In a significant cultural and industrial shift, the American Wood Column Corporation, a family-owned business deeply rooted in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, has announced its closure after an impressive 110-year run. This venerable institution, the last of its kind in New York City, specialized in the meticulous creation of architectural wooden elements including columns, decorative moldings, balusters, and corbels. The narrative of its closure is beautifully captured in a recent documentary helmed by filmmaker and photographer Joshua Charrow, providing a final, intimate glimpse into the factory's storied past and its cherished artifacts.
The documentary serves as a moving tribute, guiding viewers through the workshops filled with history. At the heart of the company's legacy is an extraordinary collection of approximately 6,000 handcrafted wooden molds. Many of these are reverse-carved, each corresponding to a numbered sample, collectively forming an invaluable archive of woodworking artistry. Thomas Lupo, the current custodian of this heritage, reveals that his grandfather acquired these molds already well-used, suggesting their age far exceeds the company's own, potentially dating back over two centuries. This collection alone underscores the profound historical depth and continuous craftsmanship that the corporation embodied.
Throughout the film, Charrow accompanies Lupo on a final tour, capturing not just the physical space but also the emotional weight of its impending closure. Lupo shares personal stories and cherished memories, pointing out pieces that hold special significance. These include oversized six-foot pencils, elegant ornamental columns designed for department stores, and even iconic set pieces for productions like Saturday Night Live. The factory's creations also left their mark on cinematic history, contributing grave details for The Godfather and the memorable stairway for The Exorcist.
Lupo's reflections are tinged with both nostalgia and acceptance. He speaks of growing up within the vibrant confines of the woodworking studio, a place rich with family narratives. Acknowledging his own advancing age and the impending retirement of his dedicated team, some of whom have been with him for nearly four decades, Lupo recognizes the natural progression of time. His candid admission, "I will be closing down the business. It's not a question of if, it's a question of when. That's all. Like anything else, everything changes. Time goes on," encapsulates the bittersweet reality of this farewell. The documentary beautifully portrays the end of an era, celebrating a legacy of unparalleled craftsmanship and the enduring spirit of a family business that shaped a small but significant part of New York City's architectural landscape.