Celebrating 250 Years of America—And the American Craftsmanship That Built It

As we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, it feels even more meaningful. America is marking its 250th anniversary—250 years of independence, innovation, hard work, and the enduring spirit that continues to shape our country.

Here at Chamber Home Designs, those values mean something to us.

We're proud to be an American company installing products that are manufactured right here in New Jersey. Every custom sunroom we install is built in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lakewood, NJ, where skilled craftsmen create each room specifically for the homeowner it was designed for. Supporting American manufacturing isn't just something we talk about—it's something we believe in.

A Family Connection to American History

History has always been an interest in our family, especially for my husband, Charlie. He enjoys learning about the Revolutionary War, New Jersey history, and the people whose stories helped shape our country.

What makes this even more special is how we discovered another piece of our family's story. We were attending a family wedding in New Hope, Pennsylvania—just across the river from Washington Crossing, where General George Washington famously crossed the Delaware during the Revolutionary War. With America celebrating its 250th anniversary, it felt like the perfect place to reconnect with family history.

As we talked with relatives, we learned even more about the Polhemus lineage. The Polhemus family can trace its roots back to Johannes Theodorus Polhemus, one of the earliest Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (present-day New York City). He arrived in America in the 1600s and became the first Dutch Reformed minister in what is now New York, helping establish one of the earliest Dutch congregations in the colonies.

Even more fascinating, family records indicate that Charlie's ancestry includes Major John Polhemus, who descended from those early colonial settlers and lived during the Revolutionary War era.

Standing just minutes from one of the most iconic locations in American history while learning more about Charlie's own family's connection to our country's earliest days made the experience even more meaningful. It served as a reminder that history isn't just found in textbooks—sometimes it's part of our own family's story.

Learning about the generations that came before us gives us an even greater appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Building for the Next Generation

While we're not building history books, we are helping families create places where memories are made.

Whether it's watching fireworks from the comfort of a new sunroom, gathering under a custom patio cover for a summer barbecue, or enjoying a quiet morning coffee on a covered patio, these are the spaces where family traditions begin.

Just like the homes built generations ago, we believe quality matters. That's why we partner with American manufacturers and install products built to last.

Happy Independence Day from Our Family to Yours

This Fourth of July, we're grateful—not only for the opportunity to serve homeowners throughout New Jersey, but also for the generations of Americans whose hard work helped build this country.

From our family at Chamber Home Designs to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day.

Here's to celebrating 250 years of America, supporting American craftsmanship, and creating outdoor spaces where future generations will make memories for years to come.