How We Came to Sell Antique Fireplace Accessories
Adams Fireplace Shop was established in 1908 by my grandfather, Jacob Adamian, though the business didn’t start out by selling vintage fireplace tools. He and his family had just emigrated from Armenia and settled in the Boston, Massachusetts area. In order to support his young family, Jacob traveled the streets of Cambridge and Somerville with a pushcart selling bagged coal, kindling wood, and ice to both stores and homes.
As he built a steady base of customers, he and his brothers were able to save enough money to establish a permanent coal yard and retail location. Prior to selling antique fireplace tools, it was originally named Adams Coal and Wood Company and was located on Beacon Street in Somerville, since replaced by a Shaws Supermarket.
Over the years, the business prospered through excellent customer service and fair prices. In 1952, Jacob, now joined in business by his two sons John and Edwin, established their second location at 505 Concord Avenue in Cambridge.
This second location also prospered, with the two brothers selling coal and home heating oil, then later selling wood burning stoves, outdoor barbeque supplies, and fireplace equipment.
I, John’s son Donald Adamian, joined the business around 1970 by coming in after school to help my parents. Going well beyond wood stoves, I began to stock an ever widening variety of fireplace equipment as well as antique fireplace tools and lighting fixtures.
As word began to spread about my extremely competitive prices, huge collection of antique fireplace accessories, and warm, friendly, and efficient customer service, the business became known well beyond the Greater Boston area. Customers started coming in from locations not only from all over the United States, but from all over the world.
Customers who visit the shop today tell is that it’s like going back to another time or even another century when life was simpler and products were unfailingly beautiful, solid, and honest. In addition to our many retail customers from the Boston/Cambridge area, we ship our antique fireplace accessories anywhere in the world!
You can contact Donald Adamian by phone at 617-547-3100 or by email at Donald@AdamsFireplaceShop.com. We’re available 7 days per week and always happy to serve all of your vintage fireplace tools and decorative needs!
Meet the owners, Donald Adamian and Buddy
The original weight scale adapted with an electronic display helped weigh the trucks.
