Our story

The Booth Family Legacy 

Around 1920, Wayland F. Booth transitioned from farming to the furniture trade when he left his family’s Eagle Point Farm in Wicomico Church. He soon established a furniture business in Kilmarnock, operating in the same building that W. F. Booth & Son, Inc.continues to occupy today.

In its early years, the store specialized in used furniture. The business was built to endure, adapting to the needs of each generation, though Wayland himself was known for his enterprising spirit. At one point, he opened a second location across the street, entrusting the original store to the capable management of his wife, Chloe Booth.

The “& Son” portion of the business name became a reality in 1934, when Wayland Somervill Booth joined his father during the challenging years of the Great Depression. Despite the economic hardships of the time, he found creative ways to sustain the business—trading and bartering to keep operations afloat. Returning to his agricultural roots, he harvested holly from the family farm, transported it to the mountains to sell, purchased apples with the proceeds, and brought them back to the Northern Neck for resale. 

His determination and ingenuity preserved the store through difficult times. Under his and Chloe’s leadership, the store expanded its offerings to include new furniture in addition to used pieces.

In 1960, the next generation—Robert Somervill Booth, son of “And Son”—assumed leadership of the company alongside his wife, Connie Booth. Together, they shifted the store’s focus entirely to new furniture and oversaw significant growth. The business became even more family-oriented, with the involvement of their children: Robert Timothy, Michael Todd, and Cindy Booth.

The fourth generation officially entered the business in 1986, when Tim, Cindy, and Todd joined full time. Each brought fresh energy and ideas, helping the company expand its showroom and product lines to include some of the most respected and popular brands in home furnishings.

The Booth family’s tradition of commitment and hard work continues today. Each generation has grown up in the store—learning the business from the ground up, gaining a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and customer service. This hands-on experience has shaped their understanding of the furniture industry and instilled a dedication to excellence that remains the foundation of W. F. Booth & Son, Inc.