Changing Of The Guard
CHANGING OF THE GUARD - A third generation of Rendels recently took over two family-owned businesses: Rendel's Upholstery and Interiors at 731 Lakeview; and Ann Arbor Bedding at 1240 Jewett. Kenneth Rendel founded the first business in 1921 on Ashley Street after working for P. B. Harding Co. on Broadway. Kenneth custom-built new furniture and restored antiques. Over the years, Kenneth opened several locations, including one on Washtenaw Ave. from 1939 to 1952. Kenneth's son Allen and Allen's wife Eleanor (lower middle picture) bought the firm in 1949 and moved to Lakeview in 1953. In 1974, they incorporated Rendel's, and bought Ann Arbor Bedding from Tom Colvin, who was then retiring. Last month, brother and sister Mark and Ruth Ann (lower right) bought the businesses from Allen and Eleanor, who are now in Florida. In the picture at top, employee Jim Johnson upholsters a chair in the workshop on Jewett. Lower left, Allen (left) and Kenneth Rendel at work in 1956.