His death ended a life of philanthropy that made his community an infinitely better place to live.

In May 2001, upon Carl's death, the reins of the Company  were taken over by his son Michael who has made the same commitment to the community, their employees and their dealers that both his father and Clyne Crawford had made. Crawford's new theme is "New Generation", however Michael still runs the company with the same values indoctrinated in him from his father. These values are of top quality, personal attachment and pride in Solid Wood USA Furniture manufactured in Jamestown, New York since the company's inception in 1883. Michael's two sons, Brett and Scott, are now also involved with the daily operations of the company therefore carrying on the same family tradition of values and excellence.

Crawford of Jamestown has grown from a small company that employed 30 people to a company that now employs over 200 people, which also includes operating its own sawmill. Due to its central location near the abundant hardwood forests of upstate Pennsylvania and New York; Crawford has continued, for over 120 years, specializing in the manufacturing of bedroom and dining room furniture from "Solid Wood", specifically Ash, Cherry, Maple, and Oak.Throughout the years, since its humble beginnings as the Swedish Furniture Manufacturing Corporation, Crawford of Jamestown has seen the demise of Jamestown as a Mecca for northern furniture manufacturing in this country. In 1924 the city was home to 40 furniture factories and related industries, while the county had an additional 100 furniture plants within its borders. At the peak of the wood furniture industry, Jamestown, New York was second only to Grand Rapids, Michigan in the manufacturing of wood furniture. In 1917, Jamestown opened its Furniture Exposition building and began twice yearly furniture markets attracting retail buyers from across the country, long before both the old Chicago and current High Point markets became official.

Old main like companies with names like American Mfg. Concern, Burns Case Goods Corp., Davis-Randolph Corp., Elite Furniture Co., Empire Case Goods, Herald Furniture Co., Jamestown Lounge, Jamestown-Sterling, Liberty Furniture, Maddox Table Company, Monitor Furniture Co., Sherman Brothers Co., Taylor of Jamestown, Union-National Inc., Van Stee Corporation, and Wood Products are just a few of the Jamestown area companies no longer in business who had national and worldwide distribution. Today, only Crawford of Jamestown continues the tradition started over 120 years ago by those two Swedish Craftsmen.

In 1883 two Swedish craftsmen, Gustaf Holmberg and Lars Erickson pooled their savings and used that $1,400.00 sum to start a small furniture factory in Jamestown, New York. Originally known as the Swedish Furniture Manufacturing Corporation, they changed their name in 1887 to the Atlas Furniture Company. It was from these modest beginnings that the oldest operating bedroom factory plant of over 40 furniture manufacturing companies in the Jamestown area was born.Throughout the years the company grew and prospered. With the addition of the newest and latest machinery available, Atlas became one of the most successful furniture operations, producing the finest quality furniture available at the time. In the early '20's more efficient machinery was being developed but with the country nearing the throws of depression further capitol expenditures for new equipment were halted.

Slowly the plant and the machinery began to deteriorate and the company's volume declined. By the late '30's, with the deaths of older management, the company began to flounder further. In 1941, with their yearly sales just over $200,000 Mr. Clyne Crawford purchased the company and changed its name to Crawford. By 1944 the new company's volume reached $850,000 and the first year after war restrictions were off the sales climbed to over $1,350,000.

It was under Mr. Crawford's ownership and his hands-on leadership that the company we know as Crawford of Jamestown was rebuilt and refitted with what was then the newest and most innovative ideas in manufacturing technology, and had his factory equipped with the latest in machinery. Every known machine that was able to produce high quality furniture was placed at the hands of the fine cabinetmakers that for so many years had built the plant's reputation for fine furniture. With his company's reputation growing as a visionary leader within the industry, it was during this time Crawford expanded its capacity through the addition of other facilities and continued its leadership in the manufacturing of fine quality solid wood furniture. Upon his death in 1968 Clyne Crawford left the company in the hands of Carl Cappa.

Carl Cappa was born and raised in Jamestown. The eldest child in a poor family, he graduated from Jamestown High School and then immediately in 1941 started working with the company in its rough mill. Due to the times, Carl enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II. Upon his return from the war, Carl enlisted in a training program at Crawford. He performed so well in the training program that Clyne soon made him head of employee relations. By 1968, after the death of Clyne Crawford, Carl was named company president and by 1973, president and CEO of Crawford.

In 1983, Carl purchased the company and in 1992 presented an ESOP program to his employees so they could feel that personal attachment to Crawford. Carl was also a well known philanthropist. In 1985, Carl was honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews for his efforts in promoting brotherhood and ecumenical good will. In 1996, he received the Trilium Award, which is the highest award given by the American Cancer Society. Carl died on May 12, 2001, after a long bout with cancer.