WINCHENDON — After serving the community and surrounding area for 84 years, Winchendon Furniture is going out of business.

The family-owned home furnishings store will permanently close its flagship location following a liquidation sale which begins on Oct. 12. Winchendon Furniture is run by Joe Ladeau, Ryan Ladeau and Keith Ladeau, second and third generation owners of the family business, along with longtime Office Manager Glenn Hunt.

“This community has shown our family unwavering support since the day my father opened the doors of his business in 1939. It has been truly rewarding to serve the people of Winchendon and to promote the community’s name throughout New England,” said Joe Ladeau.

Winchendon Furniture has also been a contributing member of the community. Joe Ladeau was a trustee of Winchendon School for 25 years, a member of the board of directors at the YMCA for 15 years and served on the Winchendon Board of Selectmen.

Richard Ladeau, Joe’s father, founded the company as Winchendon Custom Upholstery Co, Inc. in 1939. He first developed an interest in furniture while working for his father, George, at a furniture manufacturing company. Richard upholstered dining chairs for local factories and built a reputation for it.

In 1943, Richard bought the building at 13 Railroad St. and expanded his business to include antique restoration. In 1945, his brother Frank returned home from World War II and became his partner in the business, which gradually transitioned from upholstering and antique restoration to selling high-quality furniture lines.

After Richard’s death in 1972, his sons, Joe and Jack, purchased their father’s half of the business from Frank. Six years later, they purchased Frank’s half and in 1980 changed the name of the company to Winchendon Furniture. Together, they expanded the business to include three locations with a store in Amherst and Keene, New Hampshire. The Amherst and Keene stores have previously closed.

Drawing on Winchendon’s natural resources and history of skilled craftsmanship, Winchendon Furniture earned a reputation for selling all-wood furniture, handmade in the United States, which the store still carries today along with a vast assortment of other products.

Store management encourages early shopping of the liquidation sale for best selection. The building is located at 13 Railroad St. and is for sale. Interested parties may contact Joe Ladeau at 978-297-0131 or visit the store website at www.winchendonfurnituresale.com.