By LOHR McKINSTRY
TICONDEROGA His furniture pieces have been described as one-of-a-kind, even functional art.
Now George DeMers is making rustic furniture in Ticonderoga and selling it from his downtown studio.
DeMers, 67, moved to Ticonderoga from Schuylerville last year and opened Adirondack Furniture by George on Montcalm Street. He said he sold his store in Schuylerville because he thought Ticonderoga offered more opportunities.
"This is the dream thing I always wanted to do," he said. "We feel at home here. People have been stopping in, and I've even run into a few people I knew from Schuylerville."
Besides the Adirondack and rustic furniture he makes, DeMers carries a selection of colonial and unusual gifts, including replica muskets, swords, tricorner hats, coonskin caps, bonnets and even Roman helmets.
A suit of armor adorns the window display.
He and his wife, Adele, operate their shop at 113 Montcalm St. Winter hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The phone number is 585-9150, and viewings can be scheduled at different times.
"I have to be busy," he said. "I have fun doing this. Also, selling a piece of furniture now and then would make life good."
His furniture is all unique — no two pieces are the same, he said.
"Some is just rustic. I do Adirondack, but it's not birch bark and twigs. They're designs I came up with."
Mr. DeMers said he buys his wood from local sawmills, including the Beebe Mill in Moriah.
"I buy rough cut. I plane it and sand it. People want to see the saw marks."
He said he and his wife hope their business will bring some more visitors to Ticonderoga's downtown.
"We have items you won't find anywhere else."
E-mail Lohr McKinstry at: lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com
