The company was started in 1906 by journeyman woodworker Harry Gerstner , using a one hundred dollar bonus he had earned upon the earlier completion of his apprenticeship . The name " H. Gerstner & Sons " was chosen because it sounded well-established , but Harry Gerstner would never have any sons , instead raising three daughters with his wife , Emma . The original building occupied by the company was damaged in the Great Dayton Flood of 1913 . Later that year , a new factory was built , where production has remained since
Great Dayton Flood
Great Dayton Flood
H. Gerstner & Sons