , Chilton unfinished furniture. It wasn't because I was looking for something to buy, although I did from time to time, but it was because it was the kind of place that just felt like home. So many beautiful things. a few finished as well and also many options to have something stained or painted. As time went buy the front of the old house was being transformed into stylish areas with beautiful finished items, cherry being the most beautiful. It was as I recall the begining of an appreciation at that time in general for more simple yet timeless pieces and styling. Some one asked me recently as we were discussing frniture styles and how things have evolved into buying things on line that are shipped and require assembley by the buyer and the furniture offered made out of the country and of poor quality. Right now it seems that styles are all over the place. Nothing that someone might buy and know that it is a timeless style and almost all ages and generations keep and love for years and family members want to share and pass on to receipents that truly want to have it and use it. Not like I am sure many will smile when I say " granpmas stuff ", I was asked what style did I think would always stand the test of time no matter what styles come and go and I replied Shaker. Clean simple designs with the finest wood selected and stained perfectly. Chilton does some of the the most beautiful Shaker in the world. The finest quality and matterials and made in America a lot made in right in Maine. I was still in the area when Chilton expanded to a location in Scarboro Maine and enjoyed going there as well. The big evolution from offering mostly unfinished to finished was in full steam. The showrooms were being set up with beautiful finished furniture. I recently returned to the area after being away for about 30 years. I have been downsizing after retiring and trying to figure out all that goes with that. I knew I wanted a paticular size bookcase, I thought maybe something I would paint. I quickly thought of Chilton but when I looked up Chilton it was no longer offering unfinished. I continued my search but was so disapointed in the quality of everything everywhere. Everything came from a wharehouse somewhere, places unknown and a lot still required some assembly. Nothing was available that day to be taken right home. I decided to go on line and look at what Chilton had to offer. What they had to offer was a spectacular selection of beautiful stylish furniture. The classic shaker for sure but also had taken it leaps forward with taking that basic concept and adding so much inspiration in new designs. I decided to call because I was looking for a very tall bookcase and thought it would be worth spending the money to get the quality and styling I really wanted. Was not thinking such a tall bookcase would be available but called. I am so glad I did. What a wonderful experience from the minute the manager answered the phone. I apologize if I do not get his name right but I think it was Zackery. I told him my frustrations, I said I want a bookcase and I wanted to pick it up that day. He replied I do have a solid cherry bookcase but it is very tall about 6 feet. Exactly what I was looking for! Very tall like that is hard to find. He and I discussed the transition that Chilton has taken over the years from unfinished to where they are today offering not just "finished" but leaps above that in quality and styling. He shared that he had worked for a store across the road that sold all unfinished furniture, I think call Millwork if I recall correctly. He told me that Chilton had an opening and he jumped at it and now has been with Chilton for many years. Because there was a sale going on he said the bookcase was included in that sale. I said I was headed his way. i fortunatly had a van rental for some moving. He called me about 10 minutes later and said when he was moving it from upstairs he noted a few very small scuff marks almost impossible to note but because of that he was going to take an additional 10% off. I thanked him. When I arrived he was waiting for me near the door with the bookcase. He pointed out two tiny marks and truly impossible to see unless pointed out. I shared that I needed it to be really tall because many heavy dishes and items would be on it. Downsizing to a smaller kitchen so the bookshelf was perfect for this. He explained how the tall bookcase non tipping screw worked and how to install it. Something I could actually do myself. He carefuly put in into the van, wrapping it with the blankets I had brought. He made sure it was secured and not moving at all. When I drove away I thought that yes I do miss the vast selection of unfinished furniture that Chilton was famous for but I also thought to myself what a success story. Chilton can be proud of its history and evolution. The fineist quality in all things including it's emplyees. I am now looking for a small kitchen table and I know only one place is going to have exactly what I want.