Watch the Story
Front-Porch Famous
Our State editor in chief Elizabeth Hudson shares how a North Carolina rocking chair found its way from Asheboro porches into some of America's most famous rooms.
A president made the chair famous. Generations of porches, nurseries, living rooms, and gathering places gave the design a much broader American story.
Read the Our State article →A North Carolina Legacy
From a small chair factory to America's most famous rooms
The story begins with P&P Chair Company in Asheboro, North Carolina, where production began in 1926. Craftspeople shaped solid wood and wove cane into chairs built one at a time.
President John F. Kennedy became closely associated with this style of rocker in the early 1960s, using rocking chairs in the White House, at Camp David, aboard Air Force One, and elsewhere.
After P&P ceased operations, Troutman Chair Company acquired the rights and assets associated with the Kennedy Rocker in 2009 and continues producing the Official Kennedy Rocker® in North Carolina today.
P&P begins production in Asheboro
North Carolina craftspeople build the company's chairs one at a time.
President Kennedy brings national attention
Photographs of Kennedy using the rocker help turn a North Carolina chair into a nationally recognized design.
Troutman carries the tradition forward
Troutman Chair Company acquires the rights and assets associated with the Kennedy Rocker from P&P.
Still made in North Carolina
Troutman Chair continues making the Official Kennedy Rocker® for homes and families across America.
Thoughtful Chairmaking
What makes the Official Kennedy Rocker distinctive
Its history may draw the first look, but the steam-bent form, natural cane, traditional joinery, and carefully considered proportions are what define the chair itself.
Curved, supportive form
Steam-bent back posts and a curved back create the distinctive relaxed sitting angle associated with the Kennedy Rocker design.
Natural cane
The woven natural cane seat and back provide a firm yet gently responsive seating surface.
Traditional joinery
Troutman uses interlocking joinery and swelled-joint construction rather than relying on glue to hold the chair frame together.
Fully assembled
The Official Kennedy Rocker ships fully assembled and ready for use when it arrives.
More From Troutman Chair Company
North Carolina furniture made for everyday life
Explore more solid wood rockers and dining chairs made by Troutman Chair Company with traditional construction and classic American styling.
Why Order From Furniture Made in USA
North Carolina knowledge and personal help
Our family has worked with Troutman Chair Company since 1999. We know the furniture, understand the available options, and are here to help you choose the right chair for your home or business.
- Experience with Troutman Chair More than twenty-five years of working with the North Carolina manufacturer.
- Help choosing your finish Call us when you want a real person to help compare available options.
- Free standard shipping in the contiguous 48 states Standard shipping is included in the product price within the contiguous 48 states. Alaska and Hawaii require an additional shipping charge quoted manually; request a quote before ordering. Standard freight delivery is curbside. Without liftgate service, customers are responsible for unloading the truck; driver assistance is not guaranteed. Liftgate service and inside delivery cost extra and must be arranged in advance. View our shipping policy.
- Made to order Please allow approximately 3 to 12 weeks for production and delivery.
Questions Before You Order
Official Kennedy Rocker FAQ
Is this the same style of rocker used by President Kennedy?
Yes. Troutman Chair Company produces the Official Kennedy Rocker® using the recognizable P&P design associated with President John F. Kennedy.
Why is President Kennedy associated with this rocking chair?
Historical accounts describe President Kennedy as living with chronic back pain and frequently using rocking chairs for comfort. His physician, Dr. Janet Travell, recommended this style of seating, and Kennedy's repeated use of the rocker helped make the P&P design nationally famous. This history is not intended as a medical claim about the chair.
Does the Kennedy Rocker arrive assembled?
Yes. The Official Kennedy Rocker ships fully assembled and ready to use.
What finishes are available?
The Official Kennedy Rocker is available in Natural, Cherry, Village Oak, and Harvest Oak. Visit the product page for current finish availability.
Can the Kennedy Rocker be used outdoors?
Troutman Chair Company recommends the Official Kennedy Rocker for indoor use. Its natural cane seat and back should be protected from prolonged exposure to moisture and weather.
Where is the Official Kennedy Rocker made?
It is made in North Carolina by Troutman Chair Company.
Manufacturer Frame Warranty Information
Troutman Chair Company states on its website that its chairs come with a lifetime frame warranty. Read the manufacturer's published statement.
This statement refers to the frame. It does not specify coverage for the Kennedy Rocker's cane seat and back, finishes, freight or transportation costs, or other components. The public statement also does not provide the full eligibility requirements, claim procedure, remedies or exclusions.
Contact us before ordering for help confirming the current written warranty terms with Troutman, including coverage for your intended use and any costs associated with a claim.
An American Classic, Made for Your Home
Bring the Kennedy Rocker legacy home
Choose your finish and order online, or call us for personal help with the Official Kennedy Rocker or any Troutman Chair product.
The Kennedy Rocker® and Troutman Chair names and trademarks are the property of Troutman Chair Company. Our State Magazine and its video are credited to their respective owners. Furniture Made in USA is an independent retailer and does not claim sponsorship or endorsement by Our State Magazine.