A young entrepreneur who began earning money cutting firewood in the 8th grade discovered an antique parlor stove in the back of a barn. It was dirty and needed repair, so Elvin Fenton carted it home and restored it back to its original beauty. He sold it for $300 and thought he was rich. If he could do it once he could do it again and his stove restoration business was born.
The cast iron parlor base burner stove was popular throughout the 1800s and served as both a heat source and a beautiful piece of art in a home’s parlor where a family would gather to receive guests, dine, tell stories and unwind much like our living rooms today. Each stove is made of cast iron which requires an original mold that adds an artistic and unique touch.
In high school, Fenton searched for more stoves in yards and antique stores. When he went to college, he rented a house with a detached garage to continue his business and was able to pay tuition by restoring stoves. Beginning with a “rust bucket” and turning it into its original glory motivates Fenton to continue to buy old stoves, fly to fun places and drive a U-Haul back home filled with even more stoves. The Antique Stove Association provides opportunities to network with other enthusiasts.
After entering optometry school, Fenton took a break from restoration to place all his attention on his studies. Following years of a successful optometry career, he continues to restore stoves, but what was once a business has changed into a rewarding hobby. If you find yourself traveling through Amarillo, stop in The Big Texan restaurant for the famous 72-ounce steak and a peek at one of Fenton’s masterpieces. “Seeing a face in awe of what you have done,” Fenton says, “is the most rewarding part.”
Seeing a face in awe of what you have done is the most rewarding part.