Forshaw

About

Forshaw was founded in 1871 by Joseph Forshaw, a cabinetmaker from England. He got his start by making wood molds for sand castings used to make coal stove parts. He later became the largest supplier of coal stove repair parts in the region. His son, Joseph Forshaw Jr., a bronze-medal winning Olympic marathon runner, expanded the business to include fireplaces and fireplace fixtures. Joseph Forshaw III and his partner and brother-in-law L. F. DuBois relocated the business from downtown to Frontenac in 1956 and added patio furniture and barbecues. They also began a wholesale trade to dealers and builders. Rick and Joe Forshaw, the fourth generation of Forshaw’s, have established a nationwide network of dealers for wood fireplace mantels and custom sheet metal products.