Our Story
Our farm tables come from the Shenandoah Valley in western Virginia -- one of the most beautiful places in the United States. This spectacular valley has been recognized not only for its beauty but valued for its importance in American history-- Civil War battles, historical buildings, and prestigious universities.
A silent witness through the years was the American barn. Chestnut, Oak and Pine were among the favorite types of wood used to build them; some of these buildings are sadly beyond repair. However, it is always good to know that these valuable historic buildings can be transformed and still remain part of our heritage.
Being involved in the transformation and renewal of these valuable pieces has been a blessing and opportunity as it enables us be good stewards of God's creation. We offer a handcrafted and custom-made product that is no longer available, due either to the tightness of the growth rings or the extinction of the species (as in the case of Chestnut).
We are a family business that is dedicated to providing the highest quality custom-made furniture for your family. Browse through our examples and see some of the pieces we've created for your neighbors, then let us know what you're dreaming about and let's plan on how to make it a reality.
Our History
Nearly 15 years’ experience handling antique lumber precedes Reclaimed Innovations’ 2005 initiation. As a teen, Brian Fencer began work at a sawmill which specializes in recycling lumber removed from old buildings.
Already accustomed to the intricacies of crafting with antique woods, Brian built his first full-sized farm style table in 1997. Constructed from reclaimed
Heart Pine timbers, the table still serves as a durable centerpiece of daily life and as a testimony to the long lasting beauty of the tight-grained antique wood.
In 2000, Brian removed a dilapidated barn in Mint Spring, Virginia, and processed the aged lumber into beautiful planks. Since then, Reclaimed Innovations occasionally removes old barns and small out buildings, most of which are beyond repair.
Housed in an what used to be a granary in Rockbridge County (it's the building in our logo!), the small family business transforms the recycled wood into fine farm-style tables, benches, mantles and other custom furniture. Quality products prove Reclaimed Innovations’ dedication to excellence and integrity.
Our House
The original house was built by John Wilson in the year 1780, and it was a two-story log structure, one room wide and two rooms long, containing four rooms. There were no doors between the two lower rooms, and one had to go out on the back porch to get from one room to the other. It was log outside and inside, with the dobbing white - washed.
It remained in that condition until about 1875, when it was somewhat improved. Again, in 1920, it was changed in some small degree, but it was not until 1930, when Andrew A. McClung became its owner, that it was remodeled and brought up to a better condition. But in all of this improvement, the original log structure has been preserved and is the basic portion of the present house. It is now weather boarded and well painted.
The original owner, John Wilson, was the Father of a long Wilsons to follow, John Brownlee, the owner in 1838, was a large property owner and was supposed to have been rather prominent. John Ritchie the owner in 1851, was the head of the present Ritchie family.
The last former owner, Andrew McClung, is the son of Andrew A. McClung, was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in Company "H", 14th Virginia Regiment, and surrendered his arms at Appomattox, in 1965 having service the entire four years in the service. He used to be a photographer, with studios in Staunton and Lexington, Andre' Studio.
The changes that the house had through the years can be seen in the pictures.
The present owners John C. Fencer and Dorothy M. Fencer in this past three years have brought the house to a more modern looking and comfortable condition. Turning down walls, replacing windows, washing up ceilings and painting them, discovering and treating old logs, sanding floors, painting floors, insolating the house, replacing electric and heating system has been a big adventure in which keeping history and modernity together has been a challenge.