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This article was
published in the May, 1949 issue of the NOFA Bulletin.
"Profile of
KERVIN R. DUNTON"
Age 82 years, born on Isle of
Westport, Maine (1867). Started manufacturing of desks and
furniture as a boy. Became superintendent of the Derby Desk
Company prior to organization of the Doten-Dunton Desk Co. in
1902. He has devoted his lifetime to the office furniture
manufacturing business.
His principal interests are his
business and family (daughter and two granddaughters). In
addition, his hobbies have always been hunting and fishing.
Every fall he spends many days hunting and has been known to tire
out many a younger man at this sport. He has always been a
lover of good hunting dogs and has bred many champions.
Member of National Office Furniture
Assn., Boston Office Furniture Assn., Wood Office Furniture Assn.,
Life Member Boston Rotary, 32 Degree Mason and Life
Member, Director of Mechanics
Charitable Associates, founded by Paul Revere during the
Revolutionary War.
Spends each day, from early morning
until closing time in tireless pursuit of running his two
businesses, the Doten-Dunton Desk Co., and retail store, The
Dunton Corporation.
The Doten-Dunton Desk Co. did not
become well known until after the Baltimore fire in 1908.
The Baltimore & Ohio R.R. was putting up a new building and
wished to purchase new furniture. Mr. Dunton went to
Baltimore and took this up with the officials. It was then
that what is know known as the sanitary base desk was
developed. Previously all desks were full type
pedestal construction built to floor and generally without
casters. From that time on, Doten-Dunton desks were
developed along sanitary lines.
He attributes his good health to
regular eating and working habits, exercise, and devotion to his
work. He has lost known of his keenness and alertness and
still has an abundance of energy.
A Family
Submitted History
Mabel Derby's father started the
Derby Desk Company in Boston in the late 1800s. She was
married to Frederic Chauvin prior to 1900 and bore him two
children, Doris and Joseph. Unfortunately, Fred was a
"rolling stone" and left Mabel with the children.
(Note: He later surfaced in New York and opened a company very
similar to the Derby Desk Company)
Kervin Dunton was the foreman of
Derby Desk and, seeing the plight of Mabel and the
children, stepped in with an offer of marriage. Mabel
accepted. Mabel and Kervin later had a daughter, Margery who
married Harry Austen. When Mabel's father died, Kervin took
over the management of the company and became partners with one
Mr. Doten, changing the company name to Doten-Dunton Desk
Company. The Doten-Dunton enterprise became quite
successful. |
