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Danforth and his wife, Judi, show off their favorite barware. Courtesy photos.
Vermont Business Magazine Danforth Pewter is celebrating its golden anniversary, marking a significant milestone in craftsmanship and tradition. For 50 years, Danforth has been dedicated to creating exceptional, handcrafted pewter gifts, jewelry, ornaments and home décor, all meticulously made by talented artisans.
To commemorate this occasion, a series of monthly giveaways will be held throughout 2025, culminating in a grand prize: a fully paid trip for two to scenic Vermont. Participants can enter at danforthpewter.com/contest.
Visitors and media are invited to Danforth Pewter’s workshop in Middlebury for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its artistry and tradition.
Danforth Pewter’s commitment to art, tradition and community continues to be a guiding force. Celebrating 50 remarkable years, the company looks forward to many more years of craftsmanship and excellence.
“Our 50 years of success reflect our team’s dedication — many have been with us 20-plus years, thanks to the strong culture built by Fred and Judi Danforth,“ said the company’s CEO, Gary Jalbert. “We all look forward to continued success.“
Handspun pewter oil lamps are popular with customers for the bright yet warm light they cast. Courtesy photos.
Danforth Story
Fifty years ago, a chance meeting between two passionate artisans sparked the beginning of something extraordinary. Fred Danforth, a young woodworker from Ohio with dreams of becoming a master craftsman, had moved to Vermont in his 20s. There, he met Judi Whipple, a talented metalworker with a deep appreciation for the art of pewter.
Judi’s passion ran deep — so deep that she was well-versed in the legacy of the early American Danforth pewterers. She was intrigued to learn that Fred shared their name, and one day told him, perhaps half-joking, that as a Danforth, he simply had to try working with pewter.
Whether it was fate or just good timing, Fred took her advice to heart. The two soon traveled to Nova Scotia to apprentice with experienced pewter artisans, immersing themselves in the age-old craft. When they returned to Vermont, they opened a workshop in an old dairy barn in Woodstock, combining their skills — Fred’s love for shaping holloware on a lathe and Judi’s talent for carving jewelry and ornament designs — into what would become Danforth Pewter.
Fred Danforth uses a lathe to shape pewter during the shop’s early days in Woodstock. Courtesy photos.
From the very beginning, Danforth has been a family-run — and family-like — business, rooted in the belief that working with your hands creates something truly lasting. Every piece is crafted with care, using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Today, its oil lamps, jewelry, tumblers, picture frames, candlesticks, ornaments and other heirlooms are known not just for their beauty, but for the stories they carry.
Some of the earliest Danforth pieces, made in colonial America, now live in the Smithsonian, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, Winterthur Museum, Colonial Williamsburg and other historical institutions. The Danforths say they are honored to continue this rich tradition of American craftsmanship.
Founded by Fred and Judi Danforth in 1975, Danforth Pewter is rooted in American craftsmanship. Danforth creates handmade gifts, jewelry, ornaments and other home decor accessories with timeless artistry and sustainable practices. Based in Middlebury,, all Danforth products are designed, hand-cast and finished in-house by skilled artisans. With retail locations throughout the Northeast and a robust online presence, Danforth continues to honor the heritage of meal working while innovating for future generations. For more information, visit danforthpewter.com or follow @danforthpewter on social media.