History

Like so many successful business, Kennedy Bros. Inc. had a very modest beginning. In the midst of the depression in the 1930's, Paul and John Kennedy were involved in the construction of cottages on Lake Champlain. The two bothers toiled endless

hours in their garage, making doors and other components to be used in the cottages. During this time, John developed an interest in household items such as handmade wooden candle holders and bowls. With Paul selling the wares in New York, the two brothers rapidly gained a reputation for the fine quality work.

In 1937, they opened a store/workshop in Charlotte called Green Mountain Wood Crafters. The shop was short lived, as it burned to the ground in 1942. After World War II, they located a facility in Bristol that became famous for hand-turned wood ware. This location was utilized until 1959, when further expansion dictated a move to larger quarters.

Kennedy Bros. Inc. located in Vergennes, Vermont in 1960. The white section was built in 1909 as a Milk Plant Creamery and the red brick plant was built by Sheffield Farms in 1931 for Casein Manufacturing. After they moved in, a complete production area as well as an adjacent gift shop was constructed. Making this a favorite stop for tourists, who enjoyed watching the wood ware being made.

Throughout this time, they had retail outlets in many other locations. These included Florida, New York, New Hampshire and several inside of Vermont. The most successful was in Burlington, at the corner of Church and College Streets, from 1966 to 1980. The building still belongs to Kennedy Bros. Inc., but is now Sweetwaters Restaurant.

In 1987, after moving the factory to the adjacent aluminum building and completing renovating the red brick section of the "factory" building, they opened the Factory Marketplace. This answered several needs: Kennedy Bros. Inc. needed to down size the wood ware plant, since sales of wood ware had been decreasing steadily for the previous five years, due to competition from the Pacific Rim Countries. They needed to do something constructive with this historic building. And Vermont crafters and Antique Dealers needed a better way to market their crafts. The Factory Marketplace has improved every year since the opening.

Although Paul and John have passed away, the business continues to be family owned and operated by Paul Kennedy's Son in Law: Edwin "Win" Grant. who's goal is to sell the very best Vermont quality products, wood ware, antiques and crafts to our customers, while providing a destination attraction to Vermonters and travelers alike.