History
The Par Company, often described as the Rolls Royce of the Puzzle Business, began like many others in the heart of the Great Depression. John Henriques and Frank Ware, two young men with no job prospects, cut their first Par Puzzles at the dining room table in early 1932 and displayed them in a Manhattan shop window. Unlike most of the contemporary firms, Par grew even stronger and more prestigious as time went on.
Their secrets were marketing and quality. Par Puzzles were renowned for their custom cutting and personalization. Ware and Henriques would happily cut names, dates, messages, or special figure pieces into a picture selected by the buyer. Every step in their creation receives the same time and care as they did in the beginning.
Today Par Puzzles, owned and operated by John Madden, continues with the same business philosophy started back in the Great Depression - to make the finest puzzles. Each Par Picture Puzzle is still individually cut by skilled craftsmen and has the finish of fine cabinet work, wood backed polished mahogany. Par Puzzles have been referred to as "Wizardry in Wood" and have been featured in national publications, including LIFE Magazine and Good Housekeeping.