The Beginnings of Jessup, Inc.
Carl Bretts, a Jessup, Inc. Associate, with Polly Jessup at drafting table at 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
John and Polly Jessup (left). Image courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection.
Polly’s husband, John Jessup, enjoyed woodworking, and together Polly and John put their talents to work making custom furniture for Palm Beach residents. One of their first commissions was to make furniture for the First National Bank of Palm Beach in 1927. Jessup, Inc. opened a showroom in town on Worth Avenue that moved to different storefronts throughout the years, and a warehouse on Georgia Ave in West Palm Beach. Polly had an office in her home at 209 Phipps Plaza, a popular locale for design professionals throughout the years.
The Palm Beach Post December 1, 1927
Jessup, Inc. Furniture Order Form. Courtesy of Henry Brooks. 1928 Hurricane Destruction. Image courtesy of the State Archives of Florida/Herrington Family.
Jessup, Inc. gained commissions as the result of a disastrous hurricane, which devastated the area in the summer of 1928. After the storm passed, Polly sent workmen out to salvage priceless pieces of furniture found floating in Lake Worth. Her warehouse in West Palm Beach was one of few buildings standing, and she quickly went to work making furniture for those who were affected by the hurricane. The company grew swiftly, and Polly Jessup’s unique armchairs, lampshades, and curtains became staples in many Palm Beach homes. By Polly’s death in 1988, Jessup Inc. employed over fifty craftsmen, carpenters, and decorators.
The Palm Beach Post October 26, 1937
Living Room. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Florida Room. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Dining Room. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Hallway. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Entryway. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL. Office. Polly used her residence at 209 Phipps Plaza to meet clients who did not want to drive to Georgia Ave. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
