ABOUT US
Who We Are & Why We Do It
Established in 1894, Morehouse Appliances is proud to be America’s second-oldest continuously operating, family-owned appliance retailer. For over 130 years, we’ve been serving Central New York, providing generations of homeowners with quality appliances, exceptional value, and personalized service.
From everyday essentials to high-end professional models, we offer an extensive range of products to suit every home and budget. Our long-standing tradition centers on one guiding principle — delivering the best value and customer experience possible. And when your appliance needs attention, our expert service department is here to handle both in and out of warranty repairs.
Our History
Our story began in Utica, NY, when Henry D. Morehouse founded H.D. Morehouse in 1894. A skilled tinsmith and blacksmith by trade, Henry adapted to the changing times as the automobile industry grew, shifting his focus from horseshoes to household goods. He expanded into crafting stove pipe and soon began selling coal and wood-burning stoves. Over the years, his product line evolved to include ice boxes, gas-fired stoves, and early electric washers — setting the foundation for the modern appliance store we are today.
By the 1910s, after Henry became wheelchair-bound due to health issues and his son Leslie left to serve in World War I, Henry’s wife Cora took over daily operations to keep the business running. When Leslie returned in 1919, he resumed leadership and guided the store through decades of change and growth. In the 1950s, Leslie’s son, Henry (3rd generation), joined him as a partner, continuing the Morehouse tradition of family stewardship. Following Leslie’s passing in 1973, Henry led the company for more than 20 years before passing it to his sons, Dan and Dave, in 2004. In 2008, the business relocated to its current location, where it continues to thrive.
Today, Morehouse Appliances proudly operates under the leadership of the fourth and fifth generations of the Morehouse family — carrying forward a heritage built on value, integrity, and exceptional customer service.
130+ Years
Excellent service for 4 generations and counting!
10,000 SQ FT
We display hundreds of the latest appliances in our showroom!
NO 800 NUMBERS
Local phone numbers and local people!
Local Experts
Our in-house service center & showroom are customer centered!
Our Timeline
1894
Leslie Morehouse and the sales staff in 1928 in front of our original location on Columbia St. in Downtown Utica.
1906
Radio broadcasting begins. Radios become one of our first electric appliances.
1907
Electric washing machines are invented.
Morehouse opens first location on Columbia St in Downtown Utica
Founder's Wife: Cora S. Morehouse
1910s
Gas and electric ranges enter the home. Delivery trucks replace horses and wagons.
1914-1918
World War I: Leslie Morehouse goes to war and Cora operates the business in his absense.
1920s
First household refrigerators hit the market.
1925
Television is invented. TVs became one of our biggest-selling products through the 1990s.
1929
The Great Depression, but we survived.
1930s
Widespread household electrification. The store is remodeled and expanded to three floors.
1939-1945
World War II: No new appliances are manufactured during the war, all production is for the war effort. We recondition trade-ins to keep serving customers.
Maytag gas-powered wringer washer - Made for people in rural areas who didn't have electricity
Above Top Left: GE "monitor" refrigerator - Came out in 1927 as the first residential refrigerator with a compressor (circular part on top)
Above Bottom Right: Original GE dishwasher - the first dishwasher we sold
1940s
First household freezers, wall ovens and dishwashers arrive.
1967
The Amana Radarange microwave debuts. A hotdog in 20 seconds is revolutionary.
1992
We moved from our original Downtown Utica location to the New Hartford Shopping Center.
1994
We celebrate our 100th Anniversary.
2000
The internet bubble.
2008
The Great Recession.
2009
We move to Crossroads Plaza, New Hartford, where we still are today.
2020
COVID-19 Pandemic.
2022
AI & the first chatbot. Nobody knows how this will change appliances and our world, but we can be sure there will be huge changes.
2024
We celebrate 130 years in business.
Celebrating 130 years in business now at Crossroads Plaza