Holly, Michigan Is Worth the Drive

A short pitch for the village we have called home since 1858, and for turning a furniture errand into a Saturday morning you will actually enjoy.

Our customers come from all over Southeast Michigan. A lot of them drive in from Flint, Clarkston, Pontiac, Fenton, Grand Blanc, Waterford, and points further out. We are grateful for every one of them, and we hear the same thing after almost every first visit. I did not know Holly was like this. We should come back.

It is a fair reaction. Downtown Holly is a small historic village with actual character, and it has been quietly worth the drive for a long time. This post is a short pitch for making a morning of it.

A real downtown, on foot

Our address is 112 N. Saginaw St., which is right in the heart of downtown Holly. Park on the street, behind Bittersweet off of Maple St or near our store, and the whole village is walkable. Brick storefronts, local restaurants, small shops, and a library that has been there longer than most of our customers' hometowns.

If you have only ever seen Holly from I-75, you have not seen Holly. The exit is five minutes from the downtown core, and the downtown is the point.

Community traditions we are proud of

Holly is best known for the Dickens Festival, which turns downtown into a Victorian Christmas for several weekends in late November and early December. If you have never been, put it on the calendar. The village does it at a level most small towns cannot pull off.

There is the Carry Nation Festival in the summer, the farmers market, the Fourth of July and Homecoming parade’s, car shows, and the kind of community events a town only does when the community actually shows up. Winglemire has been part of the Holly Chamber of Commerce for decades. This is our home, and we are not marketing that, we are living it.

The historic Holly Hotel will soon open after a tragic fire in 2022. When they open, this will be a must see stop in town. The Holly Hotel has a rich history and we are proud to know the wonderful owners. Of course, there’s also the ghost stories.

Where we fit in

Winglemire has been on Saginaw Street since 1858. Five generations of our family have worked this showroom floor, and we are the oldest furniture store in this part of Michigan. People sometimes ask if that is a marketing line. It is not. We have the tax records and receipts to prove it. In fact, ask us to see some of our oldest memorabilia.

When you come in, you will be greeted by a family member, not a commissioned salesperson. We do not work on commission, and we do not haggle, so you can take your time. Browse. Ask anything. Sit on a Smith Brothers sofa for as long as you want.

How far away are you, really

Most of our regulars are closer than they think. From the neighborhoods our customers live in:

• Flint: about 17 miles down I-75. 20 to 25 minutes.

• Clarkston and Independence Township: about 13 miles up I-75. 15 minutes.

• Pontiac: about 24 miles up I-75 or via Dixie Highway. 25 to 30 minutes.

• Fenton: about 10 miles. 15 minutes.

• Waterford: about 20 miles. 25 minutes.

• Grand Blanc: about 13 miles. 20 minutes.

Make a morning of it

Our suggested plan for a first visit: come in on a Saturday morning, park downtown, walk the block or two around the store, grab coffee or breakfast at Bittersweet Cafe or Avia Family Restaurant, then come see us. We will be here.

If you find a piece you want, free delivery is included within 30 miles, which covers almost everyone reading this. If you want to think on it, no pressure. That is how we have always done it.

Come say hi

Winglemire Furniture, 112 N. Saginaw St., Holly MI 48442. Monday through Saturday 9 to 5:30. Sunday noon to 4. Call us at (248) 634-8731.

Whether you need a new sofa or you just want to see what the fuss is about, we would love to have you.

Michigan Retailers association recognition

https://www.retailers.com/news/2023/10/165-year-old-winglemire-furniture-has-stood-the-test-of-time

We are proud to be recognized by The Michigan Retailers Association as “How five generations of the Winglemire family created Michigan’s oldest family-owned furniture retailer.”

The article by Josh Delaney was an honor. It highlighted our heritage and commitment to family owned and operated business with ethical community driven impact.

The article highlighted our storied beginnings such as:

Winglemire Furniture, founded in 1858, is Michigan’s oldest family-owned furniture store, now run by fifth-generation siblings John Winglemire and Penny Raupp. Its longevity reflects adaptability through wars, economic downturns, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founder Joseph Winglemire, a Bavarian woodworker, established the business in Holly, where it has remained central to the community. Leadership passed through generations, with key expansions, branding (including its long-standing slogan), and resilience during events like World War II.

Today, the store continues evolving with online sales, partnerships like Anna’s Interiors, and a curated selection of furniture brands. Its legacy is rooted in quality, personal service, and strong community ties, built over 165 years.

How to Choose the Right Sofa for Your Living Room in Michigan

When shopping for a new sofa in southeast Michigan, comfort and style are only part of the equation. The right sofa should fit your room, support your lifestyle, and hold up for years of daily use. At Winglemire Furniture, we help customers evaluate more than just appearance — we focus on durability, construction, and practical comfort.

Here’s what to consider before purchasing your next sofa.

1. Measure First — Always

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is falling in love with a sofa that doesn’t fit their space. Before visiting our Holly showroom:

• Measure the length of the wall

• Note doorways and stair access

• Consider walking paths

• Account for other furniture pieces

If you’re working with a smaller living room, a compact sofa or apartment-sized sectional may be ideal. Larger spaces may benefit from an L-shaped sectional or sofa with chaise.

2. Frame Construction Matters

Not all sofas are built the same. The internal frame determines how your sofa performs after five or ten years of use.

At Winglemire Furniture in Holly, we carry trusted manufacturers known for durable construction.

Our premier partner, Smith Brothers of Berne, builds Amish-crafted furniture using solid hardwood frames and reinforced joinery. Their sofas are known for longevity, customization options, and heirloom-level craftsmanship.

We also carry Flexsteel, recognized for its patented Blue Steel Spring system, which provides long-lasting seat support and reduces sagging over time.

For customers seeking style flexibility and value-focused options, Ashley Furniture offers a wide range of designs suited to many room layouts and budgets.

When selecting a sofa, frame construction and internal support systems are just as important as fabric and color.

Cushioning & Support Systems

Beyond the frame, cushion construction influences long-term comfort.

• High-density foam maintains structure.

• Spring-based systems improve durability.

• Down-blend cushions provide softer seating.

Manufacturers like Smith Brothers and Flexsteel engineer their seating systems to balance support and resilience, reducing premature sagging and wear.

3. Cushion Type & Comfort Level

Comfort preferences vary.

Common cushion types include:

• High-density foam (structured support)

• Foam wrapped in fiber (balanced comfort)

• Down blend (softer feel)

If you host often, structured cushions maintain shape better. If lounging is the priority, plush options may suit you.

4. Fabric Selection & Durability

In homes with pets or children, performance fabric is critical.

Look for:

• Stain-resistant fabrics

• Tight weave upholstery

• Easy-clean options

Neutral tones remain popular, but textured fabrics can hide wear better over time.

5. Sectional vs Sofa: Which Is Better?

Choose a sectional if:

• You entertain frequently

• You want maximum seating

• You have a large open floor plan

Choose a traditional sofa if:

• You prefer flexible layouts

• You rotate furniture frequently

• Your space is smaller

Visit our Living Room Furniture section to explore available styles.

6. Reclining & Power Features

We offer many options that include:

• Power recline

• Adjustable headrests

• USB charging ports

These features are especially popular in Michigan homes where comfort and functionality matter equally during our changing seasons.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right sofa is about balancing size, durability, and daily comfort. Before making a decision, visit Winglemire Furniture in Holly Michigan to test comfort in person and explore quality construction firsthand.

Color of 2017

Pantone picked greenery for the color of the year!  Right now anything green sounds good!  The color is refreshing and symbolic for new beginnings.  Stop in and check our the "green" fabrics.  Wouldn't you just love a new tufted sofa done in a subtle green for your living room?

Passing of the Patriarch

As many of you know, our father, Donald Winglemire passed away 1.11.17.  We are still with very heavy hearts but are blessed to have been able to call him Dad and to have had him teach us the ropes of the legacy he left behind.  He was truly Mr Holly~~an individual that people would come to at any and all times for the rich history of Holly.  If you get a chance, read his obit on Dryer's Funeral Home website.  You'll see why he was such an icon!.  Our furniture store will carry on as usual, just as it did from our great-great-grandfather to our great-grandfather to our grandfather and to our father, and now onto the 5th generation.  We will continue to uphold our father's legacy and beliefs in our business and in the town Dad always called home, HOLLY. 

Color or colors for 2016

Well, after returning from Vegas for the furniture market, bright colors were abundant.  Did you know the color of the year is not one color, but two.  It is a pantone of rose quartz and baby blue!  I immediately thought of a baby's bedroom when I saw this announcement.  The market did not have much to offer in these color palettes, therefore, I'm wondering if we should stick with these colors in fashion and not on our sofa.  What do you think?  The market seemed more focused on bright velours and beautiful chesterfields.  

A plethora of woods were at the market and I must say, I loved them.  Acacia wood was the predominant wood, in an array of dining room and bedroom suites.  If you haven't seen acacia wood, please stop by the furniture store to see it. 

In closing, it sounds like we are in for an early spring:)

Back to School

It's that time of year again, students getting ready to haul their heavy backpacks back to school!  Our family has had several generations that have gone through the Holly Area School system and have turned out to be productive citizens in this ever-changing world.  Thank-you to the school system for providing a quality, enriching education for our family.  It gave each one a solid foundation for life.

Enjoy the celebration of education as you watch your children, grandchildren, etc. smile on their first day of school.  Capture the memories and hang onto them forever!  Don't forget:  "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  Nelson Mandela

Have a great school year!

Elm

Have you seen the new rage lately?  Elm dining room tables that are two-toned and made by the Amish in Ohio.  Top of the table is done in a medium brown finish, base and apron are done in an onyx finish over brown maple.  Absolutely stunning!  Stop in and check it out!  You won't be disappointed.

Duck Dynasty licensed upholstery in!

Sofa and reclining chairs in honor of the Robertson's family!  Relax in a lounger or curl

up on a sofa.  Stop in to see the beautiful duck pattern upholstery!

New upholstery line.

Our new upholstery line has arrived!  It is made in the U.S.A., and we have sofas starting

@ $ 699.00.  Stop in to check out the floor models, catalog, and an array of fabrics.