Phoenix Chair Company

Q: I have an antique high chair that was used by me, my siblings, my children, and my grandchildren. It's marked on the bottom with a decal that says "Styled by Phoenix" in a circle with a phoenix bird. The chair's tray and footrest are missing. I'd like to repurpose the chair to make it usable but don't want to further alter it if it's of any value. What can you tell me about it?

A: The Phoenix Chair Co. was in business in Grand Rapids, Mich., from 1869 to 1953. Cabinetmakers Atkins & Soule operated a factory on the site before 1869, when a fire destroyed part of the factory. New owners took over the company in 1869 and renamed it the Phoenix Manufacturing Co. because it "rose from the ashes" like the mythological phoenix bird. It was later renamed the Phoenix Furniture Co., then the Phoenix Chair Co. In 1919 it became part of the Robert W. Irwin Co., which closed in 1953. Your highchair is of little value as an antique since it's missing the tray and footrest. Most antique furniture made for children is not considered safe today. If you "repurpose" the chair, use it for dolls or to hold plants.