It all started in the basement of (Delphos) Dutch Mickelson on W. River Street in the 1950’s. Dutch taught his son, David, the trade. Dave can still hear his Dad saying “If you don’t do it right, then just don’t do it at all!” Back then it wasn’t just re-upholstering things … they built the frames of chairs from the ground up. Later they built the well-known cement block building between the Sunoco gas station and the Root Beer Stand in 1965. Sadly, in 1968, Dutch passed away at a much too early age.
Dave carried on his legacy and, true to his Dad’s words, he was renowned for doing things “right”. Dave had such a good eye for colors and matching patterns and doing intricate work meticulously that interior decorators and designers from Ft. Wayne, Auburn, and many other places became his main clients. Notable names I can remember are Adams & Walda Furniture Co., Nugen’s Interiors of Auburn, The Summit Club, Ft. Wayne Country Club, etc… then the huge Richard Freeland Mansion and all the Pizza Huts (52) he Freeland owned (their booths, chairs, etc…) … besides all the individual sofas, divans, couches, chairs and ottomans Mickelson recovered to the delight of local residents.
At one time 3 McMichael boys worked for Dave … Olen (Oley), Larry (Whitie) and Dennis. After a few years, Oley set off on his own entrepreneurship buying and selling real estate and a million other things. Whitie liked a more quiet life and worked with Dave for over 52 years (which helped fund his love of racing thoroughbred horses). Whitie continues to do upholstery work from his shop at his home out on Rd 69, rural Antwerp (He will have the Mickelson Upholstery ph. # 419-258-7564 and 260-705-1358 to text).
Dave is in the process of selling his Mickelson Upholstery building and has been busy emptying out all the contents. He just might keep his old faithful sewing machine that has been his constant companion for so many years. Much appreciation to David Mickelson, for making Antwerp, Ohio a better place …by managing a business known for true quality workmanship for the last 60-70 years!!
— Contributed by Tamyra Humes (Proud daughter of David Mickelson) — PS. Dave’s wife, Sandy, … and his other daughter, Christine Mickelson Hartman, and his son, Daniel Dutch Mickelson, are also very proud of Dave and his accomplishments!
