Thomas Francis Moser, the Maine-based craftsman renowned for his elegant wooden furniture, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 90. His family confirmed the news on Friday, mourning the loss of a man who left a lasting impact on American furniture design and craftsmanship. Moser’s legacy continues to live on through his work and the company he founded, Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers, which has become a symbol of high-quality, American-made furniture.
A Craftsmanship Legacy Begins
Moser’s journey as a furniture maker began in 1972, when he founded Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers in a small garage in New Gloucester, Maine. His business started with humble beginnings, but it quickly grew into a well-respected name in the world of handcrafted furniture. The company’s first advertisement appeared in Down East Magazine, signaling the start of what would become a career marked by excellence in design and woodworking.
Today, Thos. Moser employs more than 60 skilled craftsmen in its Auburn workshop, where the company has been headquartered since 1987. Over the years, the company’s work has attracted a global following, with its stunning furniture featured in showrooms not only in Maine but as far away as San Francisco. Thos. Moser’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and American-made products has made the company a leader in the industry.
Moser’s work included some remarkable pieces for high-profile individuals. Notably, he crafted a lectern for former President Bill Clinton and ceremonial seating for Pope Benedict XVI’s 2008 White House visit. His furniture was also showcased in exhibitions, including one at the Maine College of Art and Design’s Institute of Contemporary Art a decade ago.
A Collaborative Approach to Craftsmanship
Moser’s son, Aaron Moser, shared in a statement that his father “believed crafting furniture should be a collaborative venture” and emphasized the importance of working closely with his employees. He relished passing on his knowledge and sought input about design and craft from the team. His approach helped foster an environment of growth and creativity, where his employees were encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to the design process. This collaborative spirit not only elevated the quality of Thos. Moser’s furniture but also ensured that the company’s legacy would endure through the people who learned from him.
A Life Filled with Purpose and Resilience
Thomas Moser was born in Chicago on February 23, 1935. He faced hardship early in life, as his mother passed away when he was just 14 years old, and his father died on Moser’s 18th birthday. Despite these challenges, Moser showed a strong sense of resilience. Raised in Northbrook, Illinois, he worked a variety of jobs as a Boy Scout, golf caddy, window dresser, and altar boy, demonstrating his enterprising spirit from a young age. Moser remained close to his family throughout his life, particularly to his brother Joseph Moser of the Chicago area.
In 1957, Moser married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Wilson Moser. Together, they built their first home from a kit in the Sears catalogue and raised four sons. Their shared commitment to their family and to the growth of Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers formed the foundation for the success of both the business and their personal lives.
Military Service and Early Career
Before settling in Maine, Moser had an interesting and varied career. He served as a military policeman in Greenland and later studied at SUNY Geneseo. To support his growing family, he took on jobs such as tuning organs and repairing antiques. In 1966, Moser and his family made the move to Maine, where he joined Bates College as a professor, preached at a local church, and coached speech and debate.
It was during this time that Moser’s passion for woodworking began to take shape, and he co-founded Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers with his wife Mary. They started the company together, and Mary’s significant role in the success of the business cannot be understated. Peter Korn, the founder of the Center For Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, noted that Mary’s support was integral to Moser’s career and the company’s success.
Commitment to American Craftsmanship
As American furniture manufacturing increasingly moved overseas, Moser remained steadfast in his commitment to keeping production in Maine and supporting the local economy. This decision became a hallmark of his business, ensuring that the company remained rooted in American craftsmanship and helping to preserve Maine’s rich tradition of furniture making. Peter Korn described Moser as someone who was dedicated to “his commitment to craftsmanship, his commitment to made in America,” adding that his passing leaves “the world’s an emptier place for Tom not being here.”
Moser was also instrumental in shaping the taste of American consumers when it came to furniture design. In the 1970s, cherry wood was considered a lesser material, often relegated to the lowest bin at the lumberyard. However, Moser recognized its potential and helped elevate it into a premium material. He made cherry wood his signature material, and it eventually surpassed white oak as the most popular choice for furniture in the U.S.
A Lasting Influence on the Furniture Industry
Moser’s influence reached far beyond his own company. He mentored several other furniture makers who went on to create their own businesses, including Bill Huston, the founder of Huston & Company furniture makers in Kennebunkport. Huston, who worked alongside Moser for 12 years, recalled learning important skills from Moser and his wife, particularly the importance of embracing the marketing side of the business in order to grow and thrive.
Moser’s work was not just about creating beautiful furniture; it was also about inspiring others and building a community of craftsmen who shared his values. His furniture is often described as “functional sculpture,” blending aesthetic beauty with practicality. His pieces have become treasured works of art, and his commitment to quality has set a standard that many others in the industry strive to meet.
A Community in Mourning
Moser’s death has left a deep void in the furniture-making community and beyond. At the Thos. Moser showroom in Freeport, Maine, a portrait of the company’s founder sat on display as the shop closed on Friday afternoon. The news of Moser’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, customers, and admirers from all over the country. Meg Hurdman, assistant territory manager at the Freeport showroom, noted that the store phone rang continuously as people called to share their memories of Moser and express their gratitude for his work.
Remembering Thomas Moser
Although no services are planned at this time, Moser’s family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Thomas Moser Scholarship Fund for the trades. This fund will help ensure that future generations of craftsmen have the opportunity to follow in Moser’s footsteps and continue his legacy of excellence.
Thomas Moser leaves behind an indelible mark on the world of American furniture making. His commitment to craftsmanship, his dedication to keeping production local, and his passion for creating beautiful, functional works of art will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who will discover his work in the years to come. Moser’s legacy will live on through his family, his employees, and the countless individuals whose lives were touched by his artistry and vision.
