Our Story
A family-owned wholesale brand rooted in antiques, inspired design, and the shop owners we serve.
Carrie Ragon Donley (left), Josh Ragon & Mary Ragon (right)
“I’ve always loved antiques — I’m not sure why, I didn’t grow up with them, it’s just something I was drawn to when we were trying to furnish our home — with 5 kids, on a teacher’s salary.”
When Mary Ragon was asked how and why she started Ragon House, that was where her story began. In one way or another she had been involved in the antiques and reproductions business since the early 1980s.
After visiting Colonial Williamsburg she found herself in an adorable country shop, unlike anything she had ever seen. After returning, the topic of opening a store kept resurfacing — and somehow they were able to open their first shop, The Salt Box Country Store, in Canton, Ohio.
There was nothing like it anywhere, so naturally the business grew quickly. They doubled the size in no time and, seven years later — on the verge of having five teenagers — decided to sell their beloved shop, with the thought of opening a smaller one down the road.
Eventually they opened another store housed in the 1880s barn of their little farm and called it Ragon House. They had gutted and renovated the 1887 farmhouse, and during Christmas open houses welcomed people to tour their five-bedroom home. To this day, visitors occasionally drive up their long lane thinking the shop is still there.
By 1995, two of Mary’s brothers — Paul and John Jamieson of Jamieson Studios — were exhibiting at the Market Square Show in Valley Forge. Mary got the idea to give wholesale a try.
In February 1996, Ragon House did its first Valley Forge show in a 5′×10′ booth. They made only one product — hand-stenciled band boxes — plus a handful of signs from a friend. The show went great; they rushed home and started painting boxes. Growth of the booth and product line followed from that first show.
30+
Years in wholesale
From a single product at one show to a full line serving retailers nationwide.
“Carrie and I have really grown up in Ragon House. It’s been a rewarding experience as we look back and see what we’ve done and where we’ve been.”
— Josh Ragon
Several years later, spurred by a fire on Halloween night in 2003 that destroyed the barn and workshop, Mary hired her son Josh — recently returned after college — to help rebuild and lead the changes. Carrie Ragon Donley, who owned her own small business “Rabbit Run Folkart,” soon followed as lead creative. Carrie and Josh, the two youngest Ragon children, became owners of Ragon House.
Design & Creative Direction
Together, Mary and Carrie create most of the designs at Ragon House. Carrie plays a major role in booth and showroom design, as well as coordinating the product catalog.
Shane · Matthew · Elizabeth · Baillie · Wyatt · Jack · Ivy · Remy · Rowan · Raelynn
Leadership & Operations
Josh helps guide Ragon House through an ever-changing industry. “We love being part of this constant evolution and hopefully we are helping lead the way.”
Becky · Joshua · Emerson · Jacob · Finley · Ford
Even though creating in this ever-changing industry can be a huge challenge, Carrie and Mary love what they do. They scour antique shows, sales, shops, and flea markets for inspiration — always bringing a fresh, current spin to an old idea.
They are often told their line has a “different” look from all the rest — a compliment they wear proudly. What started as a totally primitive product line has evolved into vintage, farmhouse, Euro-inspired, and antique styles, plus a large collection of holiday and floral.
When all is said and done, it is the small businesses that are always so loyal and greatly contribute to the growth and success of Ragon House. We strive to continually improve our services and introduce a fresh product line to inspire the wonderful shop owners who continue on this journey with us.
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