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BUSINESS
Huntington Awning's years of hard work shown off around town
HUNTINGTON -- Signs of Huntington Awning and Patio Shop's success can be seen all over the Tri-State.
The company has been making awnings for businesses and residential structures since its founding by E.M. Peoples in 1915.
"We've been in business for a long time, and we've changed with the times," said Tom G. Proctor, the current owner of Huntington Awning.
Many downtown stores sport the awnings, and Proctor says the workmanship speaks for itself.
The awning process begins with client's business or home. A Huntington Awning employee goes to the site to take measurements, and in the case of commercial sites, pictures also will be taken. Then, a quote is drawn up.
When the awning store opened 94 years ago, clients relied on Huntington Awning's advice about colors or patterns, though the final look could only be drawn. Proctor said that is no longer the case today.
A computer program now allows a projection to be made through pictures of the site. The awning will be placed in the picture exactly true to form and allow the client to visualize the final outcome.
"The images created on this program are very real. We use the program every day, and we're able to change the color or the pattern," said Proctor.
Once the measurements have been taken and the color and shape have been determined, these are sent to the shop. In the sewing room, fabric is ordered and the awnings are crafted.
In another part of the store, the frame is put together according to shape and size. Once this has been accomplished, installers take the pieces to the site to be set up.
Proctor said the business has undergone a series of changes over the years though waning in demand. Awnings were originally a form of air conditioning, meant to keep the sun out of windows. Today, awnings are used for aesthetics to add a splash of color to homes.
"We install awnings on porches more than we do windows in private homes," said Proctor. "They create color as well as privacy."
In recent years, Huntington Awning has expanded its reach to the entire Tri-State. Proctor said that his installers have gone as far as Spencer and Welch, W.Va.
Huntington Awning's Web site has created publicity that Proctor never imagined possible. Their presence on the Internet has allowed the company to receive jobs in remote areas.
Throughout the past 94 years, Huntington Awning has always worked for excellent customer service. Handed down from one owner to the next, the spirit of the business has never changed.
Originally opened by E.M. Peoples, Huntington Awning was meant to be a tent and awning company that would create military tents for the government. Proctor's father was brought in to manage the company.
After Peoples death in 1960, Proctor's father bought the company and merged with American Awning Company.
Proctor began in the business after finishing school. Unsure what direction to take, he began working with his father at Huntington Awning.
"I felt it was a great opportunity to be able to work with my father. He expected a lot from me, and honestly, he's always been my hero," said Proctor.
When his father retired in the 1980s, Proctor took over the business, which is located at 114 8th Ave.
For more information, call 304-522-8304 or go online to www.huntingtonawning.com.
