Member Spotlight

The Lake Region's Three Largest Furniture Showrooms

Back in 1936, Ralph Van Gorder rented the bottom floor of the Jenkins Building on Honesdale, PA’s Main Street and placed an ad in the Wayne Independent saying he would buy anyone’s used furniture—"a single piece, an attic full or a house full."

Although he first named his business the Honesdale Furniture Exchange, it has matured into our 80-year-old fourth-generation family business now known as Van Gorders’ Furniture, featuring quality name brands of the latest furniture styles for every room.

Milford, Hawley and Honesdale

Business picked up quickly and Ralph soon realized the need to expand. He purchased a sprawling four-floor historic landmark in Honesdale, which is still in use today as Van Gorders’ flagship showroom. The building, which was originally the National Hotel, has stood at the corner of Church and Sixth Streets since 1865.

As the business continued to grow, Ralph’s son Don opened a second showroom on Route 6 near scenic Lake Wallenpaupack in 1978. Eventually, Don’s son Scott came on board and added a unique focus on rustic Adirondack-style furnishings that reflect the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains, Catskills and Upper Delaware River region. Since that time Van Gorders’ has specialized in the finest American-made rustic home furnishings.

In October 2014, Van Gorders’ Furniture once again expanded into its third showroom at 321 Water Street (Route 2001) in Milford, PA just down the road from The Waterwheel Cafe. "We have staying power, a unique product mix, and an honest approach to business," says Scott, whose three sons Derek, Dylan and Max now manage the three showrooms.

Quality Furniture and Friendly Staff

All of Van Gorders’ showrooms offer Sealy Mattress Galleries where customers can test out the newest Sealy Posturepedic and Stearns & Foster mattresses. And, the Honesdale location offers a La-Z Boy Comfort Studio with hundreds of recliners and sofas of all styles and sizes.

Unlike the typical big box stores, all three of Van Gorders’ showrooms feature a unique mix of lodge-style furnishings that bring the outdoors inside.

"We’ve consistently grown and changed with the times," says Dylan, who is at the helm of the Milford location. "We offer the largest furniture showrooms serving the tri-state region."

Another factor contributing to Van Gorders’ 80 years of success is its caring and knowledgeable staff—many of whom have been with the business for decades. "As in the early days, every team member is dedicated to providing an enjoyable and relaxing shopping experience, which means being helpful without being pushy," Dylan adds.