Rohlfs, Charles, 1853-1936

Charles Rohlfs, a furniture maker and actor, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 15, 1853. His parents were Peter and Fredericka Wilhelmina Dorothea Hunte Rohlfs. Peter died when Charles was only 12 years old, leaving him with the responsibility of working to help support his mother and younger siblings. At night young Charles studied at the Cooper Union School, where he took classes in chemistry, physics, and drawing. His real ambition, though, was to be an actor, something he realized in 1877 when he joined the Boston Theatre. In 1884, Charles married Anna Katharine Green, a writer whose best known work was an 1878 detective novel entitled The Leavenworth Case. They had three children, Rosamond (b.1885), Sterling (b.1887), and Roland (b.1892). During their early married years, Rohlfs worked as a stove designer, which took the family to Buffalo, New York, in 1887. Buffalo, Rohlfs found a new interest: wood working. Because he could not afford the furniture he liked, he made his own. Like Arts and Crafts furniture makers, Rohlfs was inspired by medieval furniture, and also by the style of the Art Nouveau movement. His furniture had a certain flair that was uniquely his own. Rohlfs also made furniture hardware, candlesticks, lamps, and chafing dishes. His work was sold by department stores, including Marshall Field & Co. By 1910, as demand for his furniture had dwindled, Rohlfs became more active in Buffalo's civic affairs. He joined the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and advocated for better schools and vocational education. Also, he continued to present dramatic readings, although he no longer acted in plays. Anna Katharine Green died in 1935 and Charles Rohlfs in 1936.

From the description of Charles Rohlfs papers, ca. 1877-ca.1980, ca.1877-1936 (bulk dates). (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 770378228