One hundred years, 10 decades, a century, is a significant milestone and achievement that is pretty impressive for a small town business to accomplish.

Last month the Asphodel Norwood Heritage Committee hosted one of its regular historical gatherings; the guest speaker was Eric Bennett whose family business is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Bennett’s Furniture Store opened its doors in Campbellford in 1926; the local retailer now has stores in both Peterborough and Kingston. 

In 1926 Eric’s Grandfather A.D. Bennett opened a furniture and funeral business at 13 Front Street in Campbellford. (An unusual business combination by today’s standards, however one that was quite commonplace a century or more ago; in many villages of the era the undertaker was also the local furniture maker.)

A.D. Bennett’s success stemmed from what his descendants call his guiding philosophy which was to provide superior customer service. This view actually has a biblical basis, emulating the golden rule; superior customer service is achieved by, “Treating customers and staff the way you would want to be treated.” It is the philosophy still held by the Bennett family today.

A. Dwight Bennett was born in 1887, this was the era when travelling was not as common as it is today and “everyone knew everyone.”

Business and buying was a personal experience. The buyer knew the seller and the seller knew the buyer. The seller likely knew where the buyer lived, what church........

© Peterborough Examiner