THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS I Till* BOOK IS NOT RETURNABIJ3 OR SUBJECT TO EXCHANGE BRENT ANO's BEDSTEAD Carved oak 'wood; with columns, tester, and head-board of debased classic character, ornamented in marquetry. English, dated /jpj. Height, 7 ft. 4 in.; length, / ft. Jf in.; width, J ft. 8 in. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS By ESTHER SINGLETON COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1913 COPYRIGHT, 1900, igOI, 1908, BT DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, INCLUDING THAT OK TRANSLATION INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES, INCLUDING THE SCANDINAVIAN CONTENTS PART I EARLY SOUTHERN Carved Oak and Walnut of the Seven- teenth Century. PART II LATER SOUTHERN ....", Oak, Walnut and Early Mahogany. PART III EARLY NEW ENGLAND . Imported and Home-made Pieces of the Seventeenth Century. PART IV DUTCH AND ENGLISH PERIODS New York from 1615 to 1776. PART V NEW ENGLAND FROM 1700 TO 1776 . Imported and Home-made Pieces of the Eighteenth Century. PART VI CHIPPENDALE And Other Great Cabinet-makers of the Eighteenth Century. PART VII DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED FURNITURE . From 1776 to 1830. PART VIII WOODS, UPHOLSTERY AND STYLES Of the Early Nineteenth Century. For detailed CONTENTS and LIST OF ILLUS- TRATIONS of each Part see the front matter immediately preceding the above folios. The volume con- tains a complete Index to the whole work. FACE 3 79 155 235 403 487 THE FURNITURE THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS By ESTHER SINGLETON WITH CRITICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF PLATES By RUSSELL STURGIS ILLUSTRATED 3 : w fa fa o u THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Cogan's translation of Pinto's Travels 9 xxiii (1653): "Three court cupboards placed, upon the which was a great deal of fine pourcelain." Sometimes these court cupboards were ornamented with carvings in low relief, and we find Corbet describ- ing a man " with a lean visage, like a carved face on a court cupboard." The " wainscott settle " and "cheare" were evi- dently of oak, the name, according to Skeat, being derived from the Low Danish wagenschot, " the best kind of oak-wood, well-grained and without knots." The same au- thority tells us that "wainscot in the building trade is applied to the best kind of oak timber only, used for panelling because it would not 'cast' or warp." That wainscot was ap- plied to the wood rather than to the panelling we learn from Harrison's Historicall Description of the Hand of Brifaine, prefixed to Holinshed's Chronicles (1587), where he says that the oak grown in Bardfield Park, Essex, "is the finest for joiners' craft, for oftimes have I scene of their works made of that oke so fine and fair as most of the wainscot that is brought hither *3 l8TH CENTURY CHAIR Armchair of walnut wood. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS out of Danske, for our wainscot is not made in Eng- land." It will be noticed in the above inventory that several carpets are mentioned. The reader must remember that these are not floor-coverings, which were not in general use till nearly a century later, but merely table-cloths and cupboard-cloths. Sometimes, also, we find that the cup- board was covered by a cushion. We learn from an old authority that the carpet, " a coarse hanging for a table, made of rough woollen material and of patches, of motley colours," was known as early as 1291, while Sir H. Guild- ford's goods included "a carpet of green cloth for a little foulding table " (1527). The carpets in this country were of leather in many cases; we also find them of calico, and there is frequent reference to striped and "streked" carpets. Elizabeth Butler bequeathed to her daughter Elizabeth (1673) a "Turkey carpett." The inventory of the possessions of Leonard Calvert, Governor of Maryland, who died in 1 647, will give a clear idea of the domestic luxury of a gentleman of importance in the infant days of the colony. We should conclude that he belonged to the Roman Catholic Church, even if history told us nothing about him. (The rug that gen- erally accompanies the bed and bolster was a kind of heavy coloured blanket. The colours are frequently mentioned in the inventories. It will be noticed that his lordship did not sleep in sheets.) IN Toe: & CASK. Ib. Imp 13 Bookes, . . . . .0160 8 old napkins, ...... 0024 6 towells, ....... 0018 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS IN TOB : & CASK. 2 Ibs. l / 2 m Finns, ..... It yj of white thread, . 2 pr of new Holland socks & l / 2 ells of Hollan, i pr Shoes, ...... A Table Booke & a Discipline, 2* of Sweet head powder, .... A bone Crosse, ..... 3 small bitts of Syluer plate, A small payre of brasse Compasses and a Violl glass, ...... A syluer sack cup, ..... i old Bed & bolster & i old greene Rug, . I uery old feather- Bed, .... i old fflock Bed & Bolster & i old Red Rug, . i cloake bag, ...... An empty case w th out bottles & another old Case w th 4 bottles, .... A Blew Jugge, A white box w th out lock or key, A red-leather-ire case, .... An old trunk w th a lock & key, An iron Pott, ...... 5 old Pewter dishes i bason 5 plates, 12 pewter spoones, ..... A Joyned Table, 2 chayres, & a forme, An old brasse kettle, .... A gold Reliquary case, .... A uery little Trunck, .... A great old square chest, .... A kneeling desk & a picture of Paules, An old frame of a chayre, 2 combs, & a hatt brush, . . one Rugge, Ib. OO04 OO08 OOO4 0150 0350 OO6O OO8O OOIO OOIO 0006 0030 OOO2 OO40 CX55O 0150 0024 O2OO OIOO 0150 OO2O 0030 CXDfO OO22 OOfO IN Toe : & CASK. Ib. Tools, arms, nails, horses, harness, sugar and tobacco in addition, and a large howse w th 3 Manno" belonging to it att Pyney neck, 7000 A large framd howse, w th i oo Acres of Town Land, ....... 4000 Amounting to 25,494 in all. Though it is safe to conclude that most of the gentry brought no furniture with them originally, we have evi- dence that as soon as they had built a suitable house on their plantation they imported from England the things they were accustomed to have about them at home. Pory bears witness that it was possible to get rich quickly in Virginia as early as 1617. "The Governor here [George Yeardley] who at his first coming, besides a great deal of worth in his person, brought only his sword with him, was at his late being in London together with his lady, out of his mere gettings here, able to disburse very near three thousand pounds to furnish him with the voyage." He also shows us that fashion was by no means neglected or despised : " We are not the veriest beggars in the world. One cow-keeper here in James City on Sunday goes accoutred in fresh flaming silk, and a wife of one that in England had professed the black art, not of a scholar but of a collier of Croydon, wears her rough beaver hat with a fair pearl hat-band and a silken suit thereto correspon- dent." Some of the planters camt here to try the country, and when they liked it and prospered they then brought over their household goods and settled permanently. Some had 26 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS estates in both countries and returned to die at home, while others died here possessed of estates in England. When we read of the length, dangers and miseries of the Atlantic passage at that day we are astonished to rind that it was by no means an uncommon thing for a planter to make several visits to England. In spite of the wretched accommodations on board, the passage was often very expensive. In 1659 we find: "To Mr. John Whirken who went over in the Thomas and Ann ship ^'22-1 i-o." It must also be remembered that the purchasing power of money was about five times what it is now. It would natlirflllv he the better naturauy i class of furniture that the planter would bring with him on his return. In his absence he left his plantation in charge of an agent, and sometimes he did not find things as he left them. There were turbulent spirits in the colony. The court records of March 22, 1652, give an instance of this: "The humble complaint of Thomas Cornwallis, Esq., Showeth I;TH CENTURY CHAIR < Carved walnut wood, a child', folding chair. About l66o Hdght) a ft , in Flemish. ^ in > THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS " That whereas it is well knowne that the Complt was one of the Chiefe and first Adventurers for the planting of this Province, and therein besides the danger and hazard of his life and health, Exhausted a Great part of his Estate not only in the first Expedition, but also in yearly Supplyes of Servants and Goods for the Support of himself and this then Infant Collony by which and God's Blessing upon his Endeavours, he .had acquired a Settled and Comfortable Subsistence haveing a Competent Dwelling house furnished with plate, Linnen, hangings, beding, brass, pewter and all manner of Household Stuff worth at the least a thousand pounds, about twenty Servants, at least a hundred Neat Cattell, a Great Stock of Swine and Goats, some Sheep and horses, a new pinnace about twenty tunn well rigged and fitted, besides a New Shallop and other Small boates, with divers debts for Goods Sold to the quantity of neare A Hundred thousand weight of Tobacco, all which at his going for England in or about April 1644 he left and deposited in the care of his Attorney Cuthbert fFenwick, Gent, who in or about ffebruary following comeing from the Ship of Richard Ingle Marriner, was, as Soon as he Came ashore, Treacherously and illegally Surprized by the said John Sturman and others, and Carryed aboard the said Ingles Ship, and there detained and compelled to deliver the Complts house, and the rest of the premisses into the possession of Divers ill disposed persons whereof the Said Tho. and John Sturman and Wm. Hardwick were three of the Chiefe, who being Soe unlawfully possest of the Said house, and the premisses, plundered and Carryed away all things in It, pulled down and burnt the pales about it, killed and destroyed all the Swine and Goates, and killed or mismarked almost all the Cattle, tooke or dispersed all 28 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the Servants, Carryed away a great quantity of Sawn Boards from the pitts, and ript up Some floors of the house. And having by the Violent and unlawfull Courses, forst away my said Attorney, the said Thomas and John Sturman possest themselves of the Com pits house as theire owne. dwelt in it soe long as they please, and at their departing tooke the locks from the doors, and the glass from the windowes, and in fine ruined his whole Estate to the dam- age of the Complt at least two or three thousand pounds for which he humbly craves," etc. This gives us an interesting glimpse of a wealthy plan- ter's house. The above Thomas Cornwallis finally re- turned to England and died there. We have now completed our rapid survey of the houses and their contents during the first half of the seventeenth century. The colony had become prosperous and immigra- tion was greatly stimulated. As the author of Leah and Rachel (1656) maintains, Virginia and Maryland were pleasant in many ways, one of which was : " Pleasant in their building, which although for most part they are but one story beside the loft and built of wood, yet contrived so delightful that your ordinary houses in England are not so handsome, for usually the rooms are large, daubed and whitelimed, glazed and flowered, and if not glazed windows, shutters that are made very pretty and convenient." Glass was scarce and costly. As we have just seen, Ingle's piratical crew stripped Mr. Cornwallis's windows of their panes and we have a means of arriving at the actual value since in the hall of Mr. William Hughes, in 1661, there was "ten paine of glass abt. 23^ foot " appraised at twelve shillings. The above quotation from Leah and Rachel of course THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS refers to the humbler abodes. The richer planters' houses, as we have seen, were larger and better furnished. Every plantation became a little settlement with its wharf, at which ships loaded and discharged direct from abroad. Clothing, furniture and all kinds of merchandise were im- ported direct and paid for in the tobacco raised on the spot. The bountiful rivers of Virginia facilitated this system. " No country in the world can be more curiously wa- tered. . . . The great number of rivers and the thinness of inhabitants distract and disperse a trade. So that all ships in general gather each their loading up and down an hundred miles distant ; and the best of trade that can be driven is only a sort of Scotch peddling ; for they must carry all sorts of truck that trade thither having one com- modity to pass off another.'* * The orders sent by the planters to their agents in Eng- land were many and various. The letters of William Fitzhugh and William Byrd afford many examples. We find the former writing for a new feather bed with curtains and valance and an old one as well, since he had heard that the new ones were often full of dust. In July, 1687, he writes to his brother-in-law in London : " Please to mind the things sent for by you, as also add a large looking-glass with an olive wood frame and a pewter cistern." Again, in August, he writes to his brother : " I heartily thank your mindfull care and your Lady's great kindness in those welcome glasses which came well and safe to hand." William Fitzhugh, under date of April 22, 1686, de- scribes his estate in the following letter : * Clayton's Virginia (1688). THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS " Doctr. Ralph Smith : In order to the Exchange you promised to make tor me and I desire you to proceed therein to say to the Exchange an Estate of Inheri- tance in land there of two or three hundred pound a year, or in houses in any town of three or four hundred pound a year, I shall be something particular in the relation of my concerns here that is to go in return thereof. At first the Plantation where I now live contains a thousand acres, at least 700 acres of it being rich thicket, the re- mainder good, hearty plantable land, without any waste either by marshes or great swamps the commodiousness, conveniency and pleasantness yourself well knows, upon it there is three-quarters well furnished with all ne- cessary houses; grounds and fencing, together with a choice crew of negro's at each plantation, most of them this country born, the remainder as likely as most in Virginia, there being twenty-nine in all, with stocks of cattle and hogs at each quarter, upon the same land is my own Dwelling house furnished*with all accommoda- tions for a comfortable and gentile living, as a very good dwelling house with rooms in it, four of the best of them hung and nine of them plentifully furnished with all things necessary and convenient, and all houses for use furnished with brick chimneys, four good Cellars, a Dairy, Dovecot, Stable, Barn, Henhouse, Kitchen, and all other conveni- encys and all in a manner new, a large Orchard of about 2,500 Aple trees most grafted, well fenced with a Locust fence, which is as durable as most brick walls, a Garden, a hundred foot square, well pailed in, a Yeard wherein is most of the foresaid necessary houses, pallizado'd in with locust Puncheons, which is as good as if it were walled in and more lasting than any of our bricks, together with a 3* good stock of Cattle, hogs, horses, mares, sheep, etc., and necessary servants belonging to it, for the supply and sup- port thereof. About a mile and half distance a good water Grist miln, whose tole I find sufficient to find my own family with wheat and Indian corn, for our necessitys and occasions up the River in this country three tracts of land more, one of them contains 21,996 acres, another 500 acres, and one other 1,000 acres, all good, convenient and commodious Seats, and w ch in a few years will yield a con- siderable annual Income. A stock of Tob with the crops and good debts lying out of about 250,000 Ib. beside suffi- cient of almost all sorts of goods, to supply the familys and the Quarter's occasion for two if not three years." On June 28, 1684, he sends the following order: " Mr. John Cooper: I have occasion for two pair of small And- irons for Chamber Chimneys, one pair of brass ones with fire shovel and tongs, and one pair of iron ones well glazed ; with fire shovel, and tongs, also two indifferent large Iron backs for Chimneys w cb I would have you send me by the first ships. Yo'r WfF." In 1698, he orders a table, a case of drawers, a looking- glass and two leather carpets. In 1688, he writes: " I have in my two former given you an account of money sent to Mr. Cooper with relation to laying out the same which now upon second thought I wholly design for an additional supply for now my building finished, my plantations well settled and largely stocked with slaves, having added about five more than when I gave you an account thereof and purchased at least three plantations more than is there mentioned and being sufficiently stored with goods of all sorts I esteem it as well politic as reput- able to furnish myself with an handsome cupboard of plate which gives myself the present use and credit, is a sure u J X I 1 z aa 8, O o " *> U BEDSTEAD WITH TESTER AND HANGINGS The woodwork of about 1620-30 ; the upholstery probably fifty years later. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS friend at a dead lift without much loss, or is a certain por- tion for a child after my dicease, and therefore last year I had a small quantity from you and about a like quantity from Bristol and did expect some from Plymouth but that miscarried." He wants it strong and plain as being less subject to bruise. Colonel William Byrd settled at IVestover on the James River, and while his house was in course of con- struction in 1685 he wrote to England for a bedstead, bed and hangings, a looking-glass, a small and medium-sized oval table and twelve Russia leather chairs. Colonel Fitzhugh writes an interesting letter in January, 1687, to the Hon. Nicholas Spencer. It gives his views on the question of housebuilding and will bear quoting. " My experience in concerns of this country, especially in building and settling plantations, prompts me to offer my advice, having had sufficient trial in those affairs at the expense of almost 300,000 pounds of Tob. I shall pro- pose no other than what I would follow myself, that is if you design this land to settle, a child of your own or near kinsman, for whom it is supposed you would build a very good house, not only for their comfortable but their credit- able accommodations; the best methods to be pursued therein is to get a carpenter and Bricklayer servants, and send them in here to serve 4 or five years, in which time of their service they might reasonably build a substantial good house at least, if not brick walls and well plaster'd, & earn money enough besides, in their said time, at spare times from your work, having so long a time to do it in, as would purchase plank nails and other materials, and supply them necessarys during their servitude, or if you design to 33 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS settle tenants on it, as your letter purports, in my opinion its needless for you to be at the charge of building for their accommodation, if you intend any time, if it is but seven years, for there's several that may be found that for a seven years' Lease, will build themselves a convenient dwell- ing, & other necessary houses, and be obliged at the expi- ration of their time to leave all in good repair, but if you at your own charge should build an ordinary Virginia house it will be some charge and no profit. . . But should not ad- vise to build either a great or English framed house, for la- bour is so intolerably dear & workmen so idle, and negli- gent that the building of a good house to you there will seem insupportable, for this I can assure you when I built my own house and agreed as cheap as I could with work- men & as carefully and as diligently took care that they followed their work, notwithstanding we have timber for nothing, but felling and getting in place, the frame of my house stood me in more money in Tob @' 8' sh.p.Cwt. than a frame of the same dimensions would cost in London by a third at least." A good example of the household furniture in York County in the middle of the seventeenth century is that of Captain Stephen Gill, August 2, 1653, whose estate was appraised by Mr. F. Hy. Lee et al at 33,559 pounds to- bacco, including seven servants valued at 3,760 pounds. In the Hall there was a feather bed and bolster, dock do, blanket, bedstead, pair of striped curtains and valance ; two couches with flock beds, four fea- ther pillows and two coverlets ; a hammock ; a table and "carpet," two "chaises," two stools covered with striped stuff, and five cushions ; a small side table and striped carpet, a small pewter cistern and bason, and a bason stoole; a " livery cubbard " with 34 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS glasses and earthenware upon it, a close stool and pan, an ebony looking-glass ; bellows, snuffers, dogs, table, fire shovel, tongs, small dark lantern and chafing-dish, a drum and sticks, a parcell of old pic- tures, an old target ; firearms; steelyards and a "par- cell of old books"; two small chests, a trunk and a little box ; an old " Phisick chest with druggs in," etc. and a " small box with Phisick "; two old plaister boxes, one old "salvatorie," some instruments, a razor, six lancets, two pairs of scissors and three tobacco tongs ; two swords and a leather belt ; a sack, a drum and some silver; 14 doz. gold and silver breast buttons, 3 doz. silk points, a parcel of silk breast buttons, a parcel of colored silk, a parcel of ribbon, a pair of gloves and three brushes. In the Chamber we find an old bedstead with " vallance " curtains, feather bed, blanket, rug and pillows; a bedstead with fringed "vallance," flock bed, bolster and rug ; one " old hamock " and one "ham- acka"; two chests, a trunk, box and desk, all old ; one old melted still, fire-irons and dogs; and a great deal of linen consisting of bed linen, table cloths, and napkins, as well as underclothing. In the " Inner Chamber" there were two bedsteads, feather beds, curtains and "vallence," an old table, an old chest, a new trunk, a joint stool, a table basket and clothing. In the "Shedd" there was a small "runlett honey," a small " runlett treele, three bushell wheat, 4 lb hops, i6 lb soap, ioo lb Butter, 6 old Cases, i old low stoole, i old dripping pan, i old Tinn Cove' Dish, 24 Trenche", and 3 old Calk. In the " Loaft," we find Wheat, salt, meal, can- vas, nails, scythes, axes, hoes, reaping hoops, pot- hooks, hinges & Casks amtgto 0120 tob. In the " Kitching," i Copper Kettle, i old brass Kettle, i brass pott, 3 brass Candlesticks, i brass 35 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Skillitt, i small brass Morter & Pestle, i brass Skime', i brass Spoone, 3 SS7~ 2 ~^' Among his household goods we find I TO THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS *- i silver tankard 28 oz at 7/6 . . 10-10-0 6 silver spoons .... 3~ ! 5- 1 2 cane chairs and couch . . . 8-0-0 1 large cedar table .... 210-0 2 small ditto ..... i-o-o i chest of drawers, dressing table and glass 7-0-0 i bed, etc 8-0-0 i pr iron dogs .... i-o-o i set of brasses for the chimney . i-io-o The above furniture, if scanty, is at least genteel. Other inventories of this period by no means reflect the hardships of the pioneer. Daniel Gale was a wealthier planter, his personality being valued at ^5,6 11-15-0 in 1725. His house con- tained eight rooms in addition to the kitchen, extension and other offices. On the ground floor were two living- rooms and a bedroom. The latter contained a bed and its furnishings, including three counterpanes valued at j6o; a chest of drawers (^15); a looking-glass (^15); six black chairs (^i-io-o); an easy-chair (^1-10-0) ; a table (five shillings); fire-irons, etc. ($)', glass- and earthen- ware (ji); and a Bible and other books (^5). The room which was probably the dining-room had twelve cane chairs and a couch valued at 20 \ a corner cupboard (^,2); a tea- table and china tea-set (^3); fire-irons, etc. (^4); and a small chimney-piece picture (2). In another downstairs room stood a table and six black chairs valued at ^'3-10-0; and in the fourth a cedar table and six chairs worth ^7-10-0. In one of the upper rooms we find a bed worth jioo; two looking-glasses, one valued at S and the larger one at ^3 5; a table, eight chairs, two arm-chairs and a couch worth ^40 ; a buffet and chinaware (^50) ; in THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS fire-irons and -dogs (^4) ; brass and irons (2) ; and a double sliding candlestick (^5). Another upstairs room contains a bed and its furniture worth ^60 ; a chest of drawers (^20); eighteen pairs of sheets (^120); a table and six chairs (^12); a small looking-glass (^2); a hand tea-table, bowls and cups (^5) ; and fire-irons (^2). In the third room we find a bed worth ^100; a table and six cane chairs valued at 12; and a looking-glass (j$). The fourth room has a bedstead with its furniture worth ^"40; twelve leather chairs and a table valued at ^15; two pictures (^5) ; and a hammock and pavilion (^5). A fifth upstairs room, probably a garret, contained a bedstead and three pavilions (^'32) ; a cedar table (^5) ; and other household goods. The rooms did not often have any special character before 1720, though the bed was gradually disappearing from the hall. The dining-room and the sitting-room were much alike in the arrangement of their furniture, and the sleep- ing-rooms much resembled them, with the addition of a bed. As the owner was usually a merchant as well as a planter, one of the lower rooms was used as his office. The greater part of this furniture was brought to Charleston direct from England. Charleston had "no trade with any part of Europe except Great Britain, unless our sending rice to Lisbon may be called so," says Governor Glen in 1748. A handsome chair of the early part of the century is shown on page i i 3. The top rail is carved with a graceful design of the bell-rlower in low relief. The splat is open. The legs are square. This chair belonged to Lord Dun- more, the last colonial governor of Virginia. It is preserved in the house of the Colonial Dames, Baltimore, Md., and belongs to Miss Elizabeth Cary Nicholas, having been 1*2 r. . < U 5" ^ S 32 * ^ r- < 3' DRESSING-GLASS AND CHEST OF DRAWERS S'e page 146. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS purchased by her ancestor Judge Philip Norbonne Nicholas at the sale of Lord Dunmore's effects. As a typical example of a comfortable Marylander in 1718, we may take Major Josiah Wilson, of Prince George County. His personality amounted 10^1,178-15-1^. The hall con- tained only ten " rushy " leather chairs, a large looking-glass, a LORD DUNMOKES CHAIR clock-case, three tin sconces, two pairs of iron dogs, tongs and shovels, and some earthenware " on the mantle press and hanging shelves." " In the parlour " was a bed with its furnishings, a chest of drawers, three rush-bottomed cane chairs, a small dress- ing-glass, fire-irons, earthenware on the mantelpiece, and three plain trunks. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The dining-room contained eight "rushy" leather chairs, three small tables, a broken looking-glass, a dilapidated couch, a press, a pair of iron dogs, and some articles on the mantelpiece and hanging shelves valued at twelve shillings. The " hall chamber " contained four rush-bottomed chairs, a chest of drawers and two beds. " In the porch chamber " were four rush and one cane chair, a bed and furniture, a looking-glass, a small table and a sealskin trunk. " In the dining-room chamber," twelve rush-bottomed and one cane chair, a bed with and another without furni- ture, a dressing-glass, a small chest of drawers, a small table, a tea-table and earthenware and an old chest. "In the kitchen chamber," two feather beds and fur- niture, two old flock beds, a looking-glass, a small chest of drawers and a pair of small tongs and shovel. "In the milkhouse" was earthen- and tinware. " In the kitchen " was a lot of pewter, a copper and four brass kettles, a stew-pan and eleven candlesticks also of brass, eleven small chafing-dishes, two bell-metal skillets, two warming-pans, two brass pestles and mortars, a bell- metal mortar, a copper pot, a jack, five spits, three box- irons, two gridirons, two pairs of tongs and shovels, two dripping-pans, one frying-pan, three iron pots, two small iron kettles, a pair of irons and dogs, five pairs of pot-racks, a parcel of books, three old guns and a hand-mill. The household linen consisted of twelve pairs of sheets ; six damask, four diaper and fifteen huckaback napkins; five linen pillow-cases ; four towels ; three damask, four linen and six huckaback table-cloths; and two damask table- covers. The above instance, however, is not fully represen- 114 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS tative of the most opulent class either in Maryland or Vir- ginia ; for there were many of the landed gentry who built fine mansions that have become historic and a few of which still exist. Hugh Jones, who gave his impressions of the country in The Present State of Virginia (London, 1724), says: "The Gentlemen's Seats are of late built for the most part of good brick and many of timber, very hand- some, commodious, and capacious ; and likewise the com- mon planters live in pretty timber houses, neater than the farm-houses are generally in England: with timber also are built houses for the overseers and out-houses; among which is the kitchen apart from the dwelling-house, be- cause of the smell of hot victuals, offensive in hot weather." He also tells us that goods were brought to the colo- nies so quickly that new fashions arrived there even before they were received in the English country houses from London. During the first half of the century, were built or stand- ing such famous houses as Tuckahoe (Randolph), 1710; Roseivell (Page), Warner Hall (Lewis), Rosegill (Wormeley), We stover (Byrd), Shirley (Carter), Upper Brandon (Harri- son), Lower Brandon (Harrison), Boiling Hall (Boiling), Curies (Randolph), Poivhatans Seat (Mayo*, Befooir (Fair- fax), Stratford (Lee), Doughreghan Manor (Carroll), Coroto- man (Carter), Mount Pleasant (Lee), Hampton (Ridgeley), Brooklandwood (Caton), Wye (Lloyd), Mount Airy (Cal- vert), The Hermitage (Tilghman), Belmont (Hanson), My Lady's Manor (Carroll), Montville (Aylett), White Marsh (Tabb), Montrose (Marshall). No cost or care was spared to render their interiors comfortable and beautiful. Occasionally an early visitor gives us a glimpse of the apartments. One of the most amusing of these occurs in "5 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS William Byrd's Progress to the Mines (1732): "Then I came into the main country road that leads from Freder- icksburg to Germarina, which last place I reached in ten miles more. This famous town consists of Col. Spots- wood's enchanted castle on one side of the street, and a baker's dozen of ruinous tenements on the other, where so many German families had dwelt some years ago. . . . Here I arrived about three o'clock, and found only Mrs. Spotswood at home, who received her old acquaintance with many a gracious smile. I was taken into a room elegantly set off with pier glasses, the largest of which came soon after to an odd misfortune. Amongst other favourite animals that cheered this lady's solitude, a brace of tame deer ran familiarly about the house, and one of them came to stare at me as a stranger. But unluckily spying his own figure in the glass, he made a spring over the tea table that stood under it, and shattered the glass to pieces, and falling back upon the tea table made a terrible fracas among the china. This exploit was so sudden, and accompanied with such a noise, that it surprised me, and perfectly frightened Mrs. Spotswood. But it was worth all the damage to show the moderation and good humour with which she bore the disaster." A still earlier contemporary picture of domestic condi- tions occurs in the Diary ofjohn Fontaine, quoted in the Virginia Historical Magazine (1895). After a visit to Beverly Park, in 1715, Fontaine writes: June 1 4th. The weather was very bad, and rained hard. We were very kindly received. We diverted ourselves within doors, and drank very heartily of wine of his own making which was good ; but I find by the taste of the wine that he did not understand 116 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS how to make it. This man lives well ; but though rich, he has nothing in or about his house but what is necessary. He hath good beds in his house but no curtains ; and instead of cane chairs, he hath stools made of wood. He lives upon the product of his land. For a complete view of the contents of one of the great houses we cannot do better than take the home of Robert Carter at Corotoman. "At the home plantation:" Seventeen Black Leather chairs, and two ditto stools, one large Table one " mid- dling ditto," and one small table, one Black walnut Desk and one black walnut corner cupboard and one large looking-glass are found in the "old house Dining-Room." In the Dining-Room besides china, copper coffee-pots, candlesticks, chafing-dishes and glasses, there is mention of one "secrutore and one Bark Gamott Table." The " Chamber over the Dining-Room" is supplied with "four feather-beds, four bolsters, six pillows, four ruggs, one quilt, three prs Blanketts, one pr blew chancy curtains, vallens, Teaster and head-piece, one pr stamped cotton curtains, vallens, teaster and headp", one square Table, two high Bedsteads and one Trundle Bedstead, three cane chairs, five leather chairs, a dressing-glass, twelve Bed chancy chair cushions, one pr Iron Doggs, one pr Fire tongs, one shovel." In the lower chamber there were eleven leather chairs and one new one, four cane chairs and an arm-chair. The chamber over the lower chamber contained two high bedsteads, two black-walnut oval tables, large and small, a dressing-glass, five cane chairs and an arm-chair, iron dogs, fire-tongs and shovel, two pairs of white cotton "7 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS window-curtains and valance. Each bedstead was furnished with a teaster; one had white cotton curtains, valance and headpiece, and the other a pair of " blew and white cotton and linen chex and vallens and white linen headpiece," while there were two feather-beds, two bolsters, four pil- lows, four quilts, four blankets and two rugs. The porch chamber contained a feather-bed, bolster, pillow, quilt, rug and a blanket, one pair "norch cotton curtains and Vallens lined with Searsucker and a Searsucker headpiece and teaster, six blew chancy chairs, one do. do. arm-chair." In the Brick House Chamber we find one standing bed- stead and one trundle-bedstead, six sets of seersucker bed- curtains, two bolsters, three pillows, two pairs of blankets and two quilts, two pairs of cotton window-curtains, a large black-walnut oval table, two small oval tables, "one glass Japp'd Scrutoire, one Jappan'd square small table, one India Skreen," a dressing-glass, "five blew silk Camlet chairs," one large looking-glass, a chest of drawers, a chair with a red leather seat, two brass candlesticks, a poker and fire-shovel and a pair broken andirons. In the chamber over the lower chamber there was a feather-bed, bolster, pillow, quilt and a pair of blankets, a trundle-bedstead, a desk, a chest of drawers, a dressing- glass, six chairs with "red leather seats, two stools with ditto," a small square black-walnut table, " a small oval ditto with red velvet on top," and one pair of handirons. In the Brick Store there was a black-walnut book-case, and in the "Chamber over ye Brick Store," "a surveying instrument, two cane chairs, one old leather ditto, a square table, a dressing-glass, a chest of drawers, two high bed- steads, a pair Searsucker curtains, vallens and head cloths, iz8 a 3 Q ^ 06 $ < $ o oc o Q C/3 W Q THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS DESK, DRESSING TABLE AND TWO CHAIRS These four pieces are from Lafayette's room, M.iunt Vernon. one pair blew and white cotton chex curtains and vallens, a pr stuff curtains and vallens, a pr stamped cotton cur- tains and vallens and head cloths, and a pair striped cotton curtains and vallens." In the Brick House Loft were seven trunks, seven old cane chairs, a bedstead, a small oval card-table, a black leather chair, a chair with a Russia-leather bottom, a nap- kin-press, a chest of drawers, a parcel of lumber, "a red chancy armchair," four "old Turkey workt chairs, two skreens," and "a large oyle cloth to lay under a table." The kitchen had a full share of utensils, but no wooden furniture is mentioned. In the kitchen loft there was a feather-bed, with bolster, pillow, two blankets, rug and a pair of canvas sheets. On this page are shown specimens from " Lafayette's Room " in Mount Vernon. The chair on the right is a 119 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS very early specimen of mahogany, with plain square legs and straining-rails and peculiarly curved back and unpierced splat. The rockers are probably later additions. The mahogany desk and letter-case was a favorite form about the middle of the century. One advantage of this form was that it could be placed near the fire so that the writer might enjoy the warmth and be screened at the same time. The mahogany dressing-table on slender legs, with three tiers of drawers and looking-glass, is rather later in date. The painted chair is still later. We have already seen how extremely bare were the houses of the artisan class in the early days of the South. On examining many of the inventories we are forcibly reminded of Mr. Lear's lines: " In the middle of the woods Lived the Tonghy-Bonghy-Bo. One old chair and half a candle t One old jug ^vithout a handle, In the middle of the woods These were all the worldly goods Of the Tonghy-Bonghy-Bo" Some authorities maintain that the lists of the deceased's effects were not exhaustive; but if that is so, we may ask why they were, drawn up at all. They would be valueless unless complete. Moreover, we have evidence that the appraisers usually did their work with scrupulous fidelity. At the period when it was unusual for the windows to be glazed, the panes of glass were measured and appraised. Articles of quite contemptible value, also, are frequently mentioned. "A sorry covelid" and "a parcel of old trumpery ' are common items. An extreme example occurs among the possessions of George Rayes, 1699. The THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS appraisers could scarcely have been serious when they recorded " i night cap nothing worth oo-oo-oo." In Thomas Gadsden's inventory (1745) "an old cane black leather chair worth nothing " occurs. Our forefathers regarded their belongings with much affection ; evidently the sentimental is far above the intrinsic value. In large families the household goods would often be almost entirely distributed among the children by specific legacies on the death of the owner. Nevertheless, when the younger generation bought furniture it would naturally be of the newest fashion, since anything old, not being a bequest, was regarded with disfavour. An " old fashion " piece stood on the same level with one "damnified," and in the inventories is so recorded and reduced in value. T. Gadsden, 1741, has one'* old fashion case of drawers inlaid with ivory, ji." In the same inventory ^i is the stated value of two Windsor chairs ; of two straw-bottomed chairs and one old napkin ; of two sconce-arms, and of a bottle of Rhenish wine, respectively which gives us some idea of the appraiser's lack of veneration for age. We have already seen how a rich planter of the seven- teenth century took his silver plate to London to have it melted down and made up again in the latest fashion. This difference in value between old and new is constantly in evidence. Thomas Gadsden, cited above, possessed "163 oz old plate, ^"326; 282^ oz fashionable do., ^776-17-6; i tea kettle stand and lamp 67^ oz, 202- 10-0; 2 canisters and sugar dish 29 oz, ^"72-10-0." The difference in value between the articles of the last two items might be due to the workmanship; but an arbitrary difference of about $3.75 per ounce between "old" and "fashionable" plate is very considerable. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The rage for the new partly accounts for the strange medley of styles and periods with which the homes were filled. As time passed on, the old furniture fell into decay, and, not being cherished, was relegated to the garret, the kitchen or the slaves' quarters, and the new reigned in its stead. It naturally follows that even if the South had not suffered so terribly in the Revolutionary and Civil wars from incendiarism, we should still expect to find specimens of seventeenth-century and early eighteenth-century furni- ture exceedingly scarce. The same process occurred in England. When an exhibition of seventeenth-century furni- ture was in preparation in London a few years ago, very few specimens were discoverable in the ancient mansions and castles. It was in the cottages of the adjoining villages that many of the forgotten and despised tables, chairs, chests, etc., were found. Any relic from the home of one of the leaders in the Revolution is regarded with affectionate and pious reverence by his descendants. The mahogany secretary and chair facing this page are characteristic specimens of furniture of the period. The two jar-shaped splats and plain square legs are found in many examples of the cornered chair. The secretary is quite simple and unornamented. Both chair and desk belonged to Patrick Henry, whose bust stands on the desk, which still contains many of his papers. He died at Red Hill y while sitting in this chair, in 1799. Both pieces are owned by his grandson, Mr. William Wirt Henry, of Richmond, Va. As a rule the appraisers are content to mention the number of articles and the materials of which they are composed, adding the shape in the case of tables ; but now and again we come across a stray detail of description for THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS which we are grateful. When this is the case, it is prob- ably because the fashion is new, or at least novel, to the appraiser. Thus when Maurice Lewis is found with " a small desk and drawer on casters, ^8," we may conclude that casters were not yet common on furniture legs, and, indeed, this is the first instance I have found in South Carolina. Another instance of this kind is the claw-foot FOUR INTERESTING CHAIRS Chain in the River Room, Mount Vcrnon. The one next to the extreme right belonged to Benjamin Franklin. and ball, which probably came from the East through the Dutch. It would be sure to excite remark, but I have not found it in South Carolina before 1 740, when Eliza- beth Greene has a " claw-foot mahogany table, ^4." The Chippendale period is but just beginning. It may be interesting to inquire how close the ap- praisal was to the value of the articles when sold by public auction, and the reply is that there was not that woful gap between price and value that saddens the householder to- day when his possessions are brought to the hammer. The records of South Carolina in 1747 show that the mahogany THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS furniture of Sarah Saxby brought more than the appraisers thought it was worth. The two lists are worth preserving. i India cabinet frame i cedar dressing table and glass i small mahogany table i mahogany dressing table and glass .... i mahogany dressing table and glass . i large mahogany table i small do do i mahogany couch i bed etc. i do .... i mahogany sideboard i mahogany corner cupboard 1 1 old chairs, matted bottoms and i easy leather chair Public Appraisal Vendue d- d- I 0-0-0 IO-O-O 4-10-0 24-0-0 J 1-7-6 17-5- 8-0-0 I5-O-O 2O-2-6 I2-O-0 15-15-0 I2-O-O 15-0-0 5-O-O 7-10-0 5-O-0 17-5-0 JO-O-O 40-15-0 2O-O-O 40-0-0 7-0-O 8-10 o 3-0-0 4-12-6 IO-O-O ( 6-5-0 \ 5-7-6 On page i 23 are shown chairs from the " River Room" at Mount Vernon. The chair on the right is an early ex- ample of mahogany of the Chippendale school with ob- vious Dutch influence. It was in President Washington's house in Philadelphia, and is a good type of many chairs in use before the Revolution. The chair next to it belonged to Benjamin Franklin. It is rush-bottomed and the sup- ports of the low arms being set at diagonal corners gives it the effect of a three-cornered chair. The front leg is square and the three others turned ; the straining-rails cross each other diagonally. The two jar-shaped splats in the 124 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS back are perforated. This style is not at all uncommon. One in possession of Patrick Henry is shown facing page 122. The third chair also belongs to this period. The ele- gance of the lines and the careful distribution of light and dark in the jar-shaped splat and outside space bounded by the frame show the hand of an artist of the Chippen- dale school. The cabriole leg, with eagle claw and ball foot, is less squat than usual ; the common shell ornament appears on the knee. The fourth chair is a Hepplewhite of later date. Some of the houses of the middle of the century con- tained a generous supply of china, glass and plate. The inventory of the goods and chattels of Joseph Wragg, Esq., although the total is only ^"2,908-17-6, shows an aston- ishing quantity of tableware of all kinds, including 561 ounces three pennyweights of silver plate worth ,1,139-1- 6 ; three dozen knives and forks, jCj\ ; twenty-five enam- elled china bowls, ^27-15-0; six flowered ditto, 0-15-0; five blue-and-white soup-dishes, ^8 ; five other small blue-and-white dishes, ,5-10-0; two small enamelled dishes, ^3 ; one small blue-and-white ditto, .0-15-0; forty-eight enamelled soup-plates, ^,20; fifteen blue-and- white ditto, 6 ; seventeen butter-saucers, 2 ; coffee and tea china set, 5; a china jar, ^"i ; three sugar-dishes, ^3 ; a china mug, i ; three dishes, ,1-1 5 ; seven plates, ^1-10; " Delf ware," ^"8; two pairs of port decanters with ground stoppers, ^3; six water-glasses, ,0-15-0; forty-two tumblers, ^"3; 132 jelly- and syllabub-glasses, ,5; ninety-six patty-pans, 2; twenty-three knives and forks, ^5 ; seventy-two pewter plates and thirteen dishes, ^40; 104 wine-glasses, ,10; mustard-pots, salts, cruets, tea-kettle, beer-glasses, etc., ^"14-5-0. In addition to this "5 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS he had much table-linen, including 114 damask napkins and eighteen diaper table-cloths. As illustrations of these dining-room appointments we cannot do better than take the wine-cooler, whiskey-bottle and dumb-waiter, silver cream-jug on a silver salver, copper tea-urn and wine-cup of Mr. Thomas Boiling, Richmond. The wine-cooler dates from the very end of our period ; it is of mahogany, brass-bound, and inlaid with satinwood. The bottle standing upon it, with a corn-cob stopper, has "Boiling, Cobbs 1772" blown in the glass. Both articles came from Cobbs, Virginia, the residence of Thomas Boi- ling, a direct ancestor of the present owner. The dumb- waiter comes from Montvi/fe, Virginia, the home of the Ayletts. The wine-cup is a piece of the old Randolph silver and bears their coat of arms and crest. The cream-jug, silver salver and copper urn belonged to the Boiling family. One diversion of the planter's life was gambling. In contemporary letters, the propensity of the ladies of the family to spend their days and nights playing loo is probably overdrawn ; but we have ample evidence of the excess to which playing was carried among the men. Bowls, shuffle-board, chess and cards were largely in- dulged in during the seventeenth century, and the efforts of the authorities to suppress gambling were futile. De Vries, an old Dutch captain who visited Jamestown in 1633, was astonished at finding the planters inveterate gamblers, even staking their servants. In his righteous indignation he protested he had " never seen such work in Turkey or Barbery." The chief games were piquet, trump, lanterloo, ombre, hazard, basset, faro and ecarte. Early in the eighteenth century special tables were constructed for. card games ; those for ombre were sometimes three-cornered, 126 THREE MAHOGANY PIECES Eighteenth-century spoon-case, knife-box and tea-caddy. Owned by Mrs. Edivard Willis, of Charleston, S. C. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS though the game allowed three, four or five players. They were often covered with green cloth. An early and handsome mahogany card-table facing page 1 1 8, divides diagonally. The legs are rounded and straight, terminating in bird's claw and ball feet. The casters were probably added later. One leg draws out as a support for the leaf when raised. The chairs are of considerably later date, from Belleville. These specimens are owned by Mr. and Mrs. George W. Mayo, Richmond, Va. In 1741 T. Gadsden (South Carolina) had a card-table covered with sealskin valued at ^7-10-0. Many of the card-tables of the early eighteenth century, however, have plain polished surfaces. They usually have a folding top on a hinge, with a leg to draw out, such as the one facing page ii 8. In many cases there is one pool or hollow at each corner for counters, as may be seen in the table belong- ing to Dr. Brinton on page 108. In 1727, we find "a parcel of fish and counters, ^4." The fish were of bone, ivory or mother-of-pearl, and the counters were round or oval. In ombre a fish was worth ten round counters. The card-tables brought into the South were quite expen- sive. If we look at a few examples from South Carolina, we find one belonging to S. Pickering in 1728 valued at 6 : a sum equal to that of three Dutch tables and a couch and squab combined in the same inventory. Other instances are: a fine walnut card-table, ^20; a walnut do., j\ a card-table, \o\ ditto, ^6-10-0; a black frame ditto, ^"2-10-0; and many others from \ up. Dr. ]. Gaultier possessed one quadrille-table (j8), in 1746. Quadrille succeeded ombre in fashionable favour ; it was a modifi- cation of the old game that was supreme during the reigns of Anne and the first George. 127 Other games existed in the South at an early date, for in 1727 we find a shuffle-board table and eight pieces worth ^3-10-0; in 1733 J. Main, of South Carolina, owns a pair of backgammon-tables valued at ^8 and a truck-table, sticks and balls, worth no less than ^90. The latter was a favourite old English game known as " lawn billiards," but its name was originally Spanish, trucos or troco. In the centre of the green there was an iron ring moving on a pivot, and the object was to drive the ball through the ring. Backgammon-boards or -tables and checker-boards were very popular. To take a few early examples: J. Lewis had a madeira-table with "baggamon" tables worth ^15 in 1733; T. Somerville, two backgammon-tables (;ii) in 1734; T. Gadsden a backgammon-board (^4) in 1741 ; and in 1744 we find two checker-boards valued at \. A Mississippi board also shows that this form of bagatelle was known quite early. Thus we are satisfied that the daughters of Virginia and her sister colonies were by no means forced to dwell " In some lone isle, or distant Northern land, Where the gilt chariot never marks the way, Where none learn ombre, none e'er taste Bohea" Whether the ladies of the South drank much wine or not, they certainly drank a great deal of tea. Coffee and chocolate also were favourite fashionable beverages. The tea-table, and often more than one, stood in most parlours. It was smaller than the ordinary table and existed in all woods and shapes. The tea-service was always in readiness upon it. The table was generally covered with a small cloth or " toilet." The earliest examples seem to be the Dutch and japanned tables. The following are from South 128 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Carolina: A japanned hand tea-table (i ), 1722; two japanned tea-tables (,4), a small square ditto (.1), and a little round oak ditto (0-10-0), 1723; a tea-table and china tea-set (.15*, 1724; a hand tea-table with bowls and cups (.5), 1725; a parcel of tea-table ware (^14), 1732; a tea-equipage (.4), and two tea- tables with two toilets (.15), 1733; a round three-legged tea-table (jio), 1738; a Dutch ditto (^1-10-0), 1740; a tea-table, china, a jar and stand ("io), 1741 ; a japanned tea-table with tea-service thereon (.8), and a tea-table and china ( i o ), 1 742 ; a mahogany tea-table (6), 1745 ; one ditto WINIXSOR ARM-CHAIR and tea-board (^,5) > ^'^ Arm-chair of a pattern introduced into America as early i \ i i as 1770, and followed many years without change: exact oval stand tea-table date uncertain. (,2); a madeira round tea-table (.6); and an India tea-table (^2), 1746; a ma- hogany pedestal tea-table (,6), 1754. In 1725, Dr. Wil- liam Crook owned a tea-table, forty-one dishes with saucers, and three basins, all china (,36). In many Southern houses these dishes, which are simple little bowls or cups without handles, have been preserved. Other articles connected with the preparation and ser- vice of tea are a mahogany tea-box (.3-10-0), 1736; a japanned tea-box with canisters (.3), four mahogany tea- "9 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS boards ( i - 1 o-o) ; a silver tea-kettle stand and lamp, weigh- ing 67^ ounces (^"202-10-0) ; a shagreen tea-chest with two canisters and sugar-dish, 29 ounces (^72-10-0) ; and a sha- green small case, twelve tea-spoons, a strainer and tongs (jio), and a silver tea-kettle(^5o), 1742; a tea-chest and tea-board (^5), 1744; a mahogany tea-tray (^0-18-4), and two japanned ditto (^0-6-8), 1745; a mahogany tea- chest (^2-10-0), two japanned tea-boards (^i-io-o), a ma- hogany tea-chest (i ), a large painted sugar-box (^i-io-o), and two mahogany tea-boards (^3-10-0), 1746; and a tea- kettle and lamp on a mahogany stand (j6), 1751. At this date we are getting into the Chippendale period, when tea-chests, tea-trays, tables, etc., receive considerable atten- tion from the famous cabinet-makers. It was the correct thing to make the tea at the table, as the spirit-lamps show. The coffee, also, was frequently ground as well as infused at the table. The taste for china was as universal in the South as that for ombre and madeira. In 1722 Edward Arden possessed a cabinet and chinaware together worth ^10; also a corner cupboard containing china, and two tea-tables (^16); then we have buffet and chinaware (^50), D. Gale, 1725; china and glass (^5 5), ditto on the scrutore (^15), Hon. A. Mid- dleton, 1738; "china and glass in ye buffet" (^5), A. Skeene, 1741. In 1744, moreover, T. Oliver possesses a china-table (j6). We frequently come across china on the mantelpiece also, so that by the aid of the latter, cabi- nets, tea-tables, china-tables, corner cupboards and buffets, the rooms were pretty liberally sprinkled with varieties of porcelain. That these were not merely intended for use is plain from many entries, a typical one of which is " a parcel of glass images, toys, etc." (^1-1 o-o), Anne Le Brasseur, 1742. 130 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS This forcibly reminds us of the china monstrosities satirised in Hogarth's pic- tures of high life. The china services were often quite expen- sive. In 1733 J. Lewis has " china ware" (^32), and J. Satur's nine china plates are appraised at ^4-10. Anne Le Bras- seur (1742) has a large variety of china, including among other articles two large china dishes, one large china bowl, a mahogany waiter with chinaware thereon, 2. The china, glass and earthenware belonging to T. Gadsden amounted to j 1 67- 1 -8 ; he also owned two baskets for china plates, valued at ten shillings. J. Mat- thews ( 1744) had china and glass worth ^46; he also had six hot-water plates, valued at $> ; the latter were evidently comparatively new. Six years before this Edward Hext had owned the same number, then valued at ^"10, which was the same price attributed to his dressing-table and glass, or his tea-table and china, in the same inventory. The plate, glass, cutlery, earthenware and all articles for use at meals show constantly increasing elegance as the century advances. Forks were coming into more general CHAIR From Washington's presidential mansion a duplicate u at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. See page 89. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS use about 1700, and the choice kinds of knives as well as forks and spoons had handles of agate, silver and ivory. A few examples may be given of the amount of silver plate listed as "various," the number of ounces being usually stated. T. Grimball, ^'240-10-0, 1722; T. Rose, ^208, 1733; T. Somerville, ^'550, 1734; S. Leacroft, ^100, 1738; E. Greene, ^336, 1740; T. Gadsden, ^1,102-17-6, 1741; N. Serre, ^5 5 2-6-6, 1746; G. Heskett, ^292-10-0; E. Fowler, ,131-5-0; and the Hon. J. Colleton, ^929-10-0, 1751. In Virginia and Maryland also the tables of the wealthy were bright with silver. Samuel Chew, of Ann Arundel County, whose personal estate in 1718 was valued at ^"7,225-14-5, possessed "new plate, ^6 3-1-10, old plate, ^"235-6-0." In 1728 Colonel Thomas Lee's house was robbed and burned, and the following advertisement in the Maryland Gazette, March i i, 1728, gives some idea of his family plate. This plate had on it the coat of arms or crest belonging to the name of Lee. " Stolen out of the house of Col. Thomas Lee, in Vir- ginia (some time before it was burnt), a considerable quan- tity of valuable plate, viz., Two Caudle Cups, three pints each. One chocolate pot, one coffee pot. One Tea pot, Three Castors, Four Salts. A plate with the Cortius arms. A pint tumbler, ditto arms. Four candlesticks. One or two pint cans. A funnel for quart bottles, no arms on it. A pair of snuffers and stand, etc." The growing use of forks does not seem to have less- ened the necessity of napkins, which in the better class of houses were of damask and diaper, as were also the table-cloths. Damask was the most expensive. Huckaback and coarse linen napkins were also largely used. In South 132 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Carolina we find Mary Mullins( 1730) with a damask table- cloth, ^7, and two table-cloths and twenty-four napkins, ^36. The high price set on table-linen is more fully realized when we compare the above with one dozen leather-bottom chairs, ^15, in the same inventory. Two years later S. Screven's nine table-cloths and thirty napkins are esteemed of equal value with his four tables, ten chairs, one chest and one looking-glass, ^25-15-0. T. Gadsden (1741) had table-linen appraised at ^68-2-6; and J. Matthews (1745) at ^"72. The shagreen cases in which the fine cutlery was kept were boxes, square or rounded in the front, about a foot high, with a lid sloping down toward the front. The in- terior was divided into as many little square partitions as there were articles to be contained; into these the knives were put, handles up. The spoons were placed with the bowls up. Thus, rising one row above another on the slope, the chasing or other ornamentation was well displayed. The boxes were placed usually at each end of the sideboard- table or buffet, and the lids, of course, were left open when required, for often the open lids acted as rests for silver salvers. The shagreen cases, of course, took their name from the leather with which they were covered. They gradually became more ornate, and about the middle of the century the more expensive kinds were made of mahogany. In South Carolina a "mahogany knife-box" occurs in 1754. This is probably a production of the Chippendale school. The amount of time and labour expended on the finest specimens was prodigious. The boxes were carved, inlaid, and some had metal mountings. The great difficulties to be overcome consisted in the curves to which the veneers and inlays had to be subjected, thus demanding considerable 133 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS mathematical knowledge on the part of the workman. This is especially the case with the urn-shaped cases which follow this period. Interesting specimens of the mahogany spoon-cases, tea-chest with caddies and knife-boxes, at the close of this period are owned by Mrs. Edward Willis of Charles- ton, S. C., and are shown in the plate facing page 1 30. The tea-chest has brass feet and mounts. The spoon- case is a very interesting specimen ; it stands about two feet high, and there is a delicate black-and-yellow in- lay running along the separate pieces of which it is com- posed. It is mounted with silver. The knife-box has also metal mounts, and the mouldings of the front show what careful workmanship was demanded. The sideboard-table, commonly used down to the Revolution, was simply a side-table. One of these, in- herited from Lawrence Washington, was in the dining- room at Mount Vernon It stood thirty-six inches high, and was five feet long and half as wide. It was made of black- walnut, with the edges and legs carved witr the bell-flower and leaf ornamentation. In South Carolina, instances occur in several varieties of wood, cedar, "madera," walnut and mahogany, worth from ^"6 to ^20, sometimes with and sometimes without drawers. The table was usually oblong, but occasionally square. The "beaufait" or buffet also is frequently mentioned. In 1752 Paul Tenys had a mahog- any buffet, 20 ; china in and on it, ^,25. The buffet gradually supplanted the sideboard, and finally stole its name. The sideboard was covered with a cloth of damask or diaper, and occasionally we find mention of other ma- terial. R. Wright (1747) had a "mahogany sideboard with green cover." 134 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Turning to the chairs, we first rind cane in all varieties. Some of these had wooden frames with cane in the seat, or back, or both. Others were evidently constructed of cane throughout. The prices varied surprisingly, evidently ac- cording to the carving and turning of the frames, as well as the age, condition, styles and sizes. In 1711, twelve cane chairs and couch are appraised at j8. Josiah Wilson (Mary- land) had three old rush-bot- tomed cane chairs appraised at thirteen shillings in 1718. In the same year we find six cane chairs, "eighteen shillings," four cane ditto, ^"2-4-0. In Carolina we have six cane, ji-io-o; six cane, 6-0-0 (1722); six black cane and one elbow, ^14 (1723); twelve fine cane and elbow, ^35 ( ! 7 2 4); eight cane with two cushions, ^15; and four- teen cane, ^30 (1725). Two years later, four black cane and u..^ Jbow chair are A CHAIR OWNED BY WILLIAM PENN ... n i Now in the Pennsylvania Hospital. FhiUdet- worth only 5. Captain Rob- P hia. seepage^. ert Cox in the same year had twenty old cane chairs at a pound each, and twelve new ones at thirty shillings. Major William Blazeway, also in 1727, had six cane-back, ^J2; six cane-bottom, 10; six with fine rush bottoms, jio; and nine old cane, ^9. Twelve new cane, ^"18, six cane-back, ^,10, six cane- >35 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS bottom wooden-back, ^ 10, also occur in 1727; and, choicest of all, twelve walnut cane chairs and elbow chair, ^50 (1731). The prices varied from five shillings to four pounds each in Carolina currency during one decade. In Glen's Answers to the Lords of Trade, he gives a table of the exports and imports of South Carolina for 1748. The total is given as 1,1 25,960-3-1 1 currency, which equals ^161,365-18-0 sterling. Thus we must divide the South Carolina prices by seven, at that date, when comparing them with those of England. Cane was used with all kinds of wooden frames, and sometimes cane was employed throughout, the walnut frame being the most expensive. In 1733, John Lewis had six maple matted chairs, ^6, six maple cane do., ^10, and one elbow do., ^"3. In 1735, Andrew Allen owneH twelve plain cane chairs, ^20; twelve do. and elbow do., ^20; twenty- four flowered cane do. and elbow do., ^50; and seven old chairs, ^3. In 1742, we find six high-backed black cane chairs (old), ^4. In the same year, Edward Hext pos- sessed twelve cane and one elbow, worth ^27, while his ten mahogany chairs are only valued at ^20, and nineteen bass-bottomed at ^7-10-0. In 1745, six cane elbow chairs are set down at ^16. In 1747, bass-bottomed cane chairs are mentioned. The walnut chair was made up in a variety of ways. In addition to those already mentioned, we find walnut matted, walnut and bottoms with red camlet covers, walnut with rush bottoms, leather bottoms, satin bottoms, silk damask covers, and red damask bottoms. The example of a chair of the period given here is now in the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond. It is some- what heavy, but solid and handsome. It has a modified 136 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS lyre-shaped splat pierced with slits like three lancet Gothic windows interlacing a square with curved sides, the base being pierced with a heart. The top of the back is rolled over at the corners and centre like a strap or scroll. The front legs are cabriole with shell ornamentation and claw-and-ball feet. The back legs are slightly curved and rounded. The Turkey-work chair is still in favour, and the common rush- bottomed and the choice Russia leather are found in large numbers. At this time the chairs known as the "black" and " white " also came in ; the former was worth about ten shillings. Its shape and workman- ship varied, for, in 1725, we find " twenty-two new fashioned black chairs and two elbow" valued at ^36, and twelve ordinary ones at j6. In 1722, ten white (two low ones) were valued at 2. The bass-bottomed chair was general, and worth more than either of the former: "six bass-bottomed chairs, ^4" (1722). The bass was used with various frames. In 1723, 37 EIGHTEENTH CENTURY CHAIR Chair by Thomas Chippendale or tome close imitation of his method. The carving is very delicate. About 1760. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS a " carved wooden bass chair " was worth twenty-five shill- ings. In Carolina, the palmetto also was freely used. We find "eleven parmetaw chairs, ^2-15-0" (1722); and "twelve black permato chairs, ^8" (1725). The "straw" chair was also esteemed. In 1727, seven "straw" are valued at ^3-10-0. The "matted" is also found, and it occurs in the most valuable woods : " twelve walnut matted and one elbow chair, ^35 " (1731). Other chairs recorded are: flag, sheepskin, maple mat- ted, cedar chairs with basket bottoms, hickory, red, carved matted, corner, and, most expensive of all, twelve brocade- bottom chairs, ^84 (1751). The " Windsor chair," the making of which became a separate industry, made its appearance early in the century. Three open Windsor chairs (John Lloyd) are valued at ^3 in 1736; and two at ^i in 1741. The mahogany chairs on page 148 are fine examples of the Chippendale school of the end of our period. They are beautifully carved on back, arms and legs, and the seats, of course, have not the original coverings. They are authentic specimens of furniture owned in Charleston before the Revolution, and they are now in possession of Mrs. John Simonds of Charleston, S. C. The average house in the South was well supplied with seats. Apart from stools, settles, benches and couches, the number of chairs is often surprising. A few examples from Carolina will show that there was ample accommodation for callers. J. Guerard and S. Butler possessed forty-one and forty-three chairs respectively in 1723 ; R. Woodward 34, and D. Gale 65, in 1725; Captain R. Cox 32 (1727); E. Hancock 44 (1729]; C. W. Glover 34, and S. Screven 40 (1732); J. Satur 32 and J. Raven 42 (1733) ; T. Somer- 138 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ville 50, John Lloyd 38, and John Ramsay 43 (1734); Andrew Allen 57 ( 1735); Edward Hext 41 ( 1742) ; Noah Serre 70 (1746); J. Wragg 51 (1751); and J. Roche 59 (1752). These numbers, however, are insignificant in comparison with those of Maryland and Virginia. In the inventory of the estate of William Bladen, of Annapolis, the various chairs reach the astounding total of one hundred and two. The other Marylander, Major Josiah Wilson, possessed only a beggarly forty-two. The tables were equally varied during this period. In shape they were square, round and oval, in all sizes. The woods were cedar, pine, oak, English oak, walnut, black walnut, cypress, poplar and bay. Sometimes they were painted black, white and various colours. Naturally, the pine were the cheapest. In 1711, Nathaniel Wilkinson (South Carolina) owned: a large cedar table, ^'2-10-0; two small tables, ^"i. In 1722, we find Thomas Grimball (South Carolina) with: one old side table, ^'i ; a walnut oval table, ^"4 ; one large oval cedar table, ^'8 ; a small table, j5; one side table with mulberry frame, ^"i-io-o. John Guerard, 1723, owned: five square tables, ^"9; a square oak table, ^'2; one large oval table, ^6; a pine painted table, ^'i-io-o; an old oak table, 2. The above examples show the relative values. In addi- tion to these there was the bay table, and the slate-topped table. In 1727, a slate top table is valued at ^"i, and Richard Woodward owned a square bay table (j*4), two bay and walnut tables (j(~8), besides an oval and cedar table. The slate soon led to the marble. In 1727, Major Wil- liam Blaseway had three cedar tables (^"12), two Dutch tables (^,3), and one marble table in cedar frame (^"15). This evidently was the latest thing out. Mahogany ap- 119 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS peared a little earlier ; it was naturally costly. Major Per- cival Pawley owned two mahogany tables in 1724, valued respectively at () and ^i i ; and in the following year we find John Saunders with a large oval one at j-io-o. Both men were rich. Sometimes the tables would be in great variety in one house. Besides cedar tables, the in- ventory of Samuel Pickering (1728) includes: one old Dutch painted table, ^i ; one Dutch table, ^\ another Dutch table, ^"i ; a screen table, 1-10-0; and a card table, 6. C. W. Glover (1732) had six tables in his hall alone; T. Somerville (1734) had seventeen tables of various kinds. Among the varieties found are: two Madeira tables, ^30 (1731); one tea table and one round three-legged tea table, 10 (1738); one round mahogany claw-foot table, ^4, and one oval table, 6 (1740); small turn-up table with drawers, ^15 (1741); red bay table, 8 (1742); cherry table, j (1745); six mahogany and two cypress tables, 4.0 (1745); large and small swinging tables, 2. (1746); cedar dining table, 3 (1746); oval maple table, <) (1746); India tea table, 12 (1746); round stand mahog- any table, 4.; marble table, 10; folding poplar table, $ ; little cedar table, 2 ; little pine table, fifteen shil- lings; painted table and side table, 10 (all 1751). In 1752, J. Roche owns a marble slab and frame valued at 20; in 1753, a white oak table is set down at 10; and in 1754, we find a small walnut flap table, 6, and small marble side table, 6. Lastly, a "Manchineal table" is appraised at 8 in 1 74 1 . Turning now to the beds, we find many varieties. The trundle-bed and the "sea-bed" gradually disappear. Tht "standing bedstead" with sacking bottom was the com- 140 BEDSTEAD r-veJ hi K h posts, and hart fur light curtains or mosquito nets. Thit piece shows 'very elaborate carving oj a kind which, originating near the end of the seventeenth century, continued to be used as late as iSjo. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS monest. It was made of oak, and, later, of mahogany or walnut, and was frequently carved. In 1727, Captain A. Muller had a folding bedstead and furniture, ,30 ; and in ] 733 J onatnan Main, a "press bedstead," 2. Others recorded are : a bedstead with poles, ^"5 ( R. Vaughan, 1736); three screw bedsteads, ^7-10-0 (T. Batcheller, 1737); a standing calico bed and furniture, j8o, two others at ^70 each, and a red and a blue Paragon bed at ^35 each (Hon. A. Middleton, 1738); afield bedstead and coarse pavilion (Thomas Oliver, 1744) ; two yellow "Saun- ders bedsteads," ^8, two pine bedsteads, 2, and four feather beds and bolsters, ji8o (Isaac Cordes, 1745) ; a mahogany settee bed, ^50 (John Lawrens, 1745) ; a pine bedstead and cord, ^i-io-o, a "Sarsafaix" bedstead and cord, jCi-y-6 (John Witter, 1746) ; a painted bedstead, \ (G. Haskett, 1747); a four-post oak bedstead and bedding, ^25, and a mahogany bedstead and bedding, ^50 (Joseph Wragg, 1 751); a four-post oak bedstead, \o (1753), a cypress bedstead, 2 (1754). It was, however, the bedding and adornment in which the chief value still lay. Thus, while the above-mentioned four-post oak bedstead and bedding were valued at ^25 in 1751, we find another without the bedding set down at jio two years later; and in 1746 S. C. Gaultier's mahog- any bedstead (probably a low one), with sacking bottom, was worth only ^'5. A fine specimen of the carved mahogany four-post bed- stead is shown facing page 142. The posts are beautifully turned and carved in foliage designs and terminate at the top in pineapples. It is unusually large, measuring eight feet four inches from cornice to floor, six feet eight inches long and five feet one inch wide. The posts arc fourteen 41 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS inches in circumference, and the feet have deep brass sockets and bands into which the castors fit. It is now owned by Mrs. James H. Harris, of Richmond, and has been owned by the family for more than a century. Some of the bed furnishings were very costly, and the materials and styles varied greatly. Mosquito netting, made into a canopy and still known as a pavilion in South Caro- lina, was common all through the South. It was spread over the hammock as well as the bed; it was sometimes coloured and seems to have been quite expensive. Some of the prices are as follows: a pavilion, ^8 (1722); two "gauzed" pavilions, 20 (1725); a pavilion and ham- mock, ^5 (1725); a thread pavilion and hammock, ^5, and two gauze pavilions and hammocks, ^4 (1745); two gauze pavilions and hammocks, ^30 (1745); and abed pavilion, jCio (1746). Curtains and quilts are even more important, and are often clearly described. Thus, we have a set of green serge curtains, y (1723); bedstead with blue curtains, 20- 5-0 (1723); set of green serge curtains, j (1723); suit of curtains and quilt, ^30 (1724); and a suit of calico curtains, .j (1725). John Jordon, of Maryland, owned in 1729 a scarlet camblet bed frame, six window curtains and three valance and one old red china bedding and bed. S. Screven, of South Carolina, had in 1732 five bedsteads and beds, eleven sheets, ninety-nine blankets, fourteen pil- lows, four quilts, one cover, and one set of curtains, amount- ing to ; l6 3- John Washington, of Westmoreland County, Virginia, left to his daughters "the white quilt and the white cur- tains and vallians"; Mary Washington left to her son, General George Washington, her best bed, bedstead of Vir- 141 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ginia cloth curtains, and a quilted blue and white quilt; and to her granddaughter, Polly Carter, a bedstead draped with purple curtains and covered with a white counterpane. Anne Le Brasseur (1742) possessed a bedstead with sacking bottom, bed, bolster, two pillows, two rails and a head-board, a moulded wooden tester, and a blue and white cotton counterpane, all worth ^"35. Among other bed- furnishings we find: a cotton counterpane, ^"8; a suit of calico curtains, bedstead, pavilion, mattress, feather-bed, bolster and pillow, and window curtains, jfioo (Thomas Oliver, Esq., 1744); a lined set of curtains, jio; a white pavilion, 6 (1744). James Matthews (1745) possessed in his "front room upstairs" a blue chintz bed and furni- ture with pavilion and window curtains, appraised at the astonishing sum of ^200. The bed and furniture in the "back room upstairs" was valued at ^150; and in the "front room garret," among other things, was a bed and furniture, jo\ two pavilions, a suit of chintz curtains and chintz counterpane, ^120; and bed-linen to the value of ^325. It is evident that these values are not very excep- tional, for the same year we find another householder in possession of " 2 sutes curtains, ^100." The latter must have been of chintz, which was plainly the fashionable material and probably the "latest thing out." It seems to have been imitated, and its relative cost to calico appears from the following : " one set green curtains, ^5 ; one set Indian calico ditto, j\ one ditto, jio; one ditto mock chints, ,40." The curtains at the windows frequently matched those of the bed, and in the majority of cases this harmony was observed. Among other kinds we find, in addition to those already given, a set of curtains, lined, jio (1744); 2 suits THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of curtains, ^100 (1745); 3 red window curtains, 15 shillings (1747); i set calico curtains, 20 (1747); 3 pairs window curtains, ^3 (1751). Feather or flock beds on corded sacking-bottoms were the commonest arrangement, but hair mattresses were in use in wealthy families, in the early part of the century. Roland Vaughan owned two, valued at ^,10, in 1736. Screens were by no means uncommon, but the hand- screen is not often found. Sometimes they were small round or square frames sliding on a post. These frames were sometimes painted wood and sometimes they were covered with embroidered materials. The values naturally varied greatly. In 1725, a pair was appraised at ji, and in 1727 one screen at ^,30. T. Fisher owns one at ^"6 (1736), and S. Eveleigh two at ^15 (1738). A painted screen, half worn, is valued at 6, in 1741, and two leather ones at ^15, in 1744. In the latter year a screen (kind not stated) is worth seven guineas. In 1745, Sarah Trott owns a leather one valued at ^1 0-2-0, and in 1745, one belonging to E. Heskett is put down at ^8. T. Wragg (1751) possessed two particularly choice specimens, one gilt (^30) and one stamped leather (^20). In the latter year we also rind a painted screen (^"4-10-0); and ten guineas is the value of a four-leaved screen in 1754. Till nearly the middle of the eighteenth century the carpets mentioned were still only coverings for tables, bu- reaux, etc. The distinction is clearly drawn in the inventory of Noah Serre (1746), in which we find two painted table carpets, 2, and one painted floor cloth, 10. Other carpets are Scotch, Indian, hair, and Turkey. Thus we see that the rooms were bright and cheerful with a varietv of colour, and the somewhat sombre effect of j 144 ! DRESSING-TABLE This mahogany dress in^-tablf is mined by Mrs. Andrrji Simonds, of Charleston, 5. 6\ F TWO EIGHTEENTH CENTURY CLOCKS The clock to the left was made in Charleston, and tells tides as well as phases of the moon ; // /'/ owned by Mrs. Andrew Simonds, Charleston, S. C. The clock on the right belonged to Franklin. See pages 7^7 and jo6. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS mahogany did not dominate until comparatively late in the century. Cushions were largely used to make the chairs comfortable: they often had covers embroidered by the female members of the family. Rebecca Axtell (1727) had four chair covers worked, i. T. Gadsden (1741) owned eighteen green damask cushions, one cover for the easy chair and for the cushions for ditto, one cover for the settee with two bolsters, ji2; and two cush- ions covered with blue. Anne Le Brasseur (1742) owned an " easy chair and cush- ion covered with crewel wrought and a calico cushion case," ^30 ; and two crewel wrought chair bottoms, 2. ]. Wragg (1751) had an easy chair and cushion valued at ^15, and in 1754 we rind an easy chair and three covers for same, ^"20. The curtains also were frequently adorned with needle- work. An instance of this occurs in the will of Anthony Walke, of Fairfield, Princess Anne County, Virginia: "To my son Anthony my suit of embroidered curtains, in membrance of his mother (Jane Randolph) who took great pains in working them my father's walnut secretarie and clock," etc. Corner cupboards came into fashion about 1710, after which date they constantly occur. Presses, cupboards and chests of drawers were made principally of cedar, pine and MAHOGANY CHAIR AND DRESSING CASE The dressing case was imported by Randolph of Curia in 1721. The brass handles are original. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS cypress during this period. They were not cheap ; an article of furniture containing drawers (especially with lock and key ) was always highly esteemed. An example of an early mahogany chest of drawers is given on page 145. It is very plain in form and diminutive in size. The drawers have the original brass handles and key-plates, and the colour of the mahogany is unusually rich. It would probably be hard to find an earlier example in the country, for it was imported by Thomas Randolph, of Curies, and is now in possession of his descendant, Mrs. J. Adair Pleasants, Richmond, Va. The dressing-glass above it is also of mahogany and about the same age. The brass candlestick is contemporary. The chair standing to the left is of mahogany, lighter in colour. The plain square back, with pierced jar-shaped splat, plain squared legs and straining rails show that this also dates from early in the century, probably not later than 1730. The castors, in all probability, are later additions. The plate facing page i 1 6 shows an old mahogany chest of drawers, with swell front and brass handles, owned by Miss Susan Pringle, Charleston, S. C. Upon it stands a japanned dressing-glass, of which we find so many instances in the inventories. The present example was said to have been one of the first imported into Charleston from the East. A similar dressing-glass appears in Washington's bed-room in Mount Vernon. (See Frontispiece.) Clocks existed in considerable numbers: the high clock- case was often carved and moulded, and made a handsome piece of furniture in the hall or dining-room. The small clock was used, however, and its price could be equally high. In 1751, the Hon. }. Cullom owned a table clock valued at /ioo, while Dr. ). Gaultier's small alarm clock 146 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS (1746) was only worth ^"2-10-0. The cases were often worth more than the works, and we have data for forming an idea of the relative values. In 1727, John Bateson, clockmaker, died, possessed ot a silver repeating watch, ^90, and an eight-day clock movement, ^"25-10-0. In the same year two clocks are appraised at 1 5 and ^40. In 1733,0116 clock-case is worth ^,50, and another clock and case, ^35- Other values are ^'40 and 20 (*734); $ d73 8 ); and /35 ( I 74 1 )- T. Lloyd owned a black japanned case clock, ^35, in i 742 ; and Dr. J. Gaul- tier, an eight-day ditto, ^'50, in 1745. Captain H. Hext and James Matthews each owned a clock valued at ^80 in the latter year. G. Haskett had one worth ^50 (1747), and J. Roche another at j $ (1752). Two years later, two japanned eight-day clocks were appraised at ^40 and 5- An accompanying example is a fine San Domingo mahogany clock with handsome brass mountings, owned by Mrs. Andrew Simonds, Charleston, S. C. It tells the tides and the phases of the moon, as well as the month, day and hour. Let into the wood and under a glass frame is the date "1717." A brass plate on the face bears the words " William Lee, Charles Town." The spelling is that which was in use in the city during the first century of the settlement, and is in itself evidence that the clock is over 125 years old. It was used as a packing-case for Revolutionary bayonets, which were, however, never shipped to their destination. Pictures and maps are found in considerable quantities in the houses during the first half of the eighteenth century, but unfortunately the inventories do not often state the sub- jects. The prices, however, are very moderate as a rule; U7 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS in fact, in many cases, we are forced to the conclusion that the frames and glasses were valued as highly as the pictures themselves. The maps are also set down without descrip- tion in most cases. The hall always had a generous supply of what pictures the family possessed. Sometimes a distinc- tion was drawn be- tween "pictures" and paintings," which would argue the former to be under- stood as engravings. Frequently the num- ber is not mentioned, the item simply read- ing "old pictures," or "a parcel of old pic- tures." It is customary to think of old and " Co- lonial " furniture as consisting entirely of mahogany. This idea is erroneous, as we have already seen. Mahogany fur- niture was practically non-existent in the South before 1720, and then, even among the wealthiest, its spread was very slow. Twenty-five years later there were only a few scattered pieces in most of the houses, and sometimes there was none at all. In 1746 no mahogany is mentioned in the inventory of Daniel Townsend, whose estate is appraised at more than ^"20,000: his furniture consisted of walnut, cedar, pine, and maple. Richard Wright, 1747, who was also exceed- ingly rich, had a good deal of mahogany, but it was liberally sprinkled with "leather-bottomed, bass-bottomed, rush-bot- tomed" and cane chairs. People in moderate circumstances 148 TWO CHAIRS These chairs are delicately carved in mahogany, and are very valuable pieces; date about 1750. See page 138. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS occasionally possessed a mahogany table, but their furniture was almost entirely oak, pine, bay, cypress, cedar, and walnut. Towards the middle of the century the rage for mahog- any was fast increasing. The Carolina planters were ex- ceedingly prosperous and their houses showed a degree of luxury unsurpassed by the London merchants. In 1751, Mr. John Morton, whose estate was valued at ,21,355, possessed rich furniture and quantities of it. With the ex- ception of six common black chairs and an " iron japanned table and waiter," it seems to have been all mahogany. Among other things we find a harpsichord (^150); two sets of prints of Hogarth's Rake's Progress and Harlot's Progress (j 30) ; another harpsichord and a spyglass, together valued at ^"30 ; a mahogany bookcase (^'i oo) ; i 2 plain ma- hogany chairs (^40); 12 brocade bottomed chairs (^84); a mahogany cradle and two cases of bottles (^15); and a yellow silk bed-quilt, which must have been very choice, since it was valued at ^,10. The growing taste for furniture of the Chippendale school is clearly seen towards 1740. The prices of com- paratively minor articles show that the new style has arrived. R. Vaughan, 1736, has a large mahogany chest of drawers, ^25 ; a mahogany bookcase, with sixteen square glasses, 20; a mahogany paper case, ji6; a small mahogany writing desk, ^'i o; a mahogany tea-box, ^3-10-0. T. Gadsden, 1741, has a glass bookcase escritoire, ^40. In Maryland, also, about this time, mahogany was in vogue, and the best of it came by way of England. Other evidence of the general practice of importing the finer furniture from England, until the Revolution, is afforded by the Will of Anthony Walke, of Fairfield, Princess Anne County, Virginia: 49 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS " I give to my wife, Mary Walke - the sum of fifty pounds ster- ling to buy furniture for her best room, in case I should not send for it before my death ." Facing page 140 is a mahogany bed and chair from Boiling Hall, Virginia. The carving of the posts is not very elaborate, but is quite characteristic of so many beds of the period. The little dressing glass and drawer is also mahog- any and typical of so many we have had mentioned in the in- ventories. The secre- tary is mahogany, in- laid, and with brass mounts. The two sham top drawers are, of course, one piece, which lets down in front to form a writing desk, with the usual arrangements inside. It belonged to Chief- Justice Marshall, of Virginia, and is now in the house of Mr. Thomas Boiling, Richmond, Va. 150 BOOKCASE Later years of eighteenth century, traordinarily large. This special piece is ex- SOMK OLD NEW ORLEANS PIECES Lady's working-table, candlesticks, liquor set and Russian Samovar. The table is in Louis XIV style and has drawers with secret bottoms. The liquor set is very rare. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS . Chippendale bookcase is shown on page 150. It is of colossal dimensions. This is the property of Mr. George S. Holmes, of Charleston, S. C., and is an old family piece, as two or three of the original drawers were used by the British officers for horse-troughs. Their places have been supplied by "new ones" made directly after the Revolution. The wavy cornice is surmounted by the brass ornament. Opposite page 92 is a room in the home of Mr. Andrew Simonds, Charleston, S. C. It is furnished in the old style, with brilliantly flowered chintz hangings, chair covers, and wall-paper to match. The bed is an old piece of Charleston mahogany, beautifully carved, each post being a succession of pine-apples and foliage. The tester is also carved. It belonged originally " to the fairest woman in all the Carolinas," over a century ago. The rest of the furniture is of somewhat later date. The dressing-table, a handsome specimen, inlaid with brass, is shown facing page 144. The chair at the foot of the bed is of the Hepplewhite School, and is of an unusual size and very rich carving. The chair in front of the table is exceed- ingly late. Louisiana, though partly colonized during the Seven- teenth Century, contained no flourishing towns nor thriv- ing plantations, and therefore research into its furniture yields little result. New Orleans, at first a penal settle- ment, knew nothing of wealth or fashion until late in the Eighteenth Century. What good furniture the higher officials possessed was naturally of French make, and pieces of the styles of Louis Quatorze, Quinze, and Seize undoubtedly found their way across the water. The fine examples of those periods still to be found in the city, how- ever, were brought in or imported, at a considerably later date. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS While the carved oak was the furniture fashionable in England and her colonies, the furniture of France was particularly luxurious. The general taste for magnificence in the reign of Louis Quatorze produced the ornate meubles de luxe, of which Boule and Riesener were the most famous designers. Cabinets, encoignures, fauteuils, tables, commodes, clocks, armoires, etc., were veneered with tortoise-shell and inlaid with brass, and richly ornamented with gilt bronze mounts. The styles of Louis Quatorze, Louis Quinze, and Louis Seize will be treated in a later chapter, but we give an example (see plate facing page 150) of Boule's work. The piece is a lady's work-table of the Louis Fourteenth period. It is of ebony, with the kind of veneering just mentioned. It has the usual bag, or well, for small receptacles, and curious drawers with secret bottoms. It was a present from Louis Philippe to the Marquis de Marigny. Upon the table is a liquor set with bottle and glasses of crystal inlaid with gold. The case is ebony inlaid with nacre and bronze. This was a gift from Gov. Villere to the Marquis de Marigny. The silver candlesticks also belonged to Marigny, a present from Toledano. Beneath the table stands a Russian samo- var of bronze. THE FURNITURE FOREiFATHERS CARVED OAK CUPBOARD Owned by Mr. Walter Hosmer, Wethersfield, Conn. See page 163. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS BY ESTHER SINGLETON WITH CRITICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF PLATES By RUSSELL STURGIS ILLUSTRATED GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1913 COPYRIGHT, MAY, 1901, BY DOUBLEDAY, PAGE * CO. CONTENTS THK EARLY SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND 155 First houses, I 56 ; Men of wealth, i 56 ; home of George Phillips, 156-7. EARLY HOUSES IN PLYMOUTH AND SALEM . 158 CHESTS, TRUNKS, THE ATLANTIC PASSAGE 161 POSSESSIONS OF THOSE WHO PERISHED IN THE GREAT SHIP . HOME OF GOVERNOR GOODYEAR . GOVERNOR EATON'S FURNITURE . . .166 NOTABLE AND ARISTOCRATIC SETTLERS . 169 Indications of comfort and elegance, 171. JOINERS AND CABINET-MAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS AND CARVERS . . . . . 173 Kinds of woods used, 173 ; value of furniture, 173; skilled labour, 174; wages, 174 ; shop goods of certain joiners, 177 8; importations of tropical woods, 1791 New England fur- niture sent to the South, 179. CHAIRS, STOOLS AND OTHER SEATS . .180 Prices of chairs, 180; the child's chair, 181-2; varieties of chairs, 182-9 ; materials and colours used for upholstering chairs, 188-190; buffet-stools, 1901 ; changes in the form of the chair, 194; the passing of the oak period and the growing Dutch influence, 1945. EXTENSIVE USE OF CUSHIONS . . . .196 Coverings and cases, 196; number and value of cushions, 197-8 ; carpets and cupboard cloths, 1978. TABLES . . . . . . .198 Trestles, boards and forms, 1989; drawing and folding tables, 1 99 ; round, square and oval tables, 2002 ; woods used for tables, 201. -'57 160 162 163 164 168 171 -179 -196 -i -202 CONTENTS BEDS AND THEIR FURNISHINGS . . . 202205 Four-post and trundle-beds, 2023; materials and colours of curtains, 2045 > quilts, blankets and coverlids, 2045. THE CUPBOARD ...... 205-211 Plate and pewter displayed, 205-6 ; livery and court cup- boards, 2078 ; cupboard cloths, carpets and cushions, 209; changes and developments of form, 2091 1. THE PRESS AND THE FRAME .... 211213 CHESTS AND TRUNKS ..... 213-220 Varieties of the chest, 214; definitions, 215; evolution of the chest with drawers, 2156 ; chest of drawers, 218 ; de- velopments, 220. DESKS AND BOOKCASES ..... 220222 Scretore and furnishings, 2201; books and study, 221. METAL MOUNTINGS, LOCKS, KEYS AND HINGES . 222 THE CABINET ...... 222-224 Varieties of the cabinet, 223 ; china, porcelain and East India ornaments, 2234. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND CLOCKS AND WATCHES 224-225 Virginals and " gitternes," 224; clocks with and without cases, 224; watches, sun-dials and hour-glasses, 225. LOOKING-GLASSES AND FIREPLACES . . 225-226 ARTILLERY-ROOM OF MAJOR-GENERAL GIBBONS . 226 WEALTHY NEW ENGLANDERS .... 227 HOME OF WILLIAM WARDELL . . . 229230 HOME OF SIR WILLIAM PHIPPS ^ . . 230231 DOWER FURNITURE ..... 231-232 List of Illustrations WITH CRITICAL NOTES ON MANY OF THE PLATES BY RUSSELL STURGIS ALL THE NOTES FURNISHED BY M*. STUtGU AKE FOLLOWED BY HIS INITIALS, B. I. FRONTISPIECE: CARVED OAK CUPBOARD PACK FACING Hi KITCHEN IN THE HANCOCK-CLARKE HOUSE FACING 155 In which a number of miscellaneous articles, authentic relics of old times in America, have been brought together. On the left the object on the lowest shelf is a foot stove such as was used in church, and not only there. The andirons are of no importance a* works <>f an or industry. The leather portmanteau on an upper shelf should be com- pared with those facing page 224, but this is one of a later date than they and belongs to the time when the stage catch was available. The chair is of the most interesting type. The leather receptacle hanging on the wall above the chair is a trunk-mail only a little larger than those which were used in days of horseback journeying. On the wall be- yond the door there hang tint a pair of saddle-bags of leather. Benea'h this is a settle of the real fireside kind, such a piece of furniture as was used in the country houses of England from very early times ; the back reaching the floor so as to shut out draughts. In front of the fireplace are three "tin kitchens," or " Dutch ovens," shaped so as to gather and reflect upon the roasting joint the heat of the open lire. R. S. CARVED OAK CUPBOARD . . . FACING Such as we should call to-day a cabinet, or, using a French phrase, hakut. The frontis- piece shows the same piece with the upper door shut. There is no reason for the half- hexagonal shape of the upper part except the desire to preserve the decorative effect of the two corner pillars standing free ; and these pieces were nude rather for their stateli- ness than for mere utility. Consult a similar piece in Part I, plate opposite page 36. In the present instance the sculpture is all in scrollwork, much more easy and flowing than that common to Elizabethan design ; it is probably of the time of Charles I, and the de ails studied partly from Italian models. The fact that the sculpture is flat, a mere sinking or "abating" of the background, indicates a provincial or up-country piece of work as distinguished from that of a centre of manufacture and fine art. Other piecn in the present chapter have the same peculiarity. This flatness is hardly abandoned in any part, and the solid sculpture, as in the Ionic capitals, shows an unpracticed hand. R. S. ,58 SETTLE WITH TABLE Top The back of which is formed by a table top that can be dropped into a horizontal posi- tion. Exactly such a piece of kitchen furniture can be bought to-day, cheaply made, and called an ironing table. R. S. g '59 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE OAK TABLE ..... FACING 159 Which was originally made to lift, probably attached by hinges on one side in order to save room in the fashion shown in the settle, page 1 59. The unusually large bulbs which form part of the design of the legs are stained black. The very awkward form of the straining piece is to be noticed. The attempt is evident to keep the horizontal bars away from the ankles of those who may sit at the table. R. S. OAK CHEST . . . . . . .161 The decoration of which by means of mouldings worked in the solid wood is suggestive of that lingering of mediaeval methods of design which exists, more visibly, in seventeenth- century buildings of Rhode Island and Connecticut. There is no affectation of classical design about this piece ; it is put together simply with tenons held in their mortices by pins. R. S. CARVED OAK CHAIR . . . FACING 164 Of which the form is simple and agreeable, the turned legs and balusters being well pro- portioned to the whole, and the unusually heavy parts very effective in giving the appear- ance of immovable solidity. The piece is of that epoch when the English artisans were trying to work in a style which was new to them, and which involved as they thought the covering of every part with ornament. The mediaeval leafage had to be abandoned, and they were not provided with adequate material to replace it; for the peasant sculptor has used the Elizabethan strap ornament only for the top rail, the rest of his work being poorly designed scroll patterns of his own imagining. R. S. Two CLOCKS ..... FACING 165 Both clocks are of English manufacture and are good typical examples of the period. OAK CUPBOARD WITH DRAWERS . . . .169 But with the balusters and the curious half balusters which are applied to the surface for ornament made of some finer grained wood and stained black. The relation of these curious half balusters to the engaged columns so much sought after in buildings of the time would be curious to make out; for in either case it suggests the making of flat draw- ings rather than the working out the building or the furniture in modelling clay. The idea that, because a whole round shaft or pillar is good, therefore a split one is good also has done a great deal of harm to design. R. S. OAK CRADLE AND TABLE . . . . .176 Two simple specimens of native make. The cradle was made in 1 680. There is upon it a slight attempt at decoration. The table, not a large one, is somewhat rougher, al- though the legs are turned. The drop ornament is characteristic of much furniture of the period (see the chair on page 45). E. S. CHEST WITH DRAWERS . . . FACING 176 Of the kind which was called also Chest on drawers, from which term was probably de- rived the more modern term, Chest of drawers. In such pieces of furniture the chest when spoken of by itself was often called " well;" of course because you dipped into it from above. The design, with mouldings and half balusters applied and probably made of different wood from the piece, is chiefly admirable for the painted ornament in red and white. An Oriental propriety of feeling for color seems to have controlled it. R. S. COURT CUPBOARD . . . . . .178 Called in modern times more commonly "cabinet." In this case the effect of free pil- lars at the angles (see frontispiece and facing page 158) is got by setting back the whole upper part of the cupboard. In some few cases the quasi-architectural effect here men- tioned is got without the twofold inconvenience of having the doors open upon a solid LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE table top, the things standing upon which are likely to be brushed away, and of not very eacy access to the interior; and this by the simple device of opening a door in each end of the upper box, the front of which remains rued. In this and in the cabinet shown on page 207 the doors open in the front, with infinite inconvenience; for, indeed, the ordinary box cabinet is as clumsy as it is monumental. R. S. OAK CHEST WITH DRAWER . . . FACING 177 The chest proper or Well being of unusual dimensions. This is an admirable piece of panelling, the traditional character of the adornment by cutting and moulding being well carried out in the decorative sculpture. The square panels of the front have their top and bottom edges, viz., those on the horizontal rails, chamfered with a simple splay end- ing in curved stops, but the upright mullions are elaborately moulded on both edges, a system of mouldings which is not repeated on the sides of the corner stiles an excellent distinction and full of charm to the lover of solid woodwork. R. S. OAK CHAIR . . . . . . .181 In which the carving shows a very slight advance from the flat, abated work facing page 158. The working of the stiff and sharp leaves in the uprights which form part of the panelled back is very interesting as showing how very great a change in otherwise flat work is to be obtained by a few well-imagined grooving* and sinkings. R. S. TABLE AND CHILD'S CHAIR . . . FACING 182 The table leaves are supported by triangular brackets of unusual size. This belongs to the third system described in the legend of table on page 20 1 , but differs from nearly all tables with swinging brackets in having the brackets so long as to frame into the straining piece below. R. S. CARVED OAK CHAIR AND LEATHER CHAIR . .183 The cane chair is of the Charles II period, with turned supports and straining-rail. The second chair was originally an early variety of the low leather chair. E. S. CANE CHAIR AND LEATHER CHAIR . . . 184 The cane chair is a transitional form, showing Dutch influences. The legs have a dis- tinct suggestion of the cabriole shape. The low leather chair has been re-upholstered and is of a somewhat later development than that on the preceding plate. Engravings of Abraham Bosse, 1633, show precisely this kind of chair. E. S. RUSH-BOTTOMED CHAIR . . . FACING 183 This early example of a "wing-chair " is interesting as showing no trace of carving or other characteristics of the Jacobean period. Its comfort was increased by a cushion. The feet show the growing Dutch influence towards the end of the century. K. S. RUSH-BOTTOM AND CANE CHAIRS . . . 1 86 The chair on the left shows the back with a more developed use of the plain central panel as an ornament, the rane webbing on either side now having been discarded and the top being slightly shaped towards the form of the bow which will shortly become so popular. A little further development of the feet will also produce the hoof feet. The centre chair has Seen cut down into a rocking-chair and its original proportions entirely changed. The chair on the right is a late example of this period. E. S. RUSH-BOTTOM, TURNED AND CANE CHAIRS . .187 These are three more varieties that were very common during this century. The centre chair is very ungainly, the turned supports being very massive. The hollow prepared for the cushion is plainly visible. E. S. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE CANE CHAIRS . . . . . . .188 These are chiefly interesting for the panels of cane in the back and the combination of turned and carved work in the frames. E. S. CANE COUCH AND ARMCHAIR . . . .190 The couch is a good specimen of the period, the carving being uniform with the prevail- ing style of chair. The cane bottom has been replaced with modern material. E. S. CARVED OAK CANE CHAIRS . . . -193 The chair on the left is an exceedingly handsome specimen and is more elaborately carved than many of the chairs of this period. SETTLE WITH FOLDING CANDLESTAND . FACING 194 The back of which does not seem ever to have reached the floor. The panelled back and arms are high enough to guard the person against any draughts above, as from open or leaking windows. The adjustable stand for a candle or a cup of tea is an unusual feature one that may well have been added at a later time, perhaps at the behest of someone who liked the particular corner by the fire which the settle afforded him or her, and who desired such a convenience at the elbow. R. S. TURKEY-WORK SETTEE . . . FACING 195 This is an unusually interesting example, as the original Turkey-work covering has been preserved and enables us to see the material that gave its name to one of the most . popular class of chairs for fully half a century. The variegated colors and patterns pro- duce a very bright effect. The framework is of turned oak and the settee is both com- fortable and attractive. E. S. OVAL TABLE ....... 200 With eight legs, very similar to that shown on page 201, the difference being that while on page ioi all eight legs reach the floor, at least in appearance, in the present example only six stand on the floor, while the other two are confessedly revolving up- rights into A'ti'ch the swinging structures supporting the leaves are framed. A compari- son between the designs of these two tables is very interesting. There arc some reasons for thinking that that shown on page 200 is much earlier than that shown on page 201, but the latter design with the baluster-shaped legs seems more graceful. There is no common piece of late seventeenth-century furniture more pleasantly fantastic or more agreeable, both for use and decorative effect, than these many-legged tables when of pretty form, or, as is less common, of beautiful wood. R. S. OVAL TABLE ....... 201 Of the more elaborate sort, in which the support for the leaves when open is afforded by a revolving frame with two legs. The three-cornered table in Part II, opposite page 1 18, gives another and somrtimesa very useful form. R. S. OAK COURT CUPBOARD ..... 207 This is practically identical with that described above and shown on page 178. CUPBOARD CHEST OF DRAWERS . . FACING 210 The uppermost large drawer oddly designed so as to resemble the front of a cupboard, while the drawers are enclosed and concealed by two doors. The style of the work re- sembles that of the two chests, pages 217 and 218. Two pieces shown in Part II may be compared with this, but they are secretaries rather than chests of drawers in the ordinary sense. The general idea of having the drawer fronts enclosed and concealed by doors, though good as a preventative against LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PACE dust, was more commonly intended at an additional element in the dignity of design than as a utilitarian device; for dust was not much to be feared in the small towns of the seventeenth century. R. S. LARGE AND MINIATURE CHEST WITH DRAWER . 212 One of the earliest forms of the piece of furniture which grew into the modern chest of drawers, called in French Commode (the only piece of furniture out of many which has preserved that name), and in the United States generally Bureau. It can hardly be later than the year 1700, though the handles and scutcheons are more recent. As for the little box set upon it, this, whether considered as a child's toy or as a convenience for toilet articles, may be of any date from 1700 to 1800, the type prevailing longer in such small objects. R. S. OAK CHEST WITH DRAWER ..... 211 Not unlike that illustrated on page 212 except that the somewhat elaborate panelling, with mouldings planted on, implies an origin in a city workman's shop. It is possible, however, that the piece has been altered, as the end, with a very elaborate raised panel apparently boxed out, is certainly not of the same design as the front. R. S. OAK CHEST WITH DRAWERS . . . FACING 214 And the usual "well" still retaining its full depth, so that, with the rim so high, it must have been inconvenient to deal with the objects laid upon its bottom. The orna- mentation by applied black. stained half balusters and half ellipsoids is of one epoch, the carving of the central panel and probably of the side panels of another. There is some- thing extremely attractive in the sun-flowers or dahlias sunk into the wood and only slightly relieved from the sinking, and it would be pleasant to know when and by whom that spirited piece of carving was executed. R. S. OAK DESK ...... FACING 216 In its present form apparently a reading desk but chiefly attractive on account of the very unusual carving of the front. The date, 1684 and the initials W. H. are not to be overlooked. The way in which these and the scroll ornaments are cut out and the whole surface around them abated and punched with a rude point, probably a large nail, the end of which had been filed speaks of the up-country carpenter who had orders to make something a little unusual. R. S. CARVED OAK CHEST .... FACING 216 Probably not later than 1640, and carved with extraordinary skill, taste and ability. Such comment must needs be relative; the work lacks in grace if compared with Parisian work of the period, or with that of the great central district of France, Touraine and Bern and as far east as Burgundy; but it has close relations to the work of the seventeenth century in the south of France, and is singularly bold and masterly with a willingness on the part of the workman to sink deep into the hard wood, producing a kind of counter- sunk relief or cavo-relievo which is unusual in such work. R. S. OAK CASE OF DRAWERS . . . . .217 One of the most unusual character. The purpose of the maker in providing ten drawers, no one of which is of length sufficient to lay a gown or a cloak in without much fold- ing, is a purzle; but one who had other chests of drawers would find this a valuable piece. The decoration is of that vexatious sort which is limited to the planting on of turned pilasters and worked mouldings, nor can anything be said in praise of the piece except for the general character of its proportions. R. S. OAK CHEST OF DRAWERS . . . . .218 Quite small compared with that shown on page 217. R. S. li LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE CHEST, OR " NEST," OF DRAWERS . . . .219 And a very deep well. Such pieces as this, made perhaps of apple wood, perhaps of maple, were common in New England towns and were usually the work of the local car- penter. It is nearly always impossible to date them, as the simple mouldings of the drawers, the fronts of which project beyond the frame, are traditionally copied by genera- f tion after generation of workmen, and there is no other ornament whatever. R. S. OAK CHEST OF DRAWERS . . . . .221 With the unusual added convenience of a hinged and dropping leaf at each end with an adjustable bracket to support it. The character of the design is not different from that of several pieces illustrated in this chapter. R. S. KITCHEN IN WHIPPLE HOUSE . . FACING 217 Which should be compared with that in Plate I. The room itself is of vastly greater in- terest on account of the unaltered and unceiled floor overhead, with its heavy moulded timbers. The furniture in the room includes an excellent table with one dropping leaf and six legs at least there is no evidence of there having been another leaf with two more legs on the side nearest the spectator ; chairs of about 1 700 and of unusual grace and delicacy of design, and various utensils more interesting to the student of manners and customs than to the artist. Such a student may enjoy the coffee-pot with a choice of spouts, one spout set at a right angle to the handle and another in the line with the handle, so that the mistress of the house can pour in the English or the French way at pleasure. In this room the partition of heavy planks should be noted; each plank worked with a bevelled edge on one side and a rabbet and moulded tongue on the other side, so that they fit one another like clapboards. R. S. TRUNKS AND FOOT-WARMERS . . . FACING 224 (Compare also those in the Hancock-Clarke kitchen, facing page 155.) The cylindri- cal form of traveling trunk was rare in the seventeenth century. It was convenient for packing on horses or mules; but the piece in question is a little too elaborate for that and suggests rather the back of the traveling carriage or post-chaise. The design, if so sim- ple a composition can be called by that name, with large brass nails holding bands of colored leather to the hair-covered trunk, is full of interest. R. S. OAK CHEST WITH DRAWERS . . FACING 225 Worked all over with very slight incisions which, though the manner of decoration is feeble and the forms arbitrary, non-traditional and without purpose, has yet a pretty ef- fect when considered as a covering pattern as if a wall paper of unusual design had been applied to the surface. R. S. LOOKING-GLASS FRAME . . . FACING 230 This is a typical olive-wood frame of the period. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Part III THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Part III: Early New England IMPORTED AND HOME-MADE PIECES OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY HERE is a general impression that the early settlers of New England were a somewhat T fanatical band of Pilgrims who left the van- ities of the world behind them and sought the wilds of the west in order to live a simple life in accordance with the dictates of their own conscience. We must remember, however, that when the Pilgrim's Progress appeared, half a century had already elapsed since the Mayflower had sailed, and therefore the Pilgrim Fathers can scarcely have consciously taken Bunyan's humble hero as a model. Many of them were far from humble in station, and they certainly did not despise the loaves, and, more especially, the fishes of the New England coasts. They came in the interests of a trading company. Freedom of worship, moreover, was no stronger inducement to many to come, than was freedom from oppressive taxa- tion. Many left their country rather than pay the taxes, 55 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and these No Subsidy men of course took their movables with them, or had them sent on as soon as they were settled. The first houses were small and rude enough, but very soon we find commodious and comfortable dwellings filled with furniture that has nothing suggestive of the pioneer or backwoodsman. A thousand pounds was a great sum of money in those days, but before 1650 there were plenty of men in New England who were worth that amount. Some were even more wealthy. In 1645, Thomas Cortmore, of Charlestown, died worth ^1,255. Humphrey Chadburn, of York, ^ 1,7 13, lived till ten years later. Joseph Weld, of Roxbury, owned ^2,028 in 1646, and the possessions of F. Brewster and T. Eaton, of New Haven, were respectively valued at ^1,000 and ^3,000 in 1643. Opulent Bostonians who were all dead by 1660 were John Coggan, ^1,339; John Cotton, ^1,038; John Clapp, ^1,506; Thomas Dudley, ^1,560; Captain George Dell, ^1,506; William Paddy, ^2,221; Captain William Tinge, ^2,774 ; Robert Keayne, ^3,000 ; John Holland, ,3,325 ; William Paine, ^4,230; Henry Webb, ^7,819; and Jacob Sheafe, ^8,528. It would be an error to assume that the bulk of this wealth was due to wide domains, for the average plantations in New England were very small in comparison to those in the South. As a rule, the personalty far exceeded the realty ; land, more- over, was cheap. George Phillips will serve as a type of the prosperous class of Boston in the early days. He died in 1644. His estate was appraised at ^553. Of this, the dwelling-house, barn, outhouse and fifteen acres of land only amounted to ^120, whereas the study of books alone was worth ^71-9-0. The house contained a parlour, hall, parlour chamber, kitchen chamber, kitchen and dairy. IS6 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The hall was furnished with a table, two stools and a chest. The parlour contained a high curtained bedstead with feather bed, a long table, two stools, two chairs and a chest (all made comfortable with six cushions) and a valuable silver "salt" with spoons. In the other rooms were five beds, four chests, two trunks, one table, one stool, bed and table linen, and kitchen stuff*. A good example of a kitchen, that of the Hancock House, Lexington, Mass., faces page 155. William Goodrich, of Watertown (died 1647), is an example of the settler of moderate means. His furniture is evidently of the plainest kind and probably made by a local joiner, since his cupboard, chest, two boxes, chair- table, joint stool, plain chair and cowl, are valued at only eighteen shillings, while the flock bed with its furnishings is appraised at ^5-4-0. The latter, however, is worth more than half as much as his dwelling house and five and one-half acres of planting land in the township, three acres of remote meadow and twenty-five acres of "divident," which total only J~io altogether. The wealth of the settlers consisted, in many cases, of "English goods" including all kinds of clothing, cotton, linen, woolen and silk stuffs; and tools, implements, ves- sels and utensils of iron, pewter, brass, wood and earthen- ware. It is surprising, however, on scanning the numer- ous inventories of merchandise, to see how few articles of furniture were on sale in the various stores. The mani- fest conclusion is that such furniture as was not brought in by the immigrants was either specially made here or ordered from local or foreign agents. Henry Shrimpton, of Boston, who died in 1666 with an estate of ^'12,000, had goods to the value of about ,3,300 to supply the 57 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS needs of the community, but practically none of his stock was wooden furniture. Thomas Morton, writing in 1632, says: "Handicrafts- men there were but few, the Tumelor or Cooper, Smiths and Carpenters are best welcome amongst them, shopkeep- ers there are none, being supplied by the Massachusetts merchants with all things they stand in need of, keeping here and there fair magazines stored with English goods, but they set excessive prices on them, if they do not gain Cent per Cent, they cry out that they are losers/' The first houses at Plymouth were constructed of J rough-hewn timber with thatched roofs and window panes of oiled paper. The chimneys were raised outside the walls, and the hearths laid and faced with stones and clay. Edward Winslow, who next to Bradford was the leading spirit in the colony, writes in 1621 : "In this little time that a few of us have been here, we have built seven dwell- ing houses and four for the use of the plantation, and have made preparations for divers others." In the same letter he enjoins his friend to bring plenty of clothes and bed- ding, fowling-pieces and " paper and linseed oil for your windows with cotton yarn for your lamps." Quite early, however, imported glass was used in the windows. In 1629, Higginson writes from Salem to his friends in England: "Be sure to furnish yourselves with glass for windows." Framed houses were constructed very early. Roger Conant had one that was taken down and re-erected at Salem on his removal thither in 1628. These dwellings of course were always in danger on account of the " great fires " necessitated by the severe winter. Brick therefore was made as soon as possible, and then the house was built around a 158 CARVED OAK CUPBOARD Owned by Mr. H'alttr Hotmer, H'etbenjitU, Com. Set page co 5 CQ ,2 O * 8 CQ J CQ < h THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS central chimney stack, big and solid. Before long also, some houses were built entirely of brick, and glass took the place of paper in the windows. Glass works were SETTLE WITH TABLE TOP Owned by Mr. Jama Floyd Russell, Lexington, Ma established at Salem before 163-8, and the glazier appears among the lists of artisans. In 1652 James Browne, gla- zier, sold a parcel of land in Charlestown. William WardeH's " glass window, seven foot and the frame," was '59 appraised at seven shillings in 1 670. The towns regulated matters relating to the dwellings. In the town records of Boston are many entries showing the care exercised : " Oc- tober 26, 1636. Thomas Mount shall have leave to fence in a peece of the marsh before his house for the makeing of brick in." In 1658, John Conney presumed to set up a kiln without permission and was enjoined. The same year we find an order against the practice of carrying fire "from one house into another in open fire pans or brands ends by reason of which great damage may accrew to the towne." In 1648, permission is given to build porches. The abundant woods of oak, ash, elm, walnut, maple, cedar and pine supplied all that was required in the con- struction of the houses and their furniture. Thomas Mor- ton, writing in 1632, says of the red cedar: "This wood cuts red and is good for bedsteads, tables and chests, and may be placed in the catelogue of commodities." He also praises the red oak "for wainscot." "There is like- wise black Walnut of precious use for Tables, Cabinets and the like." House-building was of course the first task of the settlers. A "great house" had already been built in Charlestown in 1629, and here the Governor and some of the patentees dwelt. "The multitude set up cottages, booths and tents about the town hall." The outfit of the average immigrant was a very simple one and the wealthier settlers brought in the original ships only sufficient for the needs of a rough existence. The finer furniture followed as soon as the reasonable prospect of permanent settlement warranted. Chests and chairs that came with the first arrivals are still in existence. One of these is owned by the Connecticut Historical 1 60 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS OAK CHEST Now in the Whipple House, Ipswich, Mau. Society in Hartford, having been brought over in the Mayflower by William Brewster the Elder. It is a per- fectly plain chest of painted pine with plain iron handles. A list of necessaries for the voyage in 1629 includes: " Fifty mats to be under 50 beds on board ship, 50 rugs, 50 pr. blankets of Welsh cotton, 100 pr. sheets, 50 bed ticks and bolsters with wool to put in them and Scotch ticking." A typical oak chest of the period, brought from Eng- land in the ship Lyon about 1637, was presented to the Historical Society of Rhode Island by William Field, of Pomfret, Conn., and is now in the rooms of this society in Providence, R. I. It belonged originally to the Field family. The old oak chest in the accompanying illustra- tion is now in the Whipple House at Ipswich, Mass. 161 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS An example of an immigrant whose possessions were not limited to the bare necessaries of an indentured servant is offered by Peter Branch, who died on the Castle on the voyage to New England in 1639. Besides clothes and tools, he had a lot of household linen, six cushions, feather bedding, twenty-seven shillings' worth of red wine, and several trunks and chests. The total value of his goods was about ^34. Public and private interests frequently required per- sonal attention in England, and therefore there was much voyaging back and forth. On their return, the travellers would naturally bring articles that were dearest, or hardest to get in the colonies. All the products of the loom were especially profitable, as were also all kinds of wrought metal. Returning travellers brought home presents for their families just as they do to-day. On his return from a visit to England in 1689, the Rev. Samuel Sewall, the famous diarist, had aboard the America three small trunks carved with the initials of his children's names and the year of their birth; a barrel of books, a sea-chest, a bed quilt and four blankets, a large trunk marked H. S. witL nails, two other trunks, a deal box of linen, a small case of liquors and a great case of bottles. The dangers and discomforts of a voyage at that day were extreme. It is to be noticed that Mr. Sewall paid two shillings and nine pence for "a bed of straw to lay under my feather bed" for the voyage back to Boston. Perhaps the most calamitous venture in the early days of New England was that of the Great Ship which carried large investments of many members of the New Haven colony and some of its most prominent personages, includ- ing Captain Turner, Mr. Gregson, Mr. Lamberton and 162 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Mrs. Goodyear. The Great Ship was of only 160 tons burden; she sailed in 1646 and was never heard of again. The loss nearly ruined the little colony and so profoundly impressed the popular imagination that the vessel's phan- tom became a local legend. The inventories of the estates of those who were lost in this disaster afford a clear view of the household goods of prominent people of the early days of the colony. George Lamberton was worth jf 1,200. He was especially rich in linen (including 80 napkins), bed covering, "car- pets," cupboard, table, board and chimney cloths. He also owned down and feather beds with "curtains, valence and stuff for hangings;" I silk, 4 window and 8 other cushions; needlework for a cupboard cloth, ^i-io-o; sil- ver plate to the value of ^36; 4 chests, 2 trunks and 6 boxes ; 1 1 chairs and 5 stools ; i square, i round and i drawing table; a case of boxes, a cupboard, and fire-irons and andirons. A globe with a Turkey covering was worth the large sum of ^7 ; and the dwelling, lot, etc., with outhouses and pump was valued at ^255. The above-mentioned cupboard, adorned with bright cloths and silver plate, is found in practically every house- hold of the day. A fine specimen of carved oak, belong- ing to Mr. Walter Hosmer, of Wethersfield, Conn., is represented both open and shut (see frontispiece and facing page 158). It was called the "court cupboard," "press cupboard," or, simply, "cupboard." The present example was probably brought in by one of the first settlers, for the upper part has the half hexagon shape of many of the Elizabethan pieces. (See plate facing page 36.) Mr. Thomas Gregson's house had seven or eight rooms. 163 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The hall contained a table with carpet, a form, a chair, 2 covered chairs, 4 low and 5 joint stools, a clock and a great chest. The chimney was furnished with andirons, shovel, tongs, an iron crane and hooks. Two window cushions made an additional comfortable seat. The other rooms con- tained eight rlock and feather beds with curtains, rods, etc.; there were "hangings for the chamber," window curtains, and ample bed, table and household linen. Books to the value of ^"2-5-0, silver plate (33 oz.), 77 Ibs. of pewter and a warming-pan are also found. The parlour was fur- nished with two tables (one of which was round) one car- pet, one cupboard and cloth, eight chairs with four green cushions and thirteen stools, four window cushions, ten cur- tains, and andirons, hooks, fire-irons, etc. The house also contained another table and cupboard. The estate totalled ^"490, the house being worth about ^148. Mrs. Goodyear was the wife of the Governor, who sur- vived her twelve years. His inventory (1658), with a total of ^804-9-10, also shows much comfort and elegance. Coverings, "carpets," hangings, cloths, curtains, cushions and linen abound. The seats comprise " three covered chairs, a great chair, twelve lesser chairs, a little chair, stools, six stools, six joined stools and two plain forms." Besides curtained beds, the furniture included chests, trunks, a chest of drawers, a cupboard, a court cupboard, a side cupboard, a "screetore," a drawing table, a long "draw table," two round and two small tables. Brass andirons, silver plate, and the usual pewter and kitchen stuff in suffi- cient quantity are also found. The "great chair," above mentioned, was undoubt- edly similar to the one opposite, which is a massive piece of furniture of turned and carved oak. The joints 164 CARVED OAK CHAIR Brought to Ipswich in J6jj. Owned bv the Essex Institute, Sti/etn, A/ass. Sre Page CLOCK WITH JAPANNED CASE Made in England. O-ivned by Mr. Walter Hosmer t W ether sfield) Conn. Set page 777. BRASS CLOCK WITHOUT CASE Owned by Mr. Henry Fitz Waters % Salem^ Mass. See page 172. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS are mortised and tenoned and held together with wooden pegs. This kind of "baronial oak" was still found in many houses during the Jacobean period. The desirability of the ever present cushion is very evident. This handsome specimen was brought to Ipswich by the Dennis family in 1634, and was presented by Mr. Robert Brookhouse to the Essex Historical Society, Salem, Mass., in 1 82 1 . A similar chair, which differs only in carving and inlay, is owned by Mr. John J. Bingley, of Hanover, Penn. An oak chair said to have been brought into the country in the Hector in 1633, among the possessions of the first emigrants to Newbury, is owned by Miss Poore at Indian Hi//, near Newburyport, Mass. Mr. Francis Brewster, another of the early notabilities of New Haven, died in 1647, when the colony had already lost much of its prosperity. His estate was valued at ,555, whereas four years before it had been valued at ^1,000. In the Great Ship he had lost ^50. His "house, home lot, and all the farm" were appraised at ^200. His furniture was not especially rich, though by no means plain. An East India quilt and an East India cabinet and some blue dishes show the intercourse with the neighbour- ing Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam, which was a great emporium for Oriental goods, as will appear in our next section. Besides the beds and a good deal of linen and pewter, the most noticeable articles are a looking-glass, four window cushions, five other cushions, and three blue chairs. The only other seats mentioned are three stools. He also has " two old sackbuts." He was connected with our next example, Fear Brewster having been married to Isaac Aller- ton in 1626. Isaac Allerton, the enterprising and restless gentleman 16* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS trader, fifth signer of the Mayflower compact, lived in Plymouth, New York, Virginia, and, finally, New Haven. There he had a " grand house on the creek with four porches." When it was pulled down the workmen reported that the timber was all of the finest oak and the " best of joiners had placed it in position." At his death in 1658, his estate only amounted to ^i 18-5-2. The furniture was small in quantity, though by no means common. It included a great chair and two other chairs, a draw table and a form, a chest of drawers, a small old table, five cush- ions, carpets, beds, five brass candlesticks, and the usual pewter, andirons, etc. A fine example of the most fashionable table at this period faces page 160. It was originally one of the varieties of small "drawing tables." The top slab is comparatively new. The great bulbs in the legs are black with the favourite ebony effect found in all the drawing tables and so many of the old bedsteads. This is a rare specimen, as the table with a drawer seldom occurs in the New England inventories so early as this. It was brought to Salem by John Pickering in 1636, and has been in the present Pickering house ever since it was built in 1650, where it is now in the possession of Mr. John Pickering. Governor Theophilus Eaton, who was for so long the dominant figure in the New Haven Colony, had a very fine home for his numerous family. He died in 1658, and we cannot find a better example of a man of wealth and posi- tion. Unlike the majority of so many houses of the day, his hall contained no bed. We find two tables, one round and one "drawing"; the latter was attended with two long forms. Then there were two high and four low chairs, four high and two low stools, and six high joint stools. To 1 66 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS make these comfortable, there were six green and four set- work cushions. A livery, or court, cupboard stood against the wall and was covered with a cloth and cushions. There were two fireplaces in the hall, garnished with one large and one small pair of brass andirons, tongs, fire pans, and bellows. The tables were adorned with two Turkey car- pets. There was also "a great chair with needlework." Other articles mentioned are a pewter cistern and a can- dlestick. The livery cupboard above mentioned was prob- ably the "dresser" against which the Governor's violent wife thumped her step-daughter's (Mistress Mary's) head, according to the servant's evidence at the lady's trial. The parlour contained a bedstead and trundle bed, with curtains and bedding, a great table, a livery cupboard, a high and a low chair, six high stools with green and red covers, two low stools and the usual brass chimney ware. " Mr. Eaton's chamber " contained a canopy bed with feather bedding, curtains, and valance, a little cup- board with drawers, another bed, bedding and curtains, two chests, a box, and two cases of bottles, a desk, two chairs, three high joint stools and three low stools. The room had hangings, and curtains were at the windows. The hearth had its usual appointments of brass, and an iron back. Other apartments included the "Green Chamber," in which the table and cupboard cloths, carpets, cushions and curtains were green and some of them laced and fringed. There were also Turkey-work and needlework cushions and rich hangings about the chamber. A bedstead with down bedding and tapestry covering, a great chair, two little ones, six low stools, a looking-glass, a couch and appurtenances, a short table, a cypress chest and a valuable 167 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS "cubbord with drawers" were also found here. The fire- place with brass furnishings was not wanting. The "Blue Chamber" was also plentifully furnished, the hangings, rugs and curtains being of the same hue. A great deal of household linen was kept here in two trunks, an iron-bound case, and a great cupboard with drawers, which was worth half as much again as the one in the " Green Chamber." There were three other chambers besides the kitchen and counting-house, all sufficiently furnished. The count- ing-house contained " a cupboard with a chest of drawers," which was the most expensive article of furniture in the house, being valued at ^4, a square table, a chair, and two iron-bound chests, besides some other trifles. The house contained china, earthenware, pewter, silver plate, .and the usual kitchen stuff; and some books, a globe and a map valued at ^48-15-0 also occur. The total amounted to ^1,440-15-0. The decline of prosperity had affected the Governor, in common with the rest of the community, since in 1643 his possessions had been valued at ^3,000. The great cupboard with drawers in the " Blue Cham- ber," as well as those in the " Green Chamber," cannot be better illustrated than by the example, belonging to Mr. Charles R. Waters, Salem, Mass.,- and shown on page 169, the panelling and applied black spindle ornaments of which were in great favour, during this period, for cup- boards as well as for chests and chests of drawers. These ornaments were often made of maple and stained black to represent ebony. When brass trimmings are found, these are often later additions, as the handles were generally wooden knobs in character with the spindles. In most of the cupboards, chests, etc., the drawers are not in pairs, as 1 68 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS they appear, and as the knobs and divisions would seem to show, but are one long drawer, as in this example. (See also facing page 214.) The compartments above and below the middle drawer are fitted with shelves. A glance at this plate will make perfectly clear what is meant by the fre- quent mention of plate and porcelain on the cupboard, in the cup- board, and on the cupboard head. The cupboard has already been defined on pages 22 and 36. The household possessions, already enumerated, afford ample evidence that comfort and elegance were by no means rare in the New England home during the reign of Charles I. The fanatical Puritan, with his hatred of images and idolatrous pictures and carving, was not yet in full control. England was still the principal battle-ground, and on the execution of the King in 1649, the colonies received a large influx of fugi- tive Royalists, followed in turn by Cromwell's followers at the Restoration eleven years later. Domestic carved oak naturally shared somewhat in the disgrace into which eccle- siastical art work had fallen in Puritanical minds. The 169 OAK CUPBOARD WITH DRAWKRS In the house of" Mr. Clurlrs R. Wjtets, Salem, MJSS. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS bare walls and hideous plaster ceiling, for which our thanks are still due to the Puritan iconoclasts, doubtless extended their severe influence to the furniture in a "root-and- branch" community. Anything that recalled the carved rood screens, high altars, or choir stalls, would be objec- tionable, and so the great carved oak chairs, chests, livery cupboards, cabinets, etc., became unpopular with this class on both sides of the water, and Dutch influences in furni- ture reached New England through Leyden and New Am- sterdam even before the style accompanied William of Orange into Old England. It must not be supposed, how- ever, that all were of the same mind. New England was not settled exclusively by Nonconformists and schismatics. Roger Conant was a good type of the Episcopalian, and Sir Christopher Gardiner was as dissolute and turbulent as the average cavalier was reputed to be by the godly. Men of birth and breeding, men accustomed to courts and kings' chambers, men of means and respectability, were by no means the exception in the various settlements. Sir Harry Vane was only a sojourner in the land ; but the Saltonstalls were aristocratic settlers. Ladies of title also did not hesi- tate to cross the seas and incur the hardships and dangers of a frontier life. Among others there was Lady Arabella Johnson, the daughter of an English earl. She, however, died at Salem within a month of her arrival, in August, 1630; and her husband soon followed her. Lady Susan Humfrey, sister of the Earl of Lincoln, also arrived at Boston in 1634. It was not poverty that brought them here. Then there was Lady Moody, a cousin of Sir H. Vane, who came to Salem in 1639. Unfortunately, she seriously differed with the local authorities on the subject of baptism and found it convenient to proceed further be- 170 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS fore very long. In 1643 she went to Gravesend (L. I.), and died there in 1659. Isaac Allerton successfully steered his political craft through the shoals and breakers of the corrupt Stuart court ; and Brewster had been with Secretary Davison before he fell into disgrace with the Virgin Queen. Men of position, wealth and learning came to New Eng- land in considerable numbers. In 1638 Winthrop notes in his diary: "Many ships arrived this year, with people of good quality and estate, notwithstanding the Council's order that none such should come without the King's order." Among those who in- tended to come, history mentions Oliver Cromwell himself. If he had not been prevented, Charles I. might not have lost his head. Some of those who arrived were quite wealthy : Thomas Flint, of Concord, brought in an estate of ^"2,000. Numerous inventories show that this class of settlers was not satisfied with such primitive furniture as could be constructed with a hammer, board and nails. " Baronial oak," plate, pictures, clocks, fine linen, tapestry and other hangings testify of luxury in addition to mere con- venience. It is noticeable too that even ministers of the Gos- pel would "manage to submit to these luxurious superflui- ties." The Rev. John Norton's inventory (Boston, 1663) amounted to 2, 095-3-0. Among his numerous posses- sions were 729 books, ^300 ; i 32 oz. of plate, ^33 : a case of drawers containing English and Spanish coins, ^135; and a clock and case in the parlour. Another divine who owned something beyond his staff and scrip was the Rev. Joseph Haines, of Hartford. In 1679, his estate totalled ,2,280. Mr. Norton's clock and case is a very early instance of the tall clock. An early example of one with a japanned 171 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS case faces page 168. According to the name on the dial, it was made by Thomas Gardner, who was a member of the London Society of Clockmakers in 1687. This speci- men belongs to Mr. Walter Hosmer, Wethersfield, Conn. The brass clock without case is of earlier date. It was made by Jno. Snatt, of Ashford, and belongs to Mr. Henry Fitz Waters, Salem, Mass. Evidence of " bravery," fashion and other worldly vanities are plainly visible in New England during the seventeenth century, despite the efforts of the city fathers to repress such forms of sin. The pursuit of worldly pleasure gave great trouble to the patriarchs. The taste for elegance in the home, or the love of fine linen, was not left behind in England by all the pilgrims, by any means. An extract from a letter written by Winthrop in 1630 shows how serious the evil was in some cases. "A godly woman of the church of Boston, dwelling sometime in London, brought with her a parcel of very fine linen of great value, which she set her heart too much upon, and had been at charge to have it all newly washed and cur- iously folded and pressed, and so left it in the press in her parlour over night. She had a negro maid who went into the room very late, and let fall some snuff of the candle upon the linen, so as by morning all the linen was burned to tinder, and the boards underneath, and some stools and a part of the wainscot burned, and never perceived by any in the house, though some lodged in the chamber over- head, and no ceiling between. But it pleased God that the loss of this linen did her much good, both in taking off her heart from worldly comforts, and in preparing her for a far greater affliction by the untimely death of her husband, who was slain not long after at Isle of Providence." THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The press mentioned above is plainly not a press cup- board, so often occurring in the inventories, but the screw- press which is still used in some modern households for keeping the linen smooth. The linen must have been ex- posed for the maid to be able to drop candle snuff upon it. The "boards underneath" also show what it was. Skilled craftsmen were among the immigrants, not merely carpenters and housewrights, but turners, joiners, cabinet-makers and even carvers ; and these men were quite capable of making all the furniture in fashion from the excellent and varied timber that abounded in the woods. The principal woods used were oak, ash, elm, walnut, maple and pine. Red cedar also frequently occurs. As new fashions were introduced from abroad, they were copied here, and the constant arrivals of English and foreign workmen rendered importations unnecessary ex- cept in the case of what only the rich could afford. Even the joiners seem to have produced most of their work to order and to have kept a modest stock. As an example, we may take David Saywell, who died in Boston in 1672. He was an Englishman who came from Salisbury. His goods on sale consisted of " new bedsteads, 32 shillings ; 10 joint stools and 6 chair frames, 2 ; 24 pairs of iron screws and nuts, ^2-8-0; glue, 3 shillings; 2 chests, 3 tables, i cup- board, 2 desks, 2 boxes, 2 cabinets and some new work in the shop not finished; working tools, a lathe and benches in the shop, ^5; boards and timber in the yard, ^14." John Scotton, another joiner of the same township (died 1 678), had in his shop: 4 boxes, 7 shillings; 3 chests, 18 shillings; 2 bedsteads, ji-i 2-0; I chest with drawers, $ ; and boards, plank, timber and joiner's tools to the value of ^20-6-5. Three pounds was quite a high price for a chest 73 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of drawers at that day, and shows that it must have been an unusually fine piece of workmanship. An example of an ornate chest with drawers of native manufacture faces page 176. It consists of two long drawers beneath a roomy well, the whole supported by four plain square legs. The ornamentation consists of maple or birch applied spindles, stained to imitate ebony, and painted panels. The designs are conventional roses and leaves of ivory-white and rich red, and the panels are of soft wood, as was customary with painted chests made in Connecticut and the vicinity during the seventeenth cen- tury. Sometimes, in similar specimens, the colouring is blue and green. This piece belongs to Mr. Walter Hosmer, of Wethersfield, Conn., and has been in the possession of the present owner's family for several generations. Labour was of course particularly valuable in the new colonies. In 1626, the court of Plymouth Colony decreed that " no handicrafts men soever as taylors, shoemakers, car- penters, joiners, smiths, sawiers, or whatsoever which doe or may reside or belong to this plantation of Plimoth shall use their science or trads at home or abroad, for any strangers or foriners till such time as the necessity of the colony be served." In 1630, the rate of skilled labour was sixteen pence per day. In 1633, master carpenters, saw- yers, joiners, etc., are forbidden to receive above two shil- lings per day, "finding themselves dyett," and not above fourteen pence if boarded. The joiners who came here were not all indentured servants; some were already pros- perous tradesmen in England. In 1637, Samuel Dix, joiner, left Norwich for Boston with his wife, two children and two apprentices, William Storey and Daniel Linsey. In 1635, John Davies, aged twenty-nine, arrived in the Increase; 174 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and Ralph Mason, aged thirty-five, with wife and four chil- dren in the Abigail. A joiner named Edward Johnson, who was certainly prosperous, arrived two years later from Canterbury, with his wife, seven children and three ser- vants. Two Salem joiners mentioned in 1665 and 1671 were Samuel Belknap and John Taylor. Although skilled labour was a great desideratum in New England, the town authorities were very careful not to admit shiftless persons into the community. Somebody had to go bail for every new comer who was without visible means of support. Numerous instances of this custom ex- ist. For example, on August 30, 1 680, we read : " I, John Usher, of Boston, merchant, bind me unto Captain Thomas Brattle, treasurer of the said town in the sum of forty pounds that William Smith, joiner, shall not be chargeable to the town." Again on December 25, 1680, we find that Robert Medlecot, merchant, signed the bond of John Blake, joiner. There seems to have been nothing approaching a guild, or solidarity, in the various trades: those who went on the bond of others were not necessarily of the same trades. To take a few examples: October 31, 1681, William Taylor and Eliakim Hutchinson became sureties to the town for John Clarke, cabinet-maker, and Robert Holland, joiner, and their families. June 25, 1682, Manasses Beck, joiner, is surety for John Hayward, shopkeeper, and family ; July 31, 1682, Ebenezer Savage, upholsterer, for John Bur- der and family; July 30, 1683, William Killcupp, turner, for Roger Killcupp and family ; David Edwards, mariner, for William Davis, clockmaker and family ; Joshua Lamb of Roxbury, merchant, for John Wolfenderer, upholsterer, and family; October 27, 1684, Thomas Stapleford, chairmaker, *7S THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS for Thomas Mallet, draper, and family; August 5, 1685, Thomas Wyborne and Stephan Sergeant for Joseph Hill, varnisher, and family ; March 31, 1 690, Solomon Rayns- ford, joiner, for Edward Morse and family ; May 7, 1 697, Jeremiah Bumstead, joiner, for Provided Medwinter and family; June 24, 1700, William Crow, trunkmaker, for Exercise Connant and family. In a list of persons not ad- OAK CRADLE AND TABLE Belonging to the Coffin family. Now owned by the Newburyport Historical Society. mitted as inhabitants of Boston in 1683 we find one "Alex- ander More, upholsterer, at Philip Squires." On this page is shown an oak cradle made in 1680 by Sergeant Stephen Jacques for John, the eldest son of Moses and Lydia Coffin. The oak table belonged to Joseph Coffin of the same family. Both pieces were presented to the Newburyport Historical Society by H. and A. Little, of Peabody, Mass. Sergeant Jacques was a master work- man who built the meeting-house. Prosperous joiners and turners were plentiful throughout New England. In 1647, Edward Larkin of Charleston, turner, sold a tenement. Thomas Roads was a joiner of 176 w ^ * v 1 Q 5 <^ -"S E ** u ai^ r- 1 fi -K .- ' // W . ffi ^ (J ^5 o j THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS local importance at Kittery, Me., in 1680, and his name appears in many deeds. Others of that trade in York County were Philip Hubhard, Joseph Hill, Nathaniel Mendum (Portsmouth), Samuel Brackit, Joseph Harris, John Norton, and John Woodbridge of Newbury, who was quite wealthy. It must be remembered that the joiner was what we now call the cabinet-maker. The latter term seldom appears in the records, though, as we have noted, John Clarke, cabinet-maker, went to Boston in 1681. The brave Phineas Pratt, prominent in the disasters that overtook Thomas Weston's colony in Weymouth in 1622, was a joiner; so also was Kenelm Wynslow, of Ply- mouth in 1 634 ; a certain John Jenny was apprenticed to the latter for five years, and died in 1672. Others of that craft who lived at Boston during the seventeeth century included Jacob Fernside, Samuel Chanler, Samuel Clough, Thomas Edwards, William Smith, Thomas Hichborne, David Ste- phens, Mathew Turner, Richard Draper, George Nicker- son, Jacob Halloway, William Wilson, John White, William Payne, Thomas Livermore, William Howel, John Pricherd, Henry Messenger, Ralph Carter, John Cunnabel and Thomas Warren. Henry Messenger was a joiner residing in Boston prior to 1640; he died in 1 68 I, owning property appraised at ^'500. To his eldest son John he left "five shillings and no more for reasons best known to myself." Another son, Henry, was a joiner also. He died in 1686 worth j^ 338. His timber, boards, plank, working tools and glue at the shop were valued at ^'12-9-6. He did not keep any stock. He had an apprentice named Benjamin Thrcadneedle. The records occasionally give us a hint of the actual work done by these local tradesmen. Captain William Hudson, who seems to have kept an inn, died in 177 THK FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS 1690. At that day the public rooms had distinguishing names. In this case the rooms were called the " Rose," " An- chor," " Castle," and "Swan." The " Castle " and " Swan " contained two cupboards, each appraised at eight shillings, made by Nathaniel Adams of Boston. At his death in 1690, the latter had ash, oak, ironwood and lignum-vitae in his shop. Thomas Livermore had in his shop at his death in 1710, " two cases of drawers part made, and 100 feet of black walnut, /2-i5-o." Ralph Carter ( died 1699) was worth ^,"72, of which his tools and turning-wheel came to ^6. Matthew Smith, turner, and Thomas Webb and Jonathan Wardell, joiners, also lived in Boston at the close of the century. The latter was quite wealthy, his estate amount- ing to ^1,207 at his death in 1721. The example, on this page, of an oak court cupboard, supposed to have been made by a New England joiner, is owned by Mr. George Dudley Seymour, of New Haven, 178 COURT CUPBOARD Owned by Mr. George Dudley Seymour, New Haven, Conn. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Conn. Ebony was scarce in this country, and therefore the black egg ornaments and turned pillars of this piece are of white wood stained black to represent this wood. However, it is not to be concluded from this fact that every specimen with stained black ornaments is of native make, for pieces of English and Flemish make frequently have ornaments of pear and other woods stained in imitation of ebony. It will be noticed that this specimen is almost identical with the one on page 207. Although New England possessed such varied and bountiful woods, choice foreign timber was not entirely despised. Even cedar was brought in from Bermuda and used in the construction of chests, and yet mahogany, strange to say, was very slow in coming into favour, even if it was generally known to the cabinet-makers. It seems to have been practically non-existent in Boston till about 1730, when an occasional table or dressing-box begins to appear in the inventories. The amount of furniture made in the colonies, however, must have been considerable, since it became an article of trade with the southern colo- nies, and articles of New England furniture are expressly mentioned in the Charleston inventories. Delicate work- manship was at the command of the native cabinet-makers. Edward Budd, a carver by trade, was living in Boston as early as 1678 ; Richard Knight was another who paid his tax in 1685, and the names of other members of the same craft would reward research. A specimen of native carving of this period faces page 178. It is a panelled oak chest with one drawer, and be- longs to Mr. Walter Hosmer, Wethersfield, Conn. Another branch of the business was upholstery. Joseph Juet, an upholsterer, appears on the Boston tax list for "79 i 688. A set of carpenter's and joiner's tools is found in the inventory of many a yeoman, husbandman and trades- man, so that much household furniture of the rougher sort, such as boards and trestles, forms, benches, settles, stools, etc., must have been knocked together for common use by many a householder. To be handy with the tools was a common accomplishment. Entries in the diary of the Rev. Jasper Green, of Salem, at the close of this period, show that members of the ministry took pleasure in man- ual labor of all kinds. The following are a few examples : " 1707, Apr. i, Turned the entry door. Apr. 9, Saml Goodale making our clock case. May 6, Very busy fin- ishing our clock case. May 9, Coloured our clock case. Aug. i i , I got the mantel-tree." In the early part of this century, chairs were the seats of the mighty only ; the more prosperous households rarely contained more than two or three, and these are usually found in the hall. The chair was a seat of ease for rest after the day's toil ; it also had a certain dignity, and was reserved for the heads of the house. Stools, forms and set- tles constituted the ordinary seats. In 1652, the only seats in Adam Winthrop's house were four chairs, a settle-chair and fourteen stools. Before 1650, the inventories seldom specify the kind of chair ; but there were few varieties. The value of the ordinary chair was very slight; a common entry in the inventories is a trifling sum set down to "wooden goods and other lumber," thus contemptuously dismissing all the wooden furniture in the house. The cheapest kinds of chairs that were considered worth separate appraisement were eight pence each, which sum was a joiner's wages for about half a day. The prices vary greatly, however. In 1646, four chairs and six stools come to forty shillings; 1*0 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CARVED OAK. CHAIR Owned by Mr. Walter Hosmcr, Wcthcrsfield, Conn. and in 1652 four small chairs are six shillings, while two chairs and a child's chair are five times as much. The child's chair was very general. It is noticeable that its form has not changed to the present day. It was made of oak, and several carved examples of a child's chair 181 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS with solid back, sides and scat still exist in museums. The more usual kind, however, had turned arms, rungs and up- rights, and was rush- or sedge-bottomed. A bar was fitted into holes at the ends of the arms to keep the child from falling out, and a foot-rest was fitted at a convenient height as in the modern chairs. William Blanchard (1652) had a child's chair which, together with two others, evidently of the same make (carved oak probably, considering the very high price), was valued at ^"i-io-o. An example of a child's chair faces this page. It was brought from Eng- land by Richard Mather in 1635. It long remained in the family and was used by Increase, Cotton, and Samuel Mather. The foot-rest has been lost, but the holes are still visible ; the rod that served to keep the child from falling out has also disappeared with time. The chair is now in the rooms of the American Antiquarian Society at Worcester, Mass. The various kinds mentioned were the "wainscot," or oak, chair with solid sides, seat and back, sometimes plain, and sometimes ornamented with carving in relief; the turned chair, with massive and ugly legs, rungs and back bars; "matted," "bass," "wicker," "joined," "wrought," Turkey-work and leather chairs. With the exception of "wainscot," the wood is rarely mentioned, although black walnut was rapidly growing in favour as a substitute for oak and was soon to take its place. An example of the carved oak chair has already been given facing page 164. Another without arms, belonging to Mr. Walter Hosmer, Wethersfield, Conn., appears on page i 8 i . The leather chair existed in several varieties and was expensive. The seven leather chairs in John Cotton's ita RUSH-BOTTOMED CHAIR Originally vwntd by Philip Rtd (t6y8} { now in tbi Antiquarian Society, Concord, Man. Stt pagt 187. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CARVED OAK CHAIR AND CHAIR ORIGINALLY COVERED WITH LEATHER From the house of Mr. Charles R. Watert, Salem, Mass Great Parlour in 1652 cost ^3, which was also the value of the eight ** red leathered hack chairs and two low leather hack stools" standing in the parlour of Captain William Tinge in 1653; whereas the "seven leather and one green chair" in the hall of Major-General Gibbons in 1654 were worth only ji. William Paddy had "eleven Russia leather chairs in the hall, at eleven shillings, and five others, .3-5-0," in 1658; and six old leather chairs be- longing to John Coggan at the same date were together 183 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CANE CHAIR AND CHAIR ORIGINALLY COVERED WITH LEATHER Both specimens are owned by Miss Hayes, Cambridge, Mass. valued at twelve shillings. This John Coggan was a mer- chant who in 1633 opened the first shop in Boston. In 1659, Jacob Sheafe's estate included twelve red leather chairs, ^"5. The leather chair was therefore worth from two to thirteen shillings, and was found only in the best houses. The above gentlemen were all wealthy Bostonians. The leather chairs were made high and low, with and without arms. The high one in its simplest form was what is now commonly known as the Venetian chair, and was very general throughout Western Europe in the late Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. It had a square frame THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and was slightly carved on the front feet, projecting ends of the arms, and tops of the back supports on which the leather was fastened with brass studs. The top of the back usually rose in a curved peak and the arms were slightly curved and ended in a scroll. The leather back did not come all the way down to the seat. The seat was also covered with leather fastened down with studs. The arms of the owner were often stamped upon the centre of the leather back. The low leather chair was still simpler, with square frame, the leather leaving the lower part of the back open. More elaborate specimens, such as the Spanish chairs made of chestnut, had dark brown leather stamped with scrolls, birds, animals and floral designs. The frame- work was carved with leafwork and scrolls, similar to the cane-backed walnut chair, which it closely resembled. This style of chair has already been fully illustrated in Parts I. and II. Two additional examples may be seen on pages 183 and 184. These were low leather chairs, although now upholstered with modern materials: that on page 183, with a carved oak front bar, is now in the home of Mr. Charles R. Waters, Salem, Mass. The second one on page 1 84 is of somewhat later date and is owned by Miss Hayes, in Cambridge, Mass. The wicker chair of woven willow and other pliant twigs occurs quite early. It was cushioned and luxurious, and worth as much as a good leather chair. In 1652, John Cotton's wicker chair was set down at six shillings and eight pence, eight pence more than his four bass chairs. Four shillings was the sum credited to another belonging to William Paddy six years later. In Henry Webb's bedroom ( 1660) was a wicker chair and cushion, ^'0-5-0. In 1646, Christopher Stanley had "one Cabbin THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS RUSH-BOTTOM AND CANE CHAIRS The central one transformed into a rocking chair. Owned by the Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, Conn. and one wicker chair, ^i-io-o," an exceedingly high price. The bass-bottomed chair was worth from one to two, the "mat" chair from two to three, and the joined chair from four to five shillings. The value of the "sedge" chair was about eighteen pence. Rush-, reed- and sedge- bottomed chairs were very plentiful and popular. The rush-bottomed chair was often painted green, the fashion having been brought in by the English settlers from Leyden. In North Holland this "green" chair was uni- versally used during the seventeenth century, and the name frequently occurs in the New England inventories. Another green chair often mentioned, however, is of quite a different nature and far more costly. Examples of rush-bottomed chairs are shown facing 186 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS RUSH-BOTTOM, TURNED AND CANE CHAIRS Owned by the Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, Conn. page 184 and on pages 186 and 187. The one facing page 184 originally belonged to Philip Reed ( 1698) and is now in the Antiquarian Society, Concord, Mass. It is an early example of the "wing chair." The back and sides are covered with a gay flowered cretonne. The rush-bottomed chair with back of slats painted black, on this page, be- longed to the Stanley family of Connecticut and is now owned by the Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, Conn. The central chair on this page is an oak turned chair of the seventeenth century, clumsy and heavy; to the right of this is a cane chair that came from the VVyllys home, Charter Oak. It is interesting to compare this with one of Penn's chairs on page 85. These specimens are in the possession of the Connecticut Historical Society, Hart- ford, Conn., which also owns the pieces represented on page i 86. The one in the centre is an old chair. It has been 187 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS transformed into a rocking chair in the rudest manner and feeble arms painted black have been added. The chair to its right has four splats rounded at the back and cut flat in front. The third chair is rush-bottomed with split balus- ters in the back. CANK CHAIRS Owned. by the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. The three chairs from the American Antiquarian So- ciety, Worcester, Mass., are also typical forms of this period. In some of the wealthier houses, the severe form of chair that had to be made really comfortable with a cushion was supplemented by another kind that made its way into England from Venice. The chairs were upholstered on the arms, seat and back, and the legs were made in the 188 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS shape of a curved X. Many examples of this style of chair are to be seen in the seventeenth-century pictures. The chairs were accompanied with stools and often with foot- stools, also supported by the curved X legs, and with stuffed seats. Two armchairs and six stools made up the set, and an upholstered sofa, or couch, often went with it. These were certainly brought into New England before 1650, and the favourite colours in which the pieces were upholstered were red, green and blue. Captain William Tinge ( 1653) had in his hall " one great green chair, six high back chairs and two low back chairs, and one old green elbo chair all cased, ^6"; and "one green couch laid with a case, j2-io-o." In another room there was "a great cushion for a couch, ji." These high prices show that the arti- cles belonged to the class of sumptuous furniture. An in- teresting example of a couch of cane, with an armchair the seat of which should be cane like the back, appears on page 190. These pieces originally belonged to the Bulkeley family and are owned by the Antiquarian Society, Concord, Mass. The hall of Major-General Gibbons ( 1654) contained one green and seven leather chairs valued at i. Velvet and damask were the materials used in upholstering these chairs. William Paine (1660) had four red stools and two red cloth chairs with fringe. Major-Genera] Gibbons possessed ten yellow damask chairs which, although old, were worth ^4-10-0. In the inven- tory of the late Comfort Starr of Boston (1659) a "great damask chair" also occurs. The hall chamber of Henry Webb (1660) contained "seven green chairs and stools, four with fringes and three with galloone, ^3-10-0;" and twelve leather chairs, six low and six high, ^'4-4-0. These "green" chairs were therefore in the same class with the 119 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CANE COUCH AND ARMCHAIR Owned by the Bulkeley family, now by the Antiquarian Society, Concord, Mass. finest Russia-leather chairs of the day and must not be confounded with the Dutch green rush-bottomed chairs. The Turkey-work chair was also in use before 1650. It was equal in value to the best leather chair. In 1658, William Paddy had two, valued at sixteen shillings each; but it became cheaper before long. Its bright-coloured worsted designs made it very popular and, as chairs came into common use during the second half of the century, it was found in almost every household. As we have seen, the stools which accompanied the chairs sometimes had cross legs, curved or straight, and padded seats covered with the same material as the chairs. The edges were usually fringed. The buffet (not tuffet), the seat occupied by Little Miss Muffet of nursery-rhyme fame, has nothing to do with the 190 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS other buffet (spelt heaufait and beaufitt in the inventories on its appearance late in the century) and must be carefully distinguished from it. In 1611 Cotgrave had defined the French word scabeau as a "burfit or joined stool to sit on." In Skinner's Rtymologicon (1671) it is described as "a light seat without arms or back, indeed it may easily supply the place of a table." It usually had four turned legs with con- necting stretchers close to the ground, and thus resembled a miniature table. Governor Thomas Dudley's parlour chamber (1653) contained "a chair and two buffet stools and cover for chair, seventeen shillings; two green buffet stools, a livery cup- board and cloth, fourteen shillings." Other stools were the joint stools, and low and high stools. These had three or four legs, and were often made comfortable with cushions. Dudley's parlour contained "six joine stools, three chairs and ten cushions." John Cotton (1652) had 26 chairs, including a little table chair, about 30 stools, 6 forms, and a couch. Cap- tain Tinge's seats consisted of one form, one couch, 1 8 chairs and 20 stools. The latter were in considerable variety, consisting of 4 back stools. 4 low stools, 2 low stools with blue covers, 2 low stools with leather backs, 6 high Tur- key-work stools, and 2 low leather stools. Thus stools were upholstered with the same material as chairs, and the addition of backs makes it hard to draw a sharp line be- tween stools and chairs. The foot-stool is seldom mentioned : Thomas Thatcher has a cricket in 1686. During the second half of the century, chairs became much more plentiful, and a prosperous home contained a great variety while the stools gradually diminished in num- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS her. In 1656, the wealthy Robert Keayne had only half a dozen chairs in the house, the other seats being stools and forms. Henry Shrimpton (1666) owned forty- two chairs and twenty-four stools. Antipas Boyse (1669) had forty-seven chairs and twenty-one stools. The varie- ties in these two houses included leather work with backs, low leather, Turkey-work, arm, wicker, low green, turned, low, child's, and matted high chairs; forty-two of the eighty- nine being some form of leather. The stools were joint, leather, wrought, and "cushion." In 1672, William Whit- tingham possessed forty-two chairs and but two wrought stools. These included fourteen Turkey-work, eight Russia leather, six calves' leather, one child's high, large arm, six low chairs with covers and silk fringes and "six covered with bayes." Richard Bellingham's stools were six and his chairs twenty-six in number in the same year. Among them were eight turned chairs with sedge bottoms and two cushions. In 1675, Captain Scarlet had 6 Turkey-work, 2 wicker, i great wicker, 3 blue, 6 red, 6 high leather, and 10 red damask chairs. No stools are mentioned in his house, nor in those of John Freack (1675) and Nathan Raynsford (1676) who possessed forty-five and twenty-five chairs respectively. In 1677, Hanna Douglas has seven serge and four small green chairs, and Hope Allen has a large and a small green chair and two green stools, worth ^1-3-0. No stools are in the inventory of Humphrey Warren (1680), nor of Jeremiah Gushing (1681): their chairs numbered sixty-three and fifty-one. John Wensley (1686) owned sixty-two chairs and six stools; Captain Thomas Berry (1697) fifty chairs and one stool; and Robert Brons- 192 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS den (1702), sixty-nine chairs. The chairs and stools upholstered in red, green and blue are found in the best houses until the end of the century. In 1691 Dr. Jonathan Avery has "two red buffet stools wrought," twelve shil- CARVED OAK CHAIR FROM NOVA SCOTIA AND CHAIR (CANE AND OAK) FROM THE WYLLYS HOME Both specimen! are owned by Mrs. Wainwright, Hartford, Conn. See page 194. lings; and four green ones, sixteen shillings. The cheaper "green" chair also lingers: John White (1690) has "Six green flag bottom chairs," nine shillings. The material with which the seats were upholstered was often hand- worked: John Clarke (1691) had five needlework chairs worth five shillings each. There was more than one variety THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of the Turkey-work chair. Besides a cushioned armchair in Robert Bronsden's hall (1702), there were "six Turkey- work chairs," best sort, ^3, and twelve ditto, worst sort, ^3-12-0. A very handsome carved oak chair, the seat of which was originally cane like the back, was brought by Bishop Wainwright from Nova Scotia. This is owned by Mrs. Wainwright, Hartford, Conn. On the same plate is a cane chair of the period. This belonged to the Wyllys family, at Charter Oak, and is also owned by Mrs. Wainwright. A similar chair from Charter Oak, be- longing to the same set, appears on page 187. The cane of these is particularly fine and gives a handsome effect. The chair towards the end of the century is losing its rigid lines and submitting to the curves, sometimes gro- tesque, of the Dutch cabinet-makers. The turned legs with "Spanish feet," sometimes straight and sometimes scrolled, gradually develop well-defined knees and become cabriole legs with hoof and similar feet, at the same time dispensing with the curved front rail and turned straining-rails. The cane frame of the back is first divided in half by a central vertical bar, then the cane on either side disappears, leaving the splat, which is then rendered ornamental by cutting it into various forms. A glance at page 184 and page 186 will show this development. Presently the jar shape splat becomes the favourite ; this is then pierced and carved, gradually following much the same course as Gothic win- dow tracery. Meantime, the carved top sinks into simple curves that also develop into more elegant forms of the bow shape. The French Renaissance is rapidly making its influence felt in the second half of the century, and the Dutch are applying the squat forms they receive from the Orient. The carved oak period has passed and the cabriole 194 SETTLE WITH FOLDING CANDLESTAND 9r*m tbt Talcott House. Owned by Mrs. ff'ainivrigbt, Hart/or J, Con*. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS leg, bombe shapes, and hoof and ball-and-claw feet are obtainable by those who like the new style. It is difficult to trace its coming in default of contemporary notice, but the change was by no means violent or sudden. A book had been published as early as 1550, by Jacques Androuet, in which there was a good deal of what we now call Pompeian design, although it did not become fashionable till the discovery of the buried city nearly two centuries later. In Androuet's book we also find a good deal of what is now styled "Louis Quatorze." Moreover, the leg of a table or a chair ending in an eagle's or dog's claw, and ornamented at the top with a low-relief acanthus leaf, is there exactly. Androuet also uses for ornamentation what Chippendale called " terms." Attention to these facts is drawn by Heaton in his Furniture and Decoration in England During the Eighteenth Century (London 189093). Finally we have forms, settles, settle-chairs and table- chairs or chair-tables. The settle with its high back, pulled beside or in front of the rire, was a welcome shield against the bitter winter gusts that penetrated the wooden / walls of the ordinary house. One of these, with folding candlestand, was long in the Talcott house, Hartford. This is shown facing page 194. It is owned by Mrs. Wain wright, Hartford, Conn. The settle was frequently carved and sometimes had a well, or a drawer, in the seat. Cushions often added to its comfort. A small settle was worth six shillings in 1652. A settle with drawers was appraised at one pound on the death of Thomas Scottow in 1 661. Occasionally a " settle chair " is mentioned. The j small settle was sometimes a combination table and settle, the back turning on a pin and forming the table-top, like the chair-table which was found in many houses (see page 195 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS 159). William Ludkin possessed an old chair-table valued at two shillings and six pence in 1652. In 1658, John Coggan had in his parlour " two table chairs, eight shil- lings " ; and Francis Chickering of Dedham in the same year had a chair table, 2 ; so that the value of this ar- ticle of furniture varies surprisingly, the difference being doubtless due to carved or inlaid ornamentation. A valu- able settee (^2) is found among the household goods of William Bartlett of Hartford, in 1658. A fine Turkey- work settee of this period faces page 198. This was brought to Salem from Normandy by a Huguenot family about 1686. It is owned by the heirs of John Appleton and is now in the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. The frame is oak and the colours of the Turkey-work are rose, blue, buff and light brown, curiously mixed with green, magenta and black. Twenty years ago the average house was severe and bare so far as cushions were concerned ; a soft cushion in a chair or on a sofa was a rarity. The taste for everything Oriental has changed all that, and hard horsehair has been practically banished, but we have only returned to the lik- ings of our Puritan forefathers after all. The stiffness and severity of the carved oak furniture was, as we have seen, greatly relieved by cushions. These are found in profusion in all the comfortable homes. There were cushions on the window-seat, on the chairs, on the settles, on the stools, and even on the cupboards. They were stuffed with down, feathers, flock, cat-tails and any- thing at hand that would serve. The coverings and cases for these cushions were even more varied than the filling. The ordinary cushion was worth about a shilling, and in 1 666 feathers were worth eleven pence per pound. Henry 196 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Shrimpton possessed 834 pounds at that price. It is there- fore evident that the shilling cushion did not contain feath- ers. John George of Watertown (1646) had 11 cushions, ji-io-o, kind not specified. Some of the materials with which cushions were covered appear from the following en- tries ; 2 Turkey-work cushions, i 646 ; 3 gilt do, ^o-8-o, 1650; 5 Turkey-work do, 1-2-6, 1652. Captain Tinge owned (1653) "6 raught window cushions in the presse, 2-0-0; 6 green do, jo-i8-o; 6 Turkey do, jo-i8-o; a great cushion for the couch, \ ; 3 pair window cushions, 2 \ I velvet window do, ^0-12-0; and 10 old cushions, ^0-16-0." Simon Eire (1653) had 6 cushions, 2 ; i window do, 5 pieces of stuff for i i cushions and 2 pieces of fringe, ^"1-1 3-0. Major-General Gibhons had 3 i cushions, including " i i window cushions, 4 damask, 4 velvet, 2 leather, i Turkey -work, ^i-io-o." Anne Hibhins ( 1656) owned a green say cushion ; a " vio- let pinckt cushion, three shillings ; " a velvet do, ten shil- lings ; and a " wrought cushion with gold, five shillings." The material with which the cushions were covered fre- quently matched the curtains and valance, especially in the rich stuffs. The " carpets " and " cupboard cloths " were sometimes uniform also with the cushions and curtains. Needlework on the material was highly prized, and the ladies found time for much work of that nature. The above Anne Hibbins had in addition to her cushions : " a wrought cupboard cloth or great cushion cloth, green say valance, i green cupboard cloth with silk fringe, i green wrought do with do (^2), i wrought valliants, 5 painted calico curtains and valence, i cupboard cloth with fringe, and i wrought Holland cupboard cloth." Bridget Busby (1660) had 8 cushions, and 2 needlework cushions worth 97 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS twice as much as all the others together. She also owned one wrought tester valued at ^2-4-0. This sum was more than the total of the furniture of her room, which consisted of a table and form, a round table, two chairs, a stool, two covered stools, six pictures, a great chest, and- irons, and " some odd trifles over the door." Among Henry Webb's twenty-seven cushions, we note six green cushions mixed with yellow, velvet do, fringed and wrought do ; and " six needlework cushions wrought, four drawn to work, and muskada ends, etc., ^10." The value of the last item is almost incredibly high. Leonard Hoar had five hair cushions in 1675. Tables in New England before 1650 may be disposed of in a few words. The "table and tressells" of Joseph Weld, of Roxbury, was worth three shillings and six pence. Ten shillings was sufficient to buy the " plank table and another small one" in the hall of Thomas Lamb of the same town ; in his parlour was a " framed table and one joyned stool, ^0-13-4." Another fellow-townsman, John Scarbarrow, who died the same year (1646), owned a "table and form, ^0-14-0;" and John George, of Water- town (also 1646) had three tables valued at fifteen shillings. The tables in the hall of Alice Jones, of Dorchester ( 1 642 ), were "a great table bord and form" and a "short table- board" worth fourteen and two shillings respectively. The above were the simplest kinds of table. Tables had been used hitherto as a wordtosignn^ writing- tablets. A familiar instance of this use is Hamlet's cry, " My tables, my tables, meet it is I set it down." Board was the familiar name for the table and it lingered in New Eng- land, as in the above examples, after it had almost disap- peared in the old country. The Elizabethan tables were 198 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS generally boards hinged in the middle for convenience of setting aside when not in use. These boards were sup- ported by trestles. Trestle is the same as " threstule," the three- legged stand which, as we have seen, was the single seat for all but the heads of the household. It was sometimes carved. The permanent was the "framed" table, the legs of which were connected by stretchers close to the floor. The early table, or board, was about thirty inches wide, and the old custom of sitting only on one side was still kept up in many houses. The "table and form" makes this evi- dent. During the reign of Charles the Martyr, broader tables came into use, and the great stationary "folding" and drawing-tables also made their appearance in many homes. The folding-table had from twelve to twenty legs, leaves being added on legs that drew out from the ends and sides, as in a modern folding table. The draw, or drawing, table was made of solid oak ; it was very mas- sive, the legs having the enormous acorn-shaped Dutch ornament. It was inlaid with pear wood in geometrical designs, stained black (see page 63). A handsome table of this kind is owned by Dr. James Read Chadwick, of Boston, Mass. It is 70 inches long, 30 inches high and 32 inches broad. The extensions that draw out from under- neath are the same width as the table and 3 1 inches in length. In Captain Tinge's parlour ( 1653) was "one draw- ing table, 2 ; " and in his hall were " two tables one form, 2." These tables therefore were quite expensive. Gover- nor Dudley's parlour (1653) contained a "table and frame and 6 joine stools and a carpet, ^'5-4-0 "; but this exceeding- ly high valuation may have been due to the " carpet." There were other tables of smaller size, both square and round ; an example even of an octagonal table, dated 1 606, belongs to 199 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the Carpenters' Company in London. A little leaf table, jo-8-o, was in Simon Eire's inner hall (1658). Jacob Elliott and Grace Brown ( 165 1 ) both had round tables; and John Cotton (1652) a small square one; he had eleven tables in his house. Small square, round, and oval tables became much more OVAL TABLE OF OAK In the house of Mr. Charles R. Waters, Salem, Mass. See page 202. numerous in the second half of the century. The round table varied greatly in value, showing that it was made of many woods and in several sizes. In 1660, one cost four shillings, and another three pounds. Antipas Boyse (1669) had a small table with drawers, six shillings. In 1670, William Wardell's round table with one drawer was worth fifteen shillings. The "long" and the "drawing" table 200 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS were constantly found. Besides oak, walnut and cedar were the usual woods. In 1669, a long cedar table is appraised at ^1-15-0, and in 1672, a square walnut ditto at \. A cedar table costs \, and fifteen shillings is the value of another of "Burmodos" cedar in 1680. The Spanish table was in great favour in this second period : in OVAL TABLE Owned by Mrs. John Marshall Holcombe, Hartford, Conn. See page 201. 1676, we find one at twelve shillings, and in 1679, two for sixteen shillings. The side table appears early in the sec- ond half of the century. It was not always an additional table in the dining-room, but often a small bedroom table. Robert Gibbs's Great Chamber contained four. In Humphrey Warren's Red Chamber ( 1680) there was a side table, and his Hall Chamber also contained a small one. These three chambers were bedrooms. The dining-room contained four THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS small square tables and carpets, a departure from the usual custom of the big table. It would seem that it was now the fashion to have several small instead of one great table There were two in the hall and three in the dining-room of Sir William Phipps. The sideboard table is also found about this time as an adjunct to the great table. In 1683, John Winslow's hall contains a square table and a sideboard table of red cedar. The oval table becomes more frequent towards the end of the century. Captain Thomas Berry owns three in 1 697, one at seven shillings and two worth ^1-15-0. An oval table of oak, of rough work, faces page 182. It has falling leaves, the legs are strength- ened by tenons, and the pegs that hold it together are wooden. The design is now popularly called the "but- terfly table." The piece is in the Wayside Inn, Sudbury. Throughout the Stuart period there were two kinds of oval tables. They were of the " falling" variety, having leaves that could be let down so that the table should take up little room when standing against the wall. The legs were almost invariably turned in spirals or beads and had con- necting stretchers. Sometimes the side legs pulled out as supports, and at other times the leaves had simple bracket supports. Examples of each kind may be seen on pages 200 and 20 1. These are sometimes called to-day "thou- sand-legged" tables. (See also page 11.) Besides oak, pine and black walnut, the oval table sometimes occurs in cedar. Beds were the most important articles of furniture in the early homes; they were decorative and luxurious. The great post bedstead, with the trundle bed below that pulled out on rollers, was found in innumerable homes. The trundle, or truckle, bed in baronial days was a couch of little THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS honour, being occupied by a personal attendant for protec- tion. It was a servile resting-place: " He that is beaten may be said 70 lie in Honour's truckle bed" The children doubtless slept in it in New England. These great beds, with their posts carved and swelling into acorn-shaped masses of ornamentation, are no longer to be found in this country; if a single specimen has escaped destruction, it has escaped the writer's search. An illustration, however, appears as the frontispiece of Part I. The modern taste for hard bedding would have amazed our forefathers, who would have stuffed their ticking with sunset cloudlets if they could have procured them. As it was, they had to be contented with down, feathers, fur, flock, hair, silk grass, cat-tails and straw. The long bolster and two pillows to each bed were filled with the same and cased with fair linen. Sheets of canvas, Holland and other linen were added and then came blankets, rugs and quilts galore. From rods under the head, curtains hung generally by hooks; but rings also were used, since one entry reads "9 dozen curtain rings, four shillings and six pence." The value of the wooden framework of the bed was always a very small proportion of that of the whole, as is clear from an early example that of Joseph Miriam of Concord (1640). He had three bedsteads, fifteen shillings; i feather and 6 flock beds, ^2-10-0; 2 pairs of curtains, ^"4-10-0; and a pair of linen curtains, i. Again, Edward Wood of Charlestown had a bed with curtain, valance and rods, .5-15-0; a truckle bed, one crown. Thomas Cort- more of the same town (1645) owned a "bedstead with trundle bedstead, matts and cord, ^i-io-o." For this, he had down bedding worth twice as much. The hangings, 003 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS which matched the window curtains, consisted of one pair of striped silk curtains and valance, which, with five window curtains and five window, cupboard and chimney cloths, amounted to ^"5. His bed coverings included one silk red and blue quilt, ^"i-6-o; one red and green silk do, 2- 10-0; and one tapestry coverlet, ^i-6-o. Such elegance may be considered somewhat excessive for a " lodge in some vast wilderness," but it is perfectly evident that the wealthy settlers carried their luxury with them into the virgin woods, just as the Romans did into their barbarian conquests. Mr. Cortmore is by no means an exceptional case. Mary Hudson's beds (1651) further show the relative value of bedstead and hangings: two standing and one trundle bed- stead, ^i-io-o; one pair of say curtains and valance, ^"i- 5-0; one pair of striped ditto, ^"i-o-o; one "tapstree" covering, ^3-0-0. Joseph Weld's " darnell " coverlet, ^"i ; and two little old yellow blankets, ^2-16-0, are also astonishingly large sums in comparison with the contem- porary value of the best chairs, tables and "cupboards." Robert Turner's two bedsteads and iron rods, ^2-5-0, with two trundle bedsteads, ^0-6-8, also look small beside his pair of curtains and valance, ^'2-15-0, and one flock and three feather beds and bedding, ^15. The rugs, blankets and coverlids were as valuable and choice as the hangings. An East Indian quilt costs ^i-io-o, and a silk shag rug, ^3, which was also the value of two home-made coverlids. Richard Lord of Hartford at the close of the century had a silk cradle quilt, two silk striped blankets, and three other blankets of white silk, watered silk, and double satin. Henry Webb's bedstead and bedding, with green curtains, green rug and coverlid with lace and fringe, was estimated at ^24 in 1660; probably these were the richest materials 104 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS employed. In the same year, Martha Coggan had a suit of East India curtains, j ; a blue calico quilt, ^i-io-o; a pair of purple curtains and valance, j ; and blue ditto, ^2-10-0. Samuel Maverick's suit of blue serge curtains ( 1664) came to ^"4. Other curtains mentioned are linsey- wolsey (which were about three shillings a pair), linen "green," "blue," yellow damask, "striped," "red," red bay, green say, and shalloon (twelve shillings). In 1658, a new suit of watchet serge curtains and valance cost 6 ; and a pair of silk ditto, ^3. Hangings of gilt leather are also found in some houses. Screens are also very common as an additional protection against draughts, and in some cases portieres were used. Captain Berry, in 1 697, had " a curtain and rod for a skreen, fifteen shillings." The screens were made of leather, painted canvas and painted buckram. They had two, three and four leaves. In 1654, we rind "six pieces of painted buckram, ^3." The home-made coverlid (from the French couvre ///) mentioned above may have been woven, instead of being made by one of the many processes of skilled needle- work, for spinning-wheels were found in the great majority of homes, and the loom also often occurs. Twelve shillings was the value of the loom in Joseph Weld's study in 1646. In 1640, English mohair cost three shillings per yard, and green serge four pence more. Painted calicoes and other products of Eastern looms became popular later in the century. "Cheney" was then worth about two shillings per yard. The cupboard was originally exactly what the name implies, a board on which cups were displayed. The cups and other vessels used at table were of pewter and silver ; and silver plate in respectable quantity was found 105 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS in every home of moderate or ample means. The "salt" was often an imposing piece of plate. George Phillips (1644), whose estate amounted to ^553, owned "a silver salt with spoons, ^4." Thomas Cortmore of Charles- town (1645) owned 106 ounces of plate, ^23-17-0. Silver plate at that date therefore was worth four shillings and six pence an ounce, and George Phillips's salt and spoons must have weighed about eighteen ounces. John Holland (1652) had six pounds' worth of plate, and in the same year Adam Winthrop's consisted of a silver tankard, ^5 ; a beer bowl, two wine bowls and a caudle cup, ^7 ; two silver sugar dishes, ^2-10-0 ; a little silver salt and a dram cup, sixteen shillings; and twelve silver spoons, ^3. He also had a stone jug tipped with silver, ^i ; and a toast- ing iron tipped with silver, ten shillings. Governor Dud- ley's 80^4 ounces of plate was valued at five shillings and two pence per ounce in 165 3, and Jacob Sheafe's i 18 ounces at five shillings in 1659; thus the price varied with the years. Adam Winthrop's twelve spoons were probably what are still so highly prized as "Apostles' Spoons." In 1656, Anne Hibbins had "four silver spoons, one with a gilt head, a great silver porringer, a silver tankard, and two silver wine bowls that weighed 39 oz. at five shillings, a gilt salt, two gilt wine bowls, one silver beaker, one beer bowl, two saucers, a silver salt, four gilt spoons with ten silver spoons with Pictures of Apostles gilt and one caudle cup at five shillings and eight pence per oz. which weighed 34 oz. y gilt." Enough has been said therefore to show that there was ample use for the cupboard. A typical example of a New England court cupboard appears on the next page. This belonged to Gregory Stone, of Cambridge, Mass., about 1 660, and is now owned 106 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS by the Antiquarian Society, Concord, Mass. Unfor- tunately it has been painted black, and some brass drop handles have been added. It is similar to the court cup- board on page 178. OAK COURT CUPBOARD Owned by Gregory Stone (1660). Owned by the Antiquarian Society, Concord, Ma**. The early varieties were the "livery" and the "court * cupboard. The livery cupboard in general appearance much resembled the altar and super-altar in the high church of the present day (see also pages 22 and 36, regarding this piece of furniture). The cupboard cloths, often fringed, fell over the ends, not the front, of the various stages. On 107 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS these stages, or shelves, the plate was displayed. Sometimes hooks were driven along the edges of the shelves, and cups, mugs and jugs were hung on them. The arrangement was exactly similar to the dresser in many a modern kitchen ; in fact the "dresser" of that day still exists downstairs. In England it is universal. To guard against theft, doors were added above and below, and thus the "court" cupboard was developed. The fronts of these pieces of furniture were decorated in a variety of ways with inlay, carving, panels and superposition of split columns and studs stained black. The cupboard was found in all sizes and varieties and the value had a wide range. The appraisers described it vari- ously. We find : one small cupboard and chest of drawers, 1-16-0 (1645); a great cupboard; a table and cupboard, ^2; a table-cupboard, twelve shillings (all 1646); a livery cupboard, 1-10-0 (1650); a side cupboard, eighteen pence; another "with a presse," 1-10-0; a chest and a little cupboard, both with drawers, ^3-10-0; " a cort cup- board, cloth and voider, ji," 2 presses, i (all 1652); a plain livery cupboard, ten shillings ( 1653); a press cupboard, ^"1-4-0 ( 1654) ; a court cupboard with one drawer, sixteen shillings, a sideboard cupboard, twelve shillings; and a side cupboard, fifteen shillings (all 1658). In the lower part of this cupboard, or sideboard as we should now term it, one or more drawers frequently occurred. Then came the "table" or first stage, the superstructure not being as deep as the lower part. Sometimes the upper part ran straight across parallel with the front, and sometimes the corners were cut off, making the shape like half a hexagon (see facing page 36 and frontispiece to this number). Many examples of these varieties still exist. The cupboards were of all sizes, and in and on them THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS were kept articles of glass, earthenware, and china, besides plate; and cushions as well as cloths were used to adorn them. John Barrell, who died in 1658, had in his par- lour a court cupboard and cloth and small cushion, ^,1-5-0; and " earthenware, glasses, etc., upon the cubbard head and in the cubbard and shelf, fifteen shillings." The cupboard cloths were of damask or diaper. Some- times the cupboard was garnished with a carpet, in which case the material frequently matched the window curtains and bed hangings, or was of Turkey-work. Abiell Everell (1661 ) had a cupboard and a sideboard (^2-5-0), "a cup- board carpet suted to ye hangings" and eight shillings' worth of Leghorn earthenware. Many varieties of the cupboard are found during the second half of the century. It became an indispensable article of furniture in every comfortable home, and four or five are frequently found in one house. The prices cover a wide range, and there are very many varieties. The woods of which they were made were usually oak or wal- nut, though pine was used in the commonest kinds. At the date when New England was first settled, Sir Francis Bacon writes : " Some trees are best for cupboards, as walnut." The court and livery cupboard soon developed into other forms as the century advanced by the addition of drawers, etc., at the separate stages, and in some cases the lower part was thrown back, leaving the second to be supported by pillars (see page 169). The numerous vari- eties evidently bred confusion in the minds of the various appraisers, for we find the latter describing these articles of furniture with great latitude. It is plain that the word cupboard was generic rather than specific and needed quali- fying phrases for clear understanding. Thus William Paddy 209 has a sideboard cupboard, twelve shillings, and a large cup- board chest with drawers, ^"2, and Thomas Buttolph, a cupboard and chest table (1667), ^9. The difference in value of the above pieces is worthy of note, as it shows a great variety of material, size and workmanship. Mr. Paddy's large cupboard chest with drawers must have been similar in character to the beautiful piece of furniture facing this page. It is made of oak, the long top drawer being veneered with snake wood, as are the central ornaments of the panels and the side terminals. The dark red of the snake wood affords rich contrast to the oak. The knobs are ivory, the handles metal. This is owned by Mr. Walter Hosmer, Wethersfield, Conn. In 1666, John Biggs owns a press cupboard, ^i-io-o; Nicholas Upshall, a small livery cupboard with drawers, ^'o-io-o; John Baker, two cupboards with drawers, ^"4; Henry Shrimpton, a livery cupboard, ^3 ; and John Brackett, a livery cupboard and furniture, ^3, and a cup- board and cloth and things on it, j. In 1667, Benjamin Richards has a sideboard cupboard, ^i-io-o; William Cheny, "a great cubberd, i - 1 o-o, a little ditto, ^0-7-6." William Wardell (1670) owns a joined cupboard, i, a " Livory cubbard, ^0-15-0, and a side cubbard, a slight one, 0-2-6." William Whittingham (1672) has a side- board cupboard, ^i-io-o, and John Winthrop (1673) a cupboard of drawers. The dresser was a form of the livery cupboard, but the former word rarely occurs in the inven- tories. In 1676, a cupboard and a small dresser were in Mary Minott's hall. The cupboard contained plate worth j 1 0-13-0. Dr. Jonathan Avery (1690) had a small cup- board on a frame. Thus there were considerable changes and developments in this important piece of furniture as CUPBOARD CHEST OF DRAWERS Oak inlaid with tnakrwood. Owned by Mr. Walttr Hosmtr, WetkenjieU, Conn. Set page 210. time passed. The simpler forms had become quite anti- quated by the end of the century. A cupboard belonging to Captain Thomas Berry, in 1 697, is described as " old- fashioned." In some of the wealthiest houses we find the cupboard absent, so that it may have been going out of fashion. It will be noticed that it does not appear among the possessions of Sir William Phipps. Of the very wealthy, John Freack (1675) also possessed no cupboard. The above examples are from the Boston records ; the Hartford lists show a similar variety. This brings us to the press, which now appears occa- sionally in the inventories. People were rising above the grade of comfort in which trunks and chests suffice as re- ceptacles for clothes and household linen. The cabinet was for articles of value; the cupboard for plate, glass, china and earthenware; and the press for linen and clothing. The press much resembled the court cupboard externally, though it was generally larger. The distinction between press and cupboard is not always maintained. In 1659, Thomas Welles of Netherfield owns " a linen cupboard," ^1-5-0. In 1652, there were two presses (ji) in John Cotton's "Gallarie"; and William Blanchard possessed a cupboard with a press, ^i-io-o. Other presses mentioned are: a voider with a press, ^"i-io-o (1652); a press cup- board, ^1-4-0 ( 1654) ; and a press and cloth, ji (1657). A linen press also stood in Humphrey Warren's " Great Parlour " in 1680. In Elizabeth Gardner's parlour also, in 1 68 1, there was "a large press to hang clothes in, J*2." The press, therefore, was an important piece of furniture, as is proved by the high prices given. The cloth shows that it was adorned like the other cupboards, and some- times we find things placed on the head. It contained not THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS only clothes and linen, but sometimes bedding as well. In 1653, Captain Tinge's hall contained " 6 raught window cushions in the presse, 2 ; " and " a feather bed and bol- ster in ye presse, ^4." Moreover, there was a " presse bed- stead " which was a form of folding bed. Johnson's Dic- CHEST WITH DRAWER AND MINIATURE CHEST WITH DRAWER ON TOP From the Whipple House, Ipswich, Mass. tionary describes it as a bed so formed as to be shut up in a case. Robert Carver owned one in 1679. It was val- ued at ^3, which is five or six times the cost of an aver- age bedstead. The frame was a separate four-legged support to several pieces of furniture. When the top of the table was not fixed, the table and frame often occur. Other entries are : chest and frame, 1652; cabinet and frame it stands on, 1654; desk and frame, 1672; a pair of virginals with THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS frame, 1672; trunk with the frame it stands on, 1674 ; and small cupboard on a frame, 1691. The washstand is very rarely met with, but a bason frame worth five shillings was owned by Major-General Gibbons, 1654. In 1691 John Clarke owns a cistern and bason worth four shillings. OAK CHEST WITH DRAWER From the W hippie House, Ipswich, Mass. Chests were of supreme importance in the early days of the settlement and were found in every house even at the close of the century. They contained the clothes, linen, valuables, and often the plate of the family. They were of all sizes, sometimes plain and sometimes carved. The ini- tials, and often the date of birth of the owner, were fre- quently carved on the front. Many examples of the oak chest still survive. Sometimes it stood on short legs like those shown above and on page 2 1 2, and facing page 214. In 1652 John Cotton owns one, and examples are innumerable. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The commonest kinds were made of pine; cedar was highly prized because of its supposed preservative virtues. Chests varied in value in accordance with their size, mate- rial, condition and workmanship. A considerable variety was found in New England homes before 1650. Cypress seems to have been the most valuable wood. In 1645, a cypress chest is worth ^2-10-0, and another on the death of its owner, ten years later, is listed at ^10. The latter, however, is quite exceptional, as a few examples from that decade will show: a spruce chest, ten shillings; a great chest, six shillings and sixpence; a chest, thirteen shillings and four pence; a joined do, fifteen shillings; one chest, eighteen pence; a chest, a trunk and a long cushion, ten shillings; a chest covered with red leather, ^2; a "ci- presse" chest, ^5; a chest worth nothing; a wainscot do, fifteen shillings; a cedar do, five boxes and a desk, \ ; two joyned chests, four shillings; two chests and two boxes,. ^1-15-0. Thus the value varied between zero and ten pounds. A narrow shallow box often ran along one end just under the lid. This was called the till, and in it the smaller articles of value and finery were kept. A handsome oak chest with two drawers below the deep well and a till to the right inside faces this page. It is owned by Mrs. John Marshall Holcombe, Hartford, Conn. The panels are carved and the decorations of spin- dles and egg-shaped ornaments are of white wood stained black. A common name for this is the "bride's chest," as it frequently contained the trousseau. Another chest of dark oak with carved panels and floral ornamentation, belonging to Mr. Charles R. Waters, of Salem, Mass., faces page 216. Upon it stands a small oak writing-desk of the same period. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The trunk was also commonly found. In 1647,3 new trunk belonging to the deceased Joseph Weld, of Roxbury, is estimated at ten shillings. In 1654, a case and a trunk are worth only half a crown. Others mentioned are as fol- lows: a trunk, ten shillings; two trunks, sixteen shillings; a small red trunk, half a crown; a small trunk with draw- ers, six shillings; two chests and three trunks, eight shil- lings; one trunk, twelve shillings. The trunk was often covered. The sealskin trunk is frequently found; and in 1652 a "great hair trunk" costs \. Governor Dudley owns an iron-bound trunk which, with a knife and voider, comes to \-2-6. In 1671, we find two trunks with frames ^"i-io-o, and three others, 2. John Hull (1673) has a small trunk with drawers, six shillings. The distinction between the trunk and the chest is not always clear, though the trunk was usually reserved for keeping wearing apparel in. Its form usually resembled a section of a tree trunk, and it seems in most cases to have been covered with some form of hide. The lack of precision in the early dictionary makers renders it vain to go to them for information. For instance, in Phillips's New World of Words (1662), we find the following definitions: Trunk, a chest or box ; chest, a kind of coffer, box or trunk ; casket, a little cabinet ; cabinet, a chest of drawers or little trunk to put things in. Thus we have an endless chain and are working in a circle in which everything seems to be everything else. When terms were used so loosely even by those who were trying to explain them to others, we can- not be surprised at the difficulties the appraisers seem to have experienced in defining the various objects. Two kinds of the trunk face page 224. The first development of the simple chest was the in- 11$ THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS sertion of a drawer below. Then came more drawers, till we have a bewildering array of chest with drawers, chest of drawers, nest of drawers, and case of drawers. The chest was the converse of the cupboard : the latter was: originally a series of shelves that were gradually closed in with doors and had drawers added, finally taking the form of a huge chest surmounted by a smaller one, as we have seen ; while the chest gradually had its interior divided up into compartments and drawers. While one became closed in, the other opened up. The cabinet in its most simple form was nothing but the chest, with drawers and shelves inside, shut in by two doors into which the front was divided. Thomas Cortmore of Charlestown (1645) owned a chest of drawers, 2 ; a little cabinet, four shillings ; a lit- tle box of drawers, two shillings ; two chests, four cases, and three trunks, one of which was covered with sealskin. Captain Tinge (1653) had a sealskin trunk, six shillings ; a small chest of drawers, fifteen shillings ; a small cabinet, five shillings; a chest of drawers, "2-10-0; an old box with drawers, fifteen shillings ; two small chests of drawers, \ ; two plain chests, and a cypress and a "great" chest, valued at 5 and 4 respectively ; the carving on the two last must have been profuse and ornate to justify such prices. Other articles of this class in the middle of the cen- tury include a chest of drawers, five shillings, and others at 1-10-0, 3, ,1-5-0, and 1-12-0 respectively. Then we have cases and boxes of drawers. In 1654 we find a " box of drawers," three shillings, and a " large carpet and an old case of drawers, 1-10-0." As the century advanced, the drawers multiplied, and this piece of furniture became more elaborate. In 1670 William Wardell has a chest with five ai6 OAK DESK in /($&/. 1m tbt collection of the Wayside Inn, Sudbun. Owned by Mr. . . 220. CARVED OAK CHEST AND SMALL WRITING-DESK Owned by Mr. Charlti R. Wateri, Salem, Matt. Sre page 214. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS drawers, ^2, and one with two drawers, ^"1-10-0. In 1675 John Freack has a case of drawers, ^3. Several va- rieties are represented in this section. On page 213 is shown an oak chest with drawer, standing on big ball feet. OAK. CASE OK DRAWERS Owned by the Vfj^Mchurtt Historical St.irty, Boston. An oak case, or " nest of drawers," standing on short, square feet, is shown on this page. The drop handles are old, but are probably a later addition to the speci- men. A simpler specimen, belonging to the collection of the Wayside Inn is shown on the next page. Two of the THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS OAK CHEST WITH DRAWERS From the "Wayside Inn," Sudbury, Mass. Owned by Mr. E. R. Lemon. handsome bell-flower shaped handles are missing. Al- though the panels would seem to show that there are eight drawers, the locks show only four. An old chest or " nest of drawers," without knobs or handles, belonging to Mr. F. Hotchkiss of New Haven, appears on page 219. It is of the plainest workmanship. The top lifts up, re- vealing a deep well. Chests of drawers were adorned with cloths as the cup- boards were. This is distinctly shown by an item of Gov- ernor Leete's inventory in Hartford County (1682), which reads " one chest of drawers and cupboard cloth belonging to it, ^2-16-0." THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CHEST OR " NEST OF DRAWERS " Owned by Mr. F. Hotchltitt, New Haven, Conn. On page 221 is represented a chest of drawers with a table top having falling leaves supported on brackets. The wood is light oak and is ornamented with the usual black spindles. This piece is owned by the Massachu- setts Historical Society, Boston, Mass. An oak chest with two drawers faces page 226. Its panels are edged with maple stained black, it stands on square feet, and it is richly carved. This piece has long *9 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS been in the Talcott family, and is owned now by Mrs. Wainwright, Hartford, Conn. A further development of the chest with drawers was the desk or " screetore " that occurs in 1658 among Mr. Goodyear's possessions (see page 164). All that was necessary was to take a great chest with two or three drawers in the lower part and let down the front of the upper well on hinges, supporting it with chains. The interior thus ex- posed was then filled in with convenient drawers, shelves and compartments. It is abundantly evident that some form of this desk, called the press desk, or scretore, existed in New England in the first half of the seventeenth cen- tury. John Cotton had a "press desk and chest, ji," in 1652. The designation plainly shows the construction. The small separate desk was also common. Simon Eire had one in his bedroom (1653); Christopher Stanley (1646) owned two, and Robert Turner (1651), one. A box and desk in Joseph Weld's "inner chamber" (1647) was valued at seven shillings. An oak desk, made in 1684, with the date and initials W. H., is shown facing page 216. It is in the Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Mass. As early as 1 669, Antipas Boyse has an elaborate " scri- tore and desk " valued as high as 10. In 1672, William Whittingham owns a desk and frame, ten shillings; James Edmunds (1676) two cedar desks, ^1; Thomas Kellond (1683) a scriptore, 2, and a small ditto, ten shillings; John Bracket, a standing desk, standish and box, ; 1-5-0. John Blackleach of Wethersfield, whose estate amount- ed to ^1576-19-0 at his death in 1703, owned eight desks, one of which was a valuable " desk with drawers," ^3-13-0. We see therefore that long before the end of our period the escritoire had already reached its full development. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS A bookcase as a separate article of furniture appears in the inventory of Henry Bridgham in 1671. Books of a devotional character were plentiful. Many worthies of the colonies must have found time for study and meditation even in the early days of hardship, struggle and strife. Re- spectable libraries were not uncommon. The Rev. John Morton's 729 volumes of which 189 were folios (1663) OAK. CHEST OF DRAWERS WITH TABLE TOP Owned by the Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. have already been mentioned. The study frequently occurs as a separate apartment in the best houses. Here the mas- ter might read and write at his ease, for it was comfortably warmed and furnished. John Cotton's is an early exam- ple. In 1652, it contained a table, three chairs, a stool and a couch ; and the " liberary of books as valued in the will by him though cost much more ^150." Inside the press desk were of course the usual quill pens, sand-box and ink- stand, or standish. The latter was of wood, pewter, silver or iron. The wood was sometimes carved. Five shillings THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS was the value of Henry Webb's wooden standish in 1660. The desk equipment of Colonel John Allyn (Hartford, 1696) comprises a standish, sealing (wax), inkhorn, pen- knife, etc., and a pair of spectacles and case. The value of chests, trunks, cabinets, etc., was consid- erably increased when accompanied with metal mountings, locks, keys, and hinges. Wrought iron and brass were in great demand. Iron-bound chests and boxes were in most shops and country houses, and in many bedrooms. It must be assumed that the majority of boxes, trunks, cases and chests had no locks, since in many cases the lock was worth special mention. Thus William Bartlett of Hartford (1658) has "a chest with a lock, ten shillings." For pull- ing out the drawers, knobs were principally used. In the inventories of hardware in various stores, handles are very seldom mentioned. In 1640 John Harbye had two old locks at a shilling each, and four iron hinges at ten pence each. Six years later a pair of curtain rods is entered at three shillings, while five ditto cost a shilling each in 1653. Prices scarcely varied during the next half century. Alex- ander Rollo (Hartford, 1709) had a door lock and key, ^0-7-6; 2 chests with locks and keys, ^0-15-0; a desk with ditto, ^o-8-o. The cabinet varied in value, but not so greatly as the chest and cupboard. A stray cabinet of Eastern workman- ship is occasionally found, but when the other kinds reach comparatively high value it is due to the articles contained inside. In 1653 "a small cabinet five shillings" occurs. In 1654 an iron-bound cabinet is appraised at three times as much ; and a cabinet, frame it stands on, and cupboard cloth, at ^2-10-0 ; but here the cloth may have been the most valuable part of the item. Six years later the latter THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS sum also would pay for a " cabinet and some things in it"; while another "cabinet with several things in it" comes to ^2, one ditto with drawers, seventeen shillings and six pence, and a "green velvet cabinet, ^i." Other kinds of cabinets were known at this time, although they do not appear till the owners die, a few years later. James Edmunds (1676) has a cedar cabinet, ^"i. A crimson velvet cabinet (twelve shillings) is found in the home of Antipas Boyse in 1679. The cabinet was not necessarily a very small piece of furniture as compared with the chest, since, when small, the entry often so specifies, as we have seen. Moreover, the " frame it stands on " indicates a large object. The nature of the articles that were kept in the cabinets may be gathered from direct evidence. At the death of Henry Shrimpton in 1 666 a small cabinet con- tained seven gold rings and two purses, all worth ^3. We have seen that there were some blue china dishes in Mr. Francis Brewster's East India cabinet in 1647. Porcelain was coming in now through the Dutch and English trade with the Far East, and not very long after the East India Company was formed in London many examples are found. Governor Eaton (see page 166) had a " sheney bason," and Thomas Cortmore had some "chancy ware platters, ji." A " chancy dish and others on the shelves, three shillings," belonged to Major-General Gibbons, while a " chancy cup tipped with silver " was owned by Humphrey Damerell ; and John Coggan possessed "six small chany dishes, ^i." These men all died before 1660. East India goods greatly multiplied in the houses towards the close of the century, not only porcelains but the cabinets and other Oriental wares with which we have lately again become so familiar. In 1699 John Higginson writes from Salem to his brother in THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS India : " In the late war all East India goods were ex- tremely dear. . . . China and lacker wares will sell if a small quantity." Although the Puritans frowned down all kinds of mu- sical instruments but the trumpet and drum, yet in the privacy of their homes there were many who played the virginals in New England. In 1645 John Simeon of Wa- tertown has an old pair of virginals ; and Major-General Gibbons has another old one worth \ in 1654. Five shillings is the value of another ancient specimen ; but one in good condition is worth 2 in 1667, and another "with frame" comes to the same in 1672. A " gitterne " is en- tered at a crown in 1653 ; Dr. Samuel Allcock owns "a cittern and case" in 1677, and an old one belonging to Thomas Sexton (1679) is worth only a florin. An old guitar, at sixteen shillings, is found among Dr. John Clarke's possessions in 1690. Clocks were found in most of the prosperous homes during the first half of the century. When Abraham Shaw of Dedham passed from time into eternity in 1638 his clock was still worth eighteen shillings to others. One- third of that sum suffices for an old timepiece in 1654. The tall clock from the Low Countries was in use here many years before it is known to have been made in Eng- land. It is always described as the "clock and case" in the inventories, and is quite expensive. In 1652 we find a brass clock, 2 ; and a clock and case, JC6. Specimens of each appear facing page 168. The ordinary clock aver- aged from 2. to ^3. In the dining-room of Sir William Phipps, Governor of Massachusetts, was one worth ^20, but this must have been of rare workmanship. "In my Ladies Room " was also "a repeating clock, ^10." 214 w S OS < ^ ^ 5 ^ THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Watches were also in use. Comfort Starr had one watch (2) in 1659; and ten years later Antipas Boyse owned a silver watch-case with watch, J*2- 1 o-o. The dis- tinction between watches and clocks is not always clear in the minds of the appraisers, for in 1675 Captain Samuel Scarlet is credited with "one watch with waites, j"i." Sui'-dials are found, and hour-glasses are innumerable. Looking-glasses were also in use here twenty-rive years at least before they were manufactured in England. When Robert Bulton ceased seeing " through a glass darkly," in 1650, his hall contained "two looking-glasses, twelve shil- lings." Two years later, one at half a crown was included ir the estate of George Bennett. In 1652, we find a great 1 coking-glass, \ ; and in 1654, "one great looking-Glass )f ibeny, \" William Bartlett of Hartford, in 1658, owns ten looking-glasses, two of them at ji each. The inventories show a scarcity of this article until the last quarter of this century, although of those mentioned several are valued at from three to eight shillings each, and one as low as one shilling. Metal brackets for candles were soon affixed to the frames. Humphrey Warren (1680) and John Winslow (1683) each possessed a "looking-glass and brasses." An interesting looking-glass frame inlaid with olive-wood faces page 230. This originally belonged to the Rev. John White of Gloucester and was presented to the collection at the Whipple House, Ipswich, by Mrs. C. E. Bomer. The olive-wood frame for looking-glasses has already been mentioned on page 9. The fireplaces were large and well furnished. Gener- ally there was an iron back, cast with some figure or floral design. Andirons were universal ; they were of brass or iron, or iron with brass dog's-heads. Dogs are often men- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS tioned. They varied in price, costing anything from five shillings to fifty shillings a pair. They were always ac- companied by shovel and tongs, but the poker is never mentioned ; wood fires did not require it. Sometimes chim- ney-pans and fire-pans occur. Adam Winthrop (1651) owned also an iron fender, and a toasting-iron tipped with silver. The hearth needed a pair of bellows in order to be fully equipped. Some of these were handsomely carved and otherwise ornamented. In 1650 Captain Tinge had a great lantern and a pair of bellows with a brass pipe, ten shillings ; and a great pair of brass andirons and a pair of carved bellows worth ^3-10-0. Till comparatively late in the century, offensive and defensive armour was found in every house ; it was needed against the Indians as well as for hunting purposes. The military chiefs also had quite an arsenal in their houses. It may be interesting to give the furniture and equipment in the artillery room of Major-General Gibbons in the middle of the century (1654). There was a big fireplace with andirons ; a drawing-table and large carpet, a long cushion, two forms, three chairs and a case of drawers. The arms consisted of seven muskets, seven pistols, five harquebuses, one cross-bow, one long bow, dart arrows, one pole-ax, five glass grenades, one Indian brusile club, sixteen pieces of armour, one complete corselet and pike, a cornet, and four brass guns and carriages. The rooms in the early houses were few as a rule, though spacious. Sufficient evidence has now been produced to prove that in many cases elegance as well as comfort was cultivated in the interior furnishings, although extravagance in the building and furnishing of houses was discouraged by the early Puritans. Governor John Winthrop reproved THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS his deputy in 1632, telling him that "he did not well to bestow too much cost about wainscoting and adorning his house in the beginning of a plantation, both in regard of the public charges and for example." Winthrop's advice was dis- regarded before the commonwealth lost its charter, however, and handsomer houses were erected, especially in Boston. The pious Judge Sewall wrote to London for finer furniture than could be obtained in this country. Increase of wealth bred luxury, and in the second half of the seventeenth cen- tury the number of wealthy individuals rapidly multiplied. A long list might be compiled of estates of more than ^2000. In the Boston records alone we find: Henry Shrimpton (1666), ^12,000; Antipas Boyse (1669), about ^2500 ; Captain Peter Oliver ( 1670), ^4572 ; James Penn (1671), ^2039; Governor Richard Bellingham (1672), ^3244; Captain Samuel Scarlet (1675), ^2004; John Freack (1675), ^2391 ; Joshua Atwater (1676), ^4127; Thomas Lake (1677), ^2445; Henry Mountford (1691), ^2722; Sir William Phipps (1696), ^3337; Robert Bronsdon (1702), ^3252; Richard Middlecot (1704), ^2084; Florence Maccarty (1712), ^2922 ; and Madam Elizabeth Stoddard (1713), j 18,044. John Mico, a mer- chant who lived till 1718, was worth ^11,230. The Hartford records also show some large estates, in- cluding James Richards (1680), ^7931 ; Jonathan Gilbert (1682), ^2484; Colonel John Allyn (1696), ^2013; Richard Lord (1712), ^6369; and John Haynes (1714), ^333' Governor Leete's possessions in Hartford County alone came to ^1040; and there were dozens of other estates between one and two thousand pounds. It is inter- esting to compare these sums with the Southern estates on pages 109110. m THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Josselyn, who visited Salem in 1 664, said : " In this town are some very rich merchants." The records of the town show that this was not merely a complimentary state- ment. Salem's mercantile marine brought every kind of foreign goods to her door. One of her distinguished citizens was Captain Philip English, a trader, who built a stylish dwelling in Salem in 1683. Down to 1753 it was known as English's great house. During the witchcraft mania, in 1692, he and his wife nearly fell victims, but escaped by the connivance of the authorities. The governor, Sir William Phipps, seems to have kept his head. The witch-baiting mob, however, sacked Captain English's house and destroyed or carried off the furniture that had been brought in on many voyages. Compensation was afterward offered, but refused as inadequate. The heirs afterward accepted ^'200. John Dunton, a London citizen, visited New England in 1685, and has left some interesting notes. The first person he went to see in Salem was George Herrick, who was marshal of Essex during the witchcraft mania, Dun- ton writes: "The entertainment he gave me was truly noble and generous, and my lodging so extraordinary both with respect to the largeness of the room and richness of the furniture, as free he was that had I staid a month there, I had been welcome gratis. To give you his character, in brief, my Dear, he is a Person whose Purse is great, but his Heart greater; he loves to be bountiful, yet limits his Bounty by Reason: He knows what is good and loves it; and loves to do it himself for its own sake and not for thanks : he is the Mirror of hospitality, and neither Abra- ham nor Lot were ever more kind to strangers." Herrick treated him also to "all that was rare in the Countrey." 228 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Dunton had a splendid supper and slept on a " bed of down." "My apartment was so noble," he writes, "and the Furni- ture so suitable to it, that I doubt not but even the king himself has been oftentimes contented with a worser lodging.*' The better class of house in New England differed from that in the South in seldom having a bed in the hall, and only occasionally in the parlour. The hall was the general family living and reception room, the parlour hav- ing an air of greater intimacy and retirement. The hall, until the century was well advanced, often contained an odd mixture of severe and luxurious furniture. In 1670, Wil- liam Wardell's hall contained an expensive table and " dar- nix carpet " with five joint stools under it, their position is expressly stated. Then there were four leather chairs, one small and one big joined chair, and four of the expensive "green" chairs accompanied by two stools with silk fringe. Five green wrought cushions added to their comfort. In- stead of a cupboard, there were a great chest with cupboard cloth and cushion, and two other valuable chests containing one and five drawers respectively. On one of these were a bible and other books, and over the other was a looking- glass. The hearth was garnished with the usual brasswarc. The dining-room was furnished with a long cedar table, and a small table (and carpet) with drawers in which was a case containing a silver knife, spoon and fork. (This is the earliest mention of the table fork in New England that I have found.) The seats consisted of four leather chairs and thirteen joint stools. Against one wall stood a glass case, on the shelves of which were nine pieces of earthen- ware. A tin lantern, a chimney-back, andirons, etc., minis- tered to light and heat. 239 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The little parlour contained a fine chest of drawers covered by a green cloth with a border and containing a brush and other toilet articles ; a feather bed with red cur- tains and valance, two cushioned stools, two low leather and six matted high chairs ; a spice-box with drawers ; and an iron chimney-back, and andirons. The closet contained a desk and some lumber. Besides the kitchen, the house contained five other rooms, handsomely furnished. The house of Sir William Phipps, the governor already mentioned, shows a degree of luxury and elegance that one hardly expects to find in New England in 1696. This home of wealth seems singularly modern as we reconstruct it. There was no bed in the hall, the furniture of which consisted of two tables and a carpet, twelve cane chairs and a couch. A large looking-glass valued at ^8 hangs on the wall, and two pairs of brass andirons tell us that two fires burned brightly in this spacious entrance. Passing into the dining-room, we find no less than three tables. There are fourteen chairs, "one couch and squabb," and a clock which must have been exceedingly handsome, for it was valued at 20. A second looking-glass worth just half as much as the one in the hall also adorns the room, and there are one pair of andirons and a candlestick. In the closet, probably built in the wall, there is a case of " crystall bottles" worth ^i o ; and some guns, swords, etc., worth 1 2. In " My Lady's Room " there stands a very handsome bed with its furniture of silk curtains and silk quilt, valued at 70. For further comfort we find a chest of drawers, dressing-box, tables and stands, a looking-glass and six chairs. A very valuable article is a " repeating clock'* worth no less than ^10. 230 LOOKING-GLASS FRAME Maid 'with olive ivooJ. From tbt WHipplt House, typwicb, Matt. Set page 22$. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The " Hall Chamber " contains a still handsomer bed which with its silk quilt and curtains and eighteen cushions is valued at ^100. This room also contains a "scriptore and stand, table, dressing-box and stands," "twelve cane chairs and squabb," and a looking-glass. " Chiny ware" adorns the chimney-piece, where the logs blaze on brass andirons. Of course the fire shovel, etc., stands conven- iently by the side of the chimney-piece. There is also a "White Chamber" in the house, but the bed here is evidently simpler, as it is only valued at jzo with its furniture, quilt, and curtain. A chest of drawers, a table, a looking-glass, and six Turkey-work chairs furnish the room. Here are also two trunks and linen valued at ^6 3-8-0. The "Maid's Chamber" contained a curtained bed, table and looking-glass. The "Chaplain's Chamber" con- tained, besides the curtained bed and his case of barber's implements and gun, a table and six leather chairs. This shows that the condition of a private chaplain in New England was by no means so servile as that of his brother in the Old Country, and would not have excited Macaulay's contemptuous pity. The other apartments consisted of a closet in which was a bed, etc., and a "little chamber" containing a negro woman's bed with curtains, garrets for the servants, and the kitchen. In the kitchen, besides the ordinary household and cooking utensils, there was silver plate to the value of ^415. Other possessions of Sir William included a coach and horses, a saddle horse, and a yacht. In the seventeenth century it was customary for parents to give their children a generous portion of household goods on their marriage. As a rule, this was all new furniture THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and passed into the possession of the husband. An example of the varions articles included in this dowry is found in the inventory of Alexander Allyn of Hartford, who died in 1708. It is headed "Estate that deceased had with his wife, Elizabeth, in marriage (now left to her)." One round table, a chest of drawers, a box, books ; white earthenware, glasses, tin candlesticks, a pair of andirons, tongs and slice, warming-pan; bed with curtain, valance and coverings; six pair sheets, six pair pillowbeers; diaper table cloth, twelve do. napkins, four table cloths, two dozen napkins, sixteen towels ; one chest, a looking-glass; one " sive"; a porringer, salt, wine-cup and spoon, all silver ; two trunks, earthen- ware, a child's basket; gridiron, brass kettle, two brass skillets, iron pot and hooks ; two pewter platters, eleven plates, one bason, nine porringers, two saucers, one salt, three drinking-cups, three spoons; tinware, earthenware and a stone jug; fork and skimmer; trenchers, two heaters; four chairs; in silver money, ^9; total, .50-7-0. A fine example of a New England kitchen faces page 222. This is in the Whipple House, Ipswich, Mass. '..I ii " THE FURNITURE FOREFATHERS THE ILLUSTRATIONS FOR THE NEW ENG- LAND PORTIONS OF THIS WORK AND A NUMBER OF THOSE IN NEW YORK STATE ARE REPRODUCED FROM PHOTOGRAPHS BY R. F. TURNBULL, OF NEW YORK 1 is w CL, < w OQ o THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS By ESTHER SINGLETON WITH CRITICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF PLATES By RUSSELL STURGIS ILLUSTRATED s. x GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1913 COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO. AUGUST, 1901 CONTENTS THK EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS First ships from Holland, 235 ; descriptions of New Amsterdam, 2367 ; wealth of citizens, 238. COMFORTABLE HOMES AND EARLY FURNITURE A TYPICAL DUTCH HOUSE . HOME OF CORNELIS STEENWYCK CHAIRS, FORMS AND STOOLS . BEDS, BEDSTEADS, HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS AND CHILDREN'S FURNITURE HOUSE OF CORNELIS VAN DYKE HOME OF CAPTAIN KIDD . MARQUETRY AND MAHOGANY ORIENTAL GOODS AND FURNITURE . PORCELAIN AND CHINAWARE . PICTURES ....... CHIMNEY AND CUPBOARD CLOTHS . THE KAS . . . . . . / . Usefulness and value, 264; examples owned in New Amsterdam, 265 ; the hall foot or u knot," 265-6 ; the glass case and frame, 266. EARLY IMPORTATIONS . WOODS USED FOR FURNITURE WEALTH OF THE DUTCH . THE DOIEN-KAMMER . COLONIAL NEW YORK 2 35~ 2 3 8 239-242 242-244 245-247 248-250 250-252 255-256 256-258 258-259 259-261 261-263 . 263 264-267 267-268 268-269 . 269 . 269 . 270 CONTENTS FURNITURE IN THE EARLY EIGHTEENTH CEN- TURY ...... Walnut and olive-wood, 271 ; Dutch styles in fashion, 2712; homes of Captain Giles Shelley and George Duncan, 2724. HOME OF GOVERNOR BURNET .... DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPLAT AND ADVENT OF MAHOGANY FURNITURE UPHOLSTERERS AND BED-FURNISHINGS PAPER-HANGINGS . . . ARCHITECTURE AND FASHIONS WOODS AND METAL MOUNTS .... CABINET-MAKERS ...... SPECIMENS OF SEATS . . . . IMPORTATIONS ...... Looking-glasses, ornaments and engravings, 292; mar- ble tables and other furniture, 2934; carpets and floor- cloths, 2956; fire-places and chimney-pieces, 2967. CHINA AND GLASSWARE . . . . TEA-TABLE APPOINTMENTS . ORNAMENTAL CHINA . LUXURIES OF THE DRESSING TABLE DESK FURNISHINGS . CLOCKS AND CLOCK-MAKERS . . . . Music AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. CARDS AND OTHER GAMES, AND TOYS NEEDLEWORK ....... LOOKING-GLASSES AND SCONCES LAMPS, LANTERNS AND CANDLESTICKS 270-274 274-276 277-278 278-280 280-282 283-284 284-286 287-288 289292 292-297 297-299 299-300 300-301 301-302 . 302 302-304 304-306 307-308 308-310 310-311 311-312 List of Illustrations WITH CRITICAL NOTES ON MANY OF THE PLATES BY RUSSELL STURGIS ALL THE NOTES FURNISHED BY MR. STURGIS ARE FOLLOWED BY HIS INITIAL*, B. 1. FRONTISPIECE: SOFA FACE FACING iii Carved sofa, about 1 760, the covering of French tapestry, Gobelins or Beauvais, of the same or a somewhat later epoch. R. S. KAS FACING 235 Cupboard, with two drawers in the base and two in the excessively large cornice, probably provincial work of about 1 700, the reminiscence of the simple design of three-quarters of a century earlier still lingering ; but the sculpture late and florid ; perhaps not originally belonging to this piece. R. S. CARVED OAK CUPBOARD . . . FACING Oak cupboard, probably about I 5 7 5 and having in its frame, proportions, mouldings, and ironwork the suggestion of a still earlier date. It seems like German work of one of the Rhine towns, from which it might easily have been taken to Holland. R. S. ANNETJE JANS'S CHAIR . Chair with black painted frame and rush-bottom seat. The top rail is bowed ; the splat, jar-shaped j and the front legs turned and ending in hoof feet. E. S. OLD DUTCH CHAIR A heavy and solid chair painted black. The front legs and front stretchers are turned ; the turned posts terminate in plain legs ; there are four slats and the top rail is arched. The seat is rich crimson damask. E. S. Two CHAIRS ....... The first a similar enough to one on page 49 to give it the same date. It is also similar to those on page 1 88. The front legs and stretchers of the second chair are similar, but the presence of curves shows that it is a transitional chair. A little further development will produce the chair to the left on page 1 84. This kind of chair \as frequently covered with leather. E. S. 238 240 241 249 DUTCH CHURCH STOOL FACING 239 A small stool about two feet long and one foot high. It is painted black and dated 1701. It bean a picture of the Last Judgment and a Dutch verse. E. S. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FACE CHILD'S CHAIR AND MAHOGANY TEA-TABLE . . 253 The chair, very solid and heavy and painted black, resembles in some respects the chair on page 241. Its dark red seat is much worn. Tables of the model shown here were in use in Dutch houses considerably before 1 700. One with four legs is to be seen in an in- terior by David Teniers in the Prado, Madrid. . S. WARMING-PAN, FOOT-WARMERS, TRUNK AND A "SCHEPPEL" . . . . FACING 254 The trunk and foot-warmers may be compared with the illustration facing page 224. The warming-pan is of copper ; the " scheppel " is a grain measure used in the New Nether- lands. E. S. MAHOGANY TABLE ...... 257 A table said to have been brought to New York in 1668. It is of mahogany and made in the old style of the oak tables with turned legs and stretchers. The chairs on the same plate are much later. . S. CRADLES AND CHILDREN'S CHAIRS AND FIRE SCREENS ..... FACING 255 Cradle of simple carpenter work made of four pieces of plank (for ends and rockers) and fine pieces of board for sides and bottom. Handles are provided by sawed out piercings in ends and sides, and one of these has split away and has not been repaired. Child's rocking chair, made of four pieces of board and two pieces of heavy plank for rockers. The two small holes in the arms of the chair are provided for a strap or cord. A great deal of interesting and possibly tasteful work, which might be produced in country districts, is rejected or made impossible by the modern disposition to have everything city- fied in appearance. Good taste in furniture, and the cheap imitation of costly price are incompatible and it seems they cannot exist side by side. R. S. Cradle covered with leather and dated. Pieces made of simple planking and boards, could be covered with leather or a textile material receiving in this way more finished and furniture-like appearance. When there were no skillful workmen, the local car- penter having no cunning beyond a simple handicraft of saw, chisel and plane, such a device suggested by the covered travelling trunks of the period would be resorted to. The brass-headed nails were easy to bring from a distance. R. S. MAHOGANY TABLE . . . FACING 260 An unusually handsome specimen with regard to the work and design. It is made after the style of the folding oak tables, with legs that move out to support the leaves when raised. The wood is a very dark and rich red. Its height is 29^ inches; its length, 6 feet, 6 inches; and it is 5 feet, 1 1 inches, across the shortest diameter. . S. MARQUETRY CUPBOARD AND DRAWERS . FACING 261 Chest of drawers with closed cupboard; inlaid with light-coloured wood and, probably, ivory. The style of design is of 1675; but this was one of those styles which became, at once, a recognized new step in decorative art, and the designs which were made during the first quarter-century have been repeated, almost without change, ever since. It is noticeable that the full development of convex and concave curves in the chest of drawers, a well-known characteristic of the Paris-made furniture of the time of Louis XIV, is here shown only in the frontispiece; while the flank is as square and flat below as it is above. This is an artistic fault, but as a curious mark of the Dutch re-issuing of the statelier French design it is very interesting and not to be wished away. R. S. GLASS CASE ON FRAME (MARQUETRY) . FACING 264 Glass-fronted bookcase resting on table frame. Inlaid, light-coloured wood on dark background, probably about 1725. The style seems to be that weakened or lowered LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS MM modification of the full Dutch Inlaid Cabinet style teen in plate facing 262. The more slender forms of the legs, combined with the ungraceful shape of the glazed case itself and the complicated (training-piece below, all indicate a decadent style in need of a re-awaken- ing influence. R. S. WALNUT KAS . . . . . FACING 265 Chest of lira wen with closed cupboard, plain cabinet work, of any date from 1750 to 1 800. A piece of considerable interest as exemplifying the simpler style of work which was hardly ever wholly abandoned fur domestic work, after its introduction early in the eighteenth century. R. S. MAHOGANY KAS ....... 266 Chest of drawers and cupboard, like the last, but still more simple, and somewhat less elegant in design. R. S. KAS OF MARQUETRY WITH DELFT PLAQUES FACING 270 Wardrobe or cabinet solidly built of dark wood, the surface inlaid with light colored woods and ivory and having about fifty circular plaques of Delft ware, each separately framed with delicate mouldings in slight projection from the general surface. The color of the plaques is in each case blue and white and these are therefore lighter than the piece : the inlays forming a third number in the proportion. The sincere love of the Dutch workmen for effective decoration, while still they retained a feeling for domestic simplicity, is evidenced in this piece. It is like the English Jacobean pieces ; which we contrast for their simplic- ity with the statelier contemporaneous furniture of the royal and princely households of France and Germany. A courtier of Louis XIV would not have esteemed such a combina- tion of pottery and woodwork as this ; but the Dutch were fond of the idea and they some- times used costly Chinese plates and saucers encrusted in exactly the same manner. R. S. OLD CHEST WITH DRAWER ..... 270 A rough and plain painted chest with a drawer. It has brass handles at each end, two locks, and the drawer is furnished with brass drop handles of very old design, pendent from a circular brass plate. E. S. THREE CHAIRS ....... 271 The chair in the centre is of oak. Similar chairs appear on page 6, and facing page 8 and page 186. The other two are of the Anglo-Dutch school, with cabriole legs, ball-and- claw foot, acanthus carved on the knee, the top rail bowed, with carved shell in the cen- tre, and splat pierced. They may be compared with chairs on pages 99, lot, 108, 137, 172, 289 and 309. E. S. MARQUETRY CUPBOARD . . . FACING 271 Bookcase, upper half with glazed doors ; frame and panels inlaid in the Dutch manner (see plates facing 262 and 270). The present lights of glass are too Urge to be the orig- inal pieces, and the case loses much of its character by the change. The inlay is one of fine quality and good design ; the parrots in swinging perches are noticeable. R. S. FOUR CHAIRS ....... 272 The tallest chair, painted bbck, may be of oak, for it is similar to many already described. The chair to the extreme right is similar to those just described. The third specimen is of about the same period, but has straight legs and stretchers ; while the fourth chair w one of Sheraton's models. E. S. MAHOGANY CHAIRS WITH TURKEY-WORK BOTTOMS FACING 274 Two handsome examples belonging to the early Chippendale school. In proportion and in detail, they are unusually fine. The simple jar-shaped splat is boldly and gracefully pierced LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE and carved; the top rail is carved and " embowed." The two front feet end in a very fine ball, and the claw clasping it is firm and strongly cut. The seats of Turkey-work are in pleasing patterns of gay colors. E. S. PLATE-BACK CHAIR ...... 276 An interesting example of Dutch design, with cabriole legs, hoof feet, one stretcher, em- bowed top rail, and jar-shaped splat, forming a solid plate, unpierced. E. S. DUTCH CHAIRS ....... 277 Three chairs of the same period as the above ; the central one is an early form of the chair that often occurs in the American inventories as the " crown back chair," so-called from the shape given by its general outline. E. S. MAHOGANY TABLE .... FACING 275 This valuable specimen belongs to the same period as the one facing page 1 1 8. It is a fine piece of wood. The table has two leaves supported by legs that move out or in at pleasure. The ball-and-claw feet are boldly carved. E. S. SETTEE ........ 279 This piece depends upon its shape and its upholstery for its effect and not its woodwork, for its legs only are visible. These are cabriole in shape and carved, ending in the ball- and-claw. E. S. MAHOGANY BEDSTEAD . . . . . .281 The posts are carved and turned, tapering gracefully toward the top. Unfortunately, there is neither cornice, nor tester to give to the bed its proper finish. The blue and white curtains are of the same age as the bedstead. E. S. GOBELIN TAPESTRY CHAIRS . . . FACING 282 Two armchairs belonging to the same set as the sofa (frontispiece) and covered with sim- ilar tapestry. R. S. FOUR CHAIRS ..... FACING 283 The chair in the upper left-hand corner, of mahogany with yellow damask bottom, be- longs to the same period as those facing page 274. The splat is ornate, and the foot ends in the ball-and-claw. The chair was brought to New York in 1763. The oak arm-chair next to it is richly carved ; the legs form with the front rail a graceful X and bear a shield with a lion rampant. The stamped red-leather seat is fastened with brass nails, and a cushion of the same material is held to the back by brass rings and a cord. The chair in the lower left-hand corner resembles many Dutch models already described, save for the two handles, or ears, on either side of the back. The chair in the lower right corner is similar to the one on page 271. E. S. MAHOGANY CHAIRS ...... 289 Both chairs are a later stage of development than those on page 277. The seats of both chain are Turkey-work. E. S. THREE CHAIRS ....... 290 The two to the left belong to one set. The splat is pierced and in the centre an urn or vase appears neatly carved. The other chair has its splat pierced in a graceful tracery de- sign. E. S. FAG CHAIR ........ 291 A somewhat curious variety, with its straight legs ending in dog's feet, rush-bottom, bow- shaped top-rail and pierced and carved splat quite uncommon as to outline. E. S. OLD OAK CHAIR ...... 292 A chair of the type already shown on pages 183 and 190. The feet are similar to those of a chair on page 193. In all probability the original back and seat were of cane. E. S. OLD "\VING" OR "SADDLE-CHEEK" CHAIR . . 293 A bedroom chair with stuffed back, seat and arms. The mahogany legs are short cabriole with ball-and-claw feet. The covering is a kind of brown matting. Another example of an earlier " wing " chair faces page 184. E. S. CORNER CHAIR ........ 294 A simpler specimen faces page 112, with solid splat; here the splat is pierced, but more elaborately than that on page 113. It differs from these examples in having ball-and- claw feet and cabriole legs, as well as in the curious ornamental pendents to the rail. E. S. Two CHAIRS ....... 295 The one to the left is of the same period as those on pages 183 and 190; the second chair is Dutch, and similar to those on page 277 with the exceptions of its arms. The splat has been covered unfortunately with the same material as the seat, as was the chair on page 101. E. S. MARQUETRY CHEST OF DRAWERS AND GLASS CASE FACING 296 Dutch inlaid decoration of fine quality. The piece is to be compared wkh that shown in plate facing 261, and is like that in many of its details. The decorative anthemions on the ends, springing from conventional vases resting on cult dt lamfx, are of great beauty. R. S. OVAL PAINTED TABLE . . . FACING 297 Table with painted top; probably about 1 780. These painted pieces have a double origin, first in the inlays of coloured woods which, in Italy and later in the Low Countries, had been a recognized system of decoration since the fifteenth century, second, in the magni- ficent French work of the years 1710 to 1770, of which the celebrated painting in I' ern'u Martin is the most brilliant. Once established, this fashion of painting' the larger surfaces lasted until 1840, and much in reality and more in possibility was lost when that fashion disappeared. R. S. Two CLOCKS ..... FACING 302 Tall clock, in lacquered case; the designs in painted lacquer appear to be really of Japan- ese work, and it may well be that the case had been sent out to Japan for the purpose. R. S. Bracket clock, the case wholly of metal, the front and sides elaborately worked in pierced patterns, the dial inserted flush with the front plate is modern: the clock is held by hooks to a strong horizontal moulding. R. S. Two BRACKET OR PEDESTAL CLOCKS . . . 305 Of excellent design. The one to the left contains arches at each side carved in lattice- work; the second clock, made by Ruben Henderson of London, has several chimes. The latter U richly ornamented with metal. E. S. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PARLOUR ORGAN ...... This example is 52 inches high and 26 inches wide. The case is mahogany and the pipes are ornamented with drapery. A bellows supplies the wind. The instrument plays ten English tunes. E. S. MAHOGANY CARD TABLE AND CHAIR . A table that is unusual in having five legs, one of which draws out to support the leaf. The feet are claw-and-ball. The chair, also of mahogany, is similar to many already de- scribed. E. S. SCREEN WORKED IN 1776 . The standard is of mahogany of the pillar-and-claw type; the legs end in the " snake foot"; and above the regular patterns of now faded colours the date 1776 is worked. E. S. 37 309 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Part IV KAS, WALNUT, VENEERED WITH MAHOGANY Owned by Miss Katharine Van Rensselaer, Vlit House, Rensselaer, N. T. See page 267. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS PART IVt Dutch, and EnglisH Periods NEW YORK FROM 1615 TO 17/6 HE first pieces of furniture that were landed on the shores of the Hudson were probably brought in the Fortune, by Hendrick Chris- tiansen of Cleep, who founded in 1615 a settlement consisting of four houses with a population of thirty persons. The Tiger also came about the same time under Captain Adrian Blok,and these two had received from the States-General of Holland the monopoly of trade with New Netherland, consisting principally in furs. These ships were followed by the Little Fox, the Nightingale, and again the Fortune. In 1623, the Privileged West India Company sent out thirty families, chiefly Walloons; and, in 1625, the colonial au- thorities sent a vessel with six families and their household furniture. The population was now about two hundred. In T 35 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS 1626. the Arms of Amsterdam arrived, as well as the Sea Mew, with Peter Minuit who got the island of Manhattan. The Arms of Amsterdam took back to Holland 8,250 skins of beaver, otter, mink, lynx and rat, together with much oak timber and nutwood or hickory. This trading-post was therefore now a success, but it could not be called a town yet. Twenty years later, when Father Jogues visited New Amsterdam and was received by Governor Kieft, he wrote : " There is a fort to serve as the commencement of a town to be built here and to be called New Amster- dam. . . . Within the fort there was a stone church which was quite large, the house of the governor whom they call Director-General, quite neatly built of brick, the storehouses and barracks. On this island of Manhate, and in its environs, there may well be four or five hundred men of different sects and nations : the Director-General told me that there were men of eighteen kinds of languages ; they are scattered here and there on the river above and below, as the beauty and convenience of the spot invited each to settle; some mechanics, however, who ply their trade, are ranged under the fort, all the others being ex- posed to the incursions of the Indians, who, in the year 1643, while I was there, had actually killed some two- score Hollanders, and burnt many houses and barns full of wheat .... When any one first comes to settle in the country they lend him horses, cows, etc. ; they give him provisions, all which he returns as soon as he is at ease ; and as to the land, after ten years he pays to the West India Company the tenth of the produce which he raises." Rensselaerswyck, now Albany, he describes as a colony of about a hundred persons residing in some twenty or THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS thirty houses constructed merely of boards, and thatched, there being as yet no masonry except in the chimneys. When Governor Stuvvesant arrrived in New Amster- J dam in 1647, the town contained about 150 dwellings with about 700 inhabitants. Most of the buildings were built of wood and thatched with reeds, and some had wooden chimneys. Sanitary conditions were almost in- conceivably rilthy, and stringent measures were taken for the construction of " suitable and convenient houses within nine months." There was, consequently, great improve- ment in the town during the next ten years. Adrian Van der Donck, writing about 1654, describes the rine kitchen gardens of the New Netherlands, and mentions peaches, apricots, cherries, rigs, almonds, persimmons, plums, and gooseberries, as well as quinces from England. Among the flowers introduced, he enumerates various species of red and white roses, eglantine, gilly-flowers, jenoffelins, various tulips, crown imperials, white lilies, the fritillaria, anemo- nes, haredames, violets, marigolds and many others. In 1656, there were 120 houses with extensive gardens, and 1,000 inhabitants. In this year, the rirst article of the con- ditions offered by the Burgomasters of the city of Amster- dam to agreement with the West India Company reads : "The colonists who are going (to New Amsterdam) shall be transported in suitable vessels with their families, house- hold furniture and other necessaries." The majority of these colonists were of the poorer class, but wealthy mer- chants came here in increasing numbers, and the trading- post soon became a busy mart. With its extensive water front, streams, canals, and meadows, the transplanted Dutch town became very homelike. Mast of the houses were of one story with two rooms, and, rough as most of the fur- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS niture undoubtedly was, yet a good deal had come across the water. Articles of luxury were already on the spot and in demand. In the Albany records for 1654, we read : " Jan Gouw and Harmen Janse wish to sell a certain casket inlaid with ebony and other woods." The payment was to be made in " good whole beavers . . . within twenty-four hours, without an hour longer delay." It was bought by Jacob Janse Flodder for thirty beavers and nine- teen guilders. This handsome casket, therefore, fetched about $125, as beavers were then worth from $3.50 to $4 each. An example of carved oak furniture, such as may have been owned by the wealthy Hollanders at the time of the first settlement of New Netherland, faces this page. It is a curious oak cupboard on a frame, left by Miss Mary Campbell to the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society. When New Orange finally passed into English posses- sion in 1674, ninety-four of its citizens owned estates of more than a thousand guilders. Twenty-two of these were between five and ten thousand guilders each ; and the wealthiest were the following: Johannes van Burgh, 14,- ooo; Jacob Leisler, 15,000; Johannes de Peyster, 15,000; Cornelis Van Ruyven, 18,000; Jeronimus Ebbing, 30,000; Jno. Lawrence, 40,000 ; Olaf Stevenson Van Cortland, 45,000 ; Nicholas de Meyer, 50,000 ; Cornelis Steenwyck, 50,000; and Hendrick Philipsen, 80,000. In 1677, there were 368 houses and 3,430 persons in New York; in 1686, the numbers had increased to 480 and 3,800 respectively. In 1689, Albany had 150 houses. Thus, at this date, the New York dwelling-house harboured from nine to ten persons on an average. Though the CARVED OAK CUPBOARD WITH DRAWERS, ON A FRAME Owmtd by tkt Albany Institute and Hi itorital and Art Society. I ( 8 ^^ c THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS rooms were few, therefore, they had to be large. The house of the prosperous merchant was of two stories and contained seven or eight rooms. As a rule, the New York inventories do not give the contents of separate rooms, but the house of John Winder ( died 1675) is one exception. Be- sides the shop, it contained six rooms. In the hall were four Spanish tables covered with two leather Bristol car- pets and two of Turkey-work, a framed table, twelve Tur- key-work chairs and one leather chair, two trunks, two stands, two looking-glasses, a screen, six earthen pots, brass- headed andirons, and a pair of bellows. The boys' room contained a bed and a chair. Mr. Winder's chamber was furnished with a bedstead, six child's beds, two stands, two chests of drawers, four stools with covers, two chairs, a close-stool, a rire-pan, andirons, dogs and brass tongs. The curtains were of wrought dim- ity, a mantel-cloth adorned the chimney, and in the drawers was a lot of household linen, besides green cloth and new and old tapestry for hangings. The shop was furnished for living as well as trade purposes. It contained a bedstead with purple curtains and valance, four chairs, two stools, and a glass case. The back room had a bed- stead and curtains lined with sarcenet, six chairs, a table and carpet, a looking-glass and andirons. Grey hangings and two chimney-cloths adorned this room. Two bedsteads and a looking-glass were in the maid's chamber; and a table, a form and six chairs in the kitchen. The house was liberally supplied with the usual linen, pewter, earthen- ware and utensils. Mr. Winder also possessed 447 ounces of silver plate valued at ^"i i 1-15-0. The above house has an atmosphere of solid comfort. There is little of the Dutch feeling about it; it is typical THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of the English merchant. A glance at the homes of others of this class at the beginning of the English rule shows the same conditions. Nathaniel Sylvester's furniture (1680) included four tables, six green, ten leather and twelve other chairs, a clock, a Turkey-work couch, ten feather beds and furniture, two cup- boards of drawers, four looking-glasses, two great chests, and two great trunks. Robert Story died in 1680 worth j t 572-1 6- 6. He owned an old ebony chair worth ^4, a large chest of drawers, ^"5, and a large table, ^5, both of black walnut. His rooms were hung with "dornix" (see page 17). Early chairs are shown on this . and the next page. The first, with black painted frame and rush-bottom seat, jar-shaped splat, bowed top rail and front legs turned and ending in hoof feet, is a type frequently seen in the works of the Dutch masters. This chair is said to have originally belonged to Annetje Jans, who came to the New Netherlands in 1630. She was first the wife of Roelof Jansen and after his death was mar- ried to Dominie Everadus Bogardus. Her bouwery, or farm, was the land on which Trinity church now stands. The chair is the property of Mrs. Blanche Douw Allen, of New ANNETJE JANS'S CHAIR Owned by Mrs. Blanche Douw Allen, New York. 040 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Vork, having descended to her through the Douw family. A similar chair is owned by Mr. Clarence Townsend, of New York. The chair represented on this page is painted black and is very heavy and solid ; it has four slats, and simple top rail arched ; its turned posts terminate in plain legs, the front legs and front stretchers are turned. The seat is hand- some crimson damask. This chair has long been in the Pruyn fam- ily, and is owned by Mr. John V. L. Pruyn. Facing page 286 is an oak armchair of beautiful design, the front rail and front legs forming a grace- ful X, carved with a leaf pattern, and a shield bearing a lion rampant. The seat is of dark red leather fastened by brass nails. A cushion of the same material is held to the sides by brass rings and cords. This artistic design is familiar through the pictures of the Dutch masters. It be- longs to the estate of Mary Parker Corning, and is now in the roomsof the Albany Instituteand Historical and Art Society. The difference between New York and New England houses was sufficiently marked to strike a stranger. In Madame Knight's 'Journal (1707), we have direct tcsti- OLD DUTCH CHAIR Owned by Mr. John V. L. Pruyn, New York. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS mony : " The Cittie of New York is a pleasant, well com- pacted place situated on a commodious River w*** is a fine harbour for shipping. The Buildings, Brick generaly, very stately and high, though not altogether like ours in Boston. The Bricks in some of the Houses are of divers Coullers and laid in Checkers, being glazed look very agreeable. The inside of them are neat to admiration, the wooden work, for only the walls are plastered, and the Sumers * and Gist are plained and kept very white scowr'd, as so is all the partitions if made of Bords. The fire- places have no Jambs (as ours have). But the Backs run flush with the walls, and the Hearth is of Tyles, and is as farr out into the Room at the Ends as before the fire, w ch is generally Five foot in the Low'r rooms, and the peice over where the Mantle tree should be is made as ours with Joyners work, and I suppose is fasten'd to iron rodds in- side. The house where the Vendue was, had Chimney Corners like ours, and they and the hearths were laid w th the finest tile that I ever see, and the stair cases laid all with white tile, which is ever clean, and so are the walls of the Kitchen w ch had a Brick floor." The above description was written at the end of the period now under review, when the town had not yet lost much of . its Dutch character. The arrangement of the common living-room of the ordinary Dutch home can be readily reproduced. The most striking feature was the ornamental chimney-piece, five feet square, as Mme. Knight above explains. The Dutch love of carving is well known. When the owner was wealthy, the chimney-piece would be quite elaborate with caryatides surmounted by the con- * Sumers is the ''central beam supporting the joist, such as is now sometimes called the bearing beam." 14Z THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS soles supporting the oak entablature ornamented with mo- tives picked out in ebony, or wood stained in imitation. On th cornice, stood various vessels of brass repousse and Delft ware. The hearth had a large cast-iron ornamented back, the sides being faced with faience tiles often representing per- sonages in contemporay costume. Andirons with brass handles, heads of dogs, or lions, an iron rack for the fire- irons, pot-hooks, spits, a great "kettle," a pair of bellows, a warming-pan, and pewter, brass, or iron candlesticks were all to be found about this important feature of the cham- ber. Not far away, stood the large table with its carpet, or several small ones. At meal times, the wealthy burgher's table would be garnished with fine diaper or damask cloth and napkins, a great silver salt-cellar of fine workmanship, silver beakers, spoons, knives with handles of silver, agate, ivory, or mother-of-pearl, an occasional silver fork in wealthy homes, * jugs, mugs, glasses, plates and dishes of pewter, earthenware, or porcelain. Sometimes the glasses, cups, or mugs had silver or pewter covers. Near the host's great chair would be a large wine-cooler, or cistern of pewter or repousse copper. Affixed to the wall is a board with hooks and a shelf above. Here hang pots and vessels of all shapes and sizes, and on the shelf is some of the fine Delft ware in which the mistress takes such pride. There is also a large provision cupboard, and above it hangs a looking- glass with an ebony frame of waved mouldings. Close by stands a great linen press, and perhaps a second " Ka s " is * Fork* were very scarce before 1670. In 1668, Governor Eaton bequeathes a " sylver meat fork " to Mr*. Abigail Nichols. George Cooke own* one in 1679. Nine silver spoons and six forks cost /'lo in 1690. It is surprising how long it took for them to become popular; there was a strange prejudice jgainst them, in Nicholas Breton's Tkt Courtttr and tkt Countryman, we read: ''For us in the country, when we hav washed our hands after no foul work, nor handling any unwholesome thing, we need no link forks to make hay with our mouths, to throw our meat into them." THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS also in the room. A bright and charming Frisian clock (such as appears facing page 302) ticks on the wall. In the background, a stairway, more or less ornamental, with plain banisters or turned balustrading, leads to the rooms above; and under it stand casks, and a lantern hangs there to light the descent to the cellar. A carved oak glass stand, or rack, is also frequently found ; and on it are gob- lets and glasses of all dimensions. Pails, brushes, brooms, and all the implements for washing and scouring are con- veniently at hand. The window, with leaded diamond or square panes, has an exterior framing of creepers or rose- tendrils. At the entrance, or in the vestibule, were some- times to be found faience plates breathing the spirit of easy- going good-nature characteristic of the race. A typical one bears the legend : 44 Al wat gij ziet, en oordeel met. Al wat gij hoard, en geloof met. Al wat gij weet, en zeg niet. Al wat gij vermoogt, en doet niet." (Don't judge all that you see. Don't believe all that you hear. Don't utter all that you know. Don't do all that you can do.) Another plate, representing a grotesquely-garbed indi- /idual, reads : " Huijs is noijt zond Gikkin die bet niet In dient de kan verstrekken " (This house is never lacking in fools; he who does not amuse himself in it can get out.) The Friesland clock, mentioned above, is about 200 years old. It is owned by the Rev. John van Burk, Johns- 044 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS town, N. Y., and is in the rooms of the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society. The mermaids, cherubs, eagles, and other ornaments upon it present a bewildering and beautiful combination of scarlet, blue, white and gold. The pictures on and above the dial are delicately painted. The wealthy Dutch merchant naturally had more numerous and luxurious apartments than the home above described. Like his English brother, his rooms were full of hangings, bric-a-brac, porcelains, .plate, and furniture of the choicest woods, marquetry and lacquer. We will now examine a house of this class. Cornelis Steenwvck, the second wealthiest citizen of J New Amsterdam when it passed into English hands, be- came Mayor of New York and died in 1686. His estate, including debts, then amounted to ^1 5,931-15-1. He owned one house south of Bridge Street and east of the Fort, ^700 ; another, a little to the north, ^300 ; a gar- den between the houses of Peter Doriemer and Stephanus Van Cortlandt, jo ; and " a small slip of ground lying in the broad way on the back part of the lot of Laendert Vandergrift, 22 feet by 15 feet, ^7." Thus Broadway real estate was already valuable. His home is a good type of that of the wealthy burgher. It was an eight-roomed house with cellars, etc. In the Great Chamber, was ^465-3-7^ in money, besides jewelry worth ^'52-4-0, and 730 ounces of silver plate worth 2 1 9. It was elaborately furnished with a round table (2) and square table (^10), twelve Russia leather and two chairs with fine silver lace, a cabinet (j6), a great looking-glass (j6), and a very valuable "cupboard or case of French nutwood "(20). Fourteen fine pictures adorned the walls, and there was a pair of rlowered tabby curtains for the glass windows and a chim- HS THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ney-cloth of the same material. The tire-place was sup- plied with a " hearthe iron with brass handles "; and one part of the room was given up to a big bedstead with its furnishings, and a dressing-box. There was also a " cap- stock," or rack to hang clothes on, besides some table-linen, striped tapestry, silver lace, feather plumes, three chamber brooms and a carpet. On the chimney-piece and in the great cupboard and cabinet were rive alabaster images, nine- teen porcelain dishes, an ivory compass and two flowered earthen pots. All this sounds very luxurious and attractive. The Fore Room contained a marble table with wooden frame, another table of wood with a carpet, one matted and seven Russia leather chairs, one "foot banke," a cushion, a clock, eleven pictures, and three curtains over the glass windows. This forms a very pleasant sitting- room. In the "withdrawing room" were two chairs, a cabi- net (j4), a chest, a trunk, a capstick, a close-stool, a cushion, eight pictures, and five china dishes, besides a lot of dry-goods. The kitchen chamber was evidently the common fam- ily living-room. It contained five Russia leather, three matted, and four other chairs, an oval table with woolen cloth, a bedstead and furniture with iron rods and curtains, a case for clothes, two small trunks, two cushions, a chim- ney-cloth, a tobacco-pot, a glass lantern, a looking-glass and a great quantity of linen and earthenware. There were also three wooden racks for dishes and a " can-board with hooks of brass." The latter appears in many a Dutch interior of the seventeenth century. The other rooms comprised the after-loft, chamber above the kitchen, cellar-kitchen, upper chamber for mer- 246 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS chandise, cellar and garret. There was also a small stable, and "in the streete" were fir planks, an iron anchor, board and Holland pan tiles. Among the host of miscel- laneous household goods and utensils, we note a "cupboard or case of drawers," two painted screens, a tick-tack board, a paper-mill, some black lead and blue, tin ware to bake sugar cakes, a marsepyn pan (marzipan or marchpane, a sweet confection of almond paste and sugar), (J*2), two tin water spouts, thirteen scrubbing and thirty-one rubbing brushes, twenty-four pounds of Spanish soap and seven brushes. The household utensils and domestic conveniences in New York were, as a rule, more varied and more numer- ous than in New England and the South. Cleaning and scrubbing utensils especially were abundant; a few items of this nature from inventories before 1 700 are as follows : Whitening brushes, scrubbing ditto, painting brushes, hair ditto, dust ditto, chamber brooms, " hearth hair brushes with brass and wooden handles," hearth brooms, rubbers, "brush to clean ye floor," "dust brushes called hogs," floor brushes, rake ditto, " Bermudian brooms with sticks," sticks to hang the clothes upon, washing tubs, pails, rainwater casks, glass knockers to beat clothes, "tin wateren pot to wet clothes," wicker baskets, smoothing irons, boards " to whet knives upon," clothes brushes, leather buckets, fire buckets, Dutch hampers and Bermuda baskets, and scrub- bers tied with red leather. An important personage in Albany was Dom Nicholas Van Rensselaer, who died in 1679. His house near the mill, worth 1,200 guilders, contained a generous supply of linen, china, earthenware, silver plate, pewter, brass and iron. The wooden furniture comprised two beds, a chest 47 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of drawers, two looking-glasses, a globe of the world, a brown table of nutwood, a chest of the same, an oak table, a table of pine with six stools or chairs, a sleeping bank (see page 250) of pine, an old coffer with a desk, a seal, a wooden sand-box and a brush, twenty-one pictures and the King's Arms. Some of the miscellaneous articles included "an instrument to swim withal, a tin pan to roast apples, a flat dish to boil fish on, a brass pocket watch that's out of order, and a fflagilet tipt with silver." The above furniture was certainly not excessive for four rooms, of which this house probably consisted. The curious old Dutch chair, seen facing page 286 (lower left-hand corner), is owned by Mr. Gardner Cotrell Leonard, of Albany. It has cabriole front legs ending in hoof feet, turned stretchers, a jar-shaped splat and two handles, or ears, at the sides. The New York inventories give quite a different im- pression from those of the South, or even of New England. It is plain that the oak age is past. The drawing-table (see page 63) still survives, but the newer forms of light fur- niture are rapidly driving out the solid and cumbrous styles. In the poorer houses, tables and chairs are scarce, and very roughly constructed; in the richer homes, the latter are good and plentiful. Between 1680 and 1700, a merchant's house would contain from thirty to fifty chairs in ad- dition to forms and stools. The latter were not numerous. Turkey-work, turned, matted, Russia leather (single and double nailed), Spanish leather and cane chairs are the principal varieties. Typical specimens of the day are shown facing page 286 and on page 249. The most ornate, fac- ing page 286 (right-hand below), is from the Schuyler house, on the Flats, Troy Road, N. Y. Similar chairs v\ . THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CHAIR FROM WHITEHALL Owned by Mrs. Cuyler Ten Eyck, Albany. CHAIR FROM WHITEHALL Owned by Mrs. Cuyler Ten Eyck, Albany. appear also on page 271 and facing page 8. The other chairs are owned hy Mrs. Cuyler Ten Eyck, Alhany, and came from her home, Whitehall, the Gansevoort house. Ebony chairs were possessed by a few families. " Foot- banks" often added to bodily ease. Enough has been said about the chairs of the period in former sections, so there is no need to dwell on them here. Church chairs, stools or stoofts are quite general in the houses ; they were car- ried to worship when wanted. One of these, shown facing page 250, belongs to Mr. George Douglas Miller, and is THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS now in the rooms of the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society.* It is painted black and bears a picture of the Last Judgment in colours; the angel is seen separat- ing the sheep from the goats. Beneath is the date 1702, and the following inscription : " Het oordeel Gotsir nu bereijt Het is nogtijt Laet onsincingt De vroome van de Boose Scheyt Godt beddenotn des Heemals ovengt. (" The judgment of God is now prepared There is still time, leave unwisdom The pious will be separated from the wicked God's wisdom encircles the universe.") Tables are generally the same as elsewhere ; the side or sideboard table, with or without drawers, is frequently present. Though the high-post bedstead was common, in some of the Dutch homes the bedstead was a kind of sleeping- bunk (slaap-banck), a shelf with doors in the wall; this bedstead was literally the bed-place and not an ornamen- tal piece of furniture. This arrangement is still to be seen in many farm-houses of northern Europe, Normandy and Brittany, and constantly appears in the pictures of Gerard Dou, Jan Steen and other contemporary Dutch painters. Little beds, trundle beds (known as slaap banck op rol- /en), tent beds with curtains, sleeping benches, press-beds and bedsteads "on fold " were other varieties. Slaves had to be content with rough sleeping accommodations. A temporary shake-down, or rough cot, such as guests had to put up with at festival time, was called a Kermesse bed. When Jaspar Dankers and Peter Sluyter, the Labadists, * This of course is a small stool, but has been reproduced on a very large scale in order to show the picture upon it. 150 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS visited Simon at Gouanes in 1690, they noted in their journal : " It was very late at night when we went to rest in a Kermis bed, as it is called, in the corner of the hearth, alongside of a good fire." The warming-pan of copper or brass was always in requisition. One belonging to Mrs. Robert R. Topping, of Albany, is represented facing page 254 with some other articles now in the rooms of the Al- bany Institute and Historical and Art Society. These are foot-warmers, owned by Messrs. Bleecker and James B. Sanders, and a "scheppel," a Dutch grain measure used in the New Netherlands, now owned by Mrs. S. G. Bradt, and a trunk belonging to Mrs. Anna de Peyster Douw Mil- ler. A fine brass warming-pan, marked with the initials of Philip Van Rensselaer, is at Cherry Hill, Albany. We also find a multifarious assortment of cooking uten- sils and implements, including pots, funnels, pans, cullen- ders, kettles, chocolate-pots, apple-roasters, cake and pie pans, sugar-cake pans, posset-pans, marchpane-pans, strain- ers, fish-kettles, skillets, jacks, spits and trammels. Among the miscellaneous household goods mentioned, we note steel to strike fire with, tinder-box, candle-box, rack, spice-box, kettle-bench, mustard-querne, spoon-rack, thing to put spoons in, sand-box, tobacco-box, spue-box (which sometimes had a drawer), paper-mill, frame for clothes to hang, rack to hang clothes and caps upon, hour- glass, weather-glass, dressing-stick and board, comb-box, black walnut paper-box and rolling board for linen. The attention paid to the comfort of children is often apparent. Among the frequent entries are children's bed- steads, cribs, cradles, small children's trunks, child's stools, sucking-bottles, nurse-chairs, rocking-chairs, childbed bas- kets, and toys and playthings. " Fenders to keep children THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS from the fire" are specially mentioned. Three interesting pictures appear facing page 258 and on page 253. The first represents a cradle belonging to the Pruyn fam- ily and a child's rocking-chair used by Sarah Lansing. Be- hind this stand two fire-screens (the latter belonging to the estate of Mary Parker Corning) now in the Albany Insti- tute and Historical and Art Society. The second shows an old cradle covered with leather and ornamented with brass nails also forming date 1749, and a child's high chair, with turned posts and stretchers, and bearing a bar for the feet. The seat is covered with leather. These pieces have always been in the Van Rensselaer family, and are now owned by Mrs. H. Van Rensselaer Gould, of East Orange, N. J.,and are preserved in the Van Rensselaer house, Cherry Hill y Albany. The third is a child's chair long in the Lansing fam- ily. This belongs to Miss Anna Lansing in Albany. The "tip and turn" tea-table of mahogany with ball-and-claw feet is of later date. This also belongs to Miss Lansing. For lighting the halls and rooms, there were lanterns, earthen and other lamps and a great variety of candlesticks. These were of pewter, tin, iron, brass and more precious metals. Silver candlesticks were not rare, and some of these were of elaborate form and workmanship. Besides the simpler kinds that stood on tables and shelves, there were high-branched standing candlesticks, sconces and arms on the walls, and candelabra hanging from the ceilings. A double brass hanging candlestick with snuffers and extinguisher was worth ^"1-4-0 in 1696. Some of the varieties were hand-candlesticks, brass hanging and handle candlesticks, brass standing ditto, standing ditto with two brass candlesticks to it, and brass-plated candlestick. 252 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Cornells Van Dyke (1686), whose estate amounted to 1,428 beavers, had a typical mixture of furniture in his house. One room contained a walnut bedstead with dark say hangings and silk fringe, a walnut chest contain- ing a spare suit of serge hangings, a painted chest of drawers, " a walnut chest of drawers with a press for nap- A CHILD'S CHAIR AND MAHOGANY TEA TABI.K Owned by Miss Anna Lansing, Albany. See page 251 kins atop of it," an oak chest of drawers, an oak table and carpet, eight Spanish stools, a walnut capstock to hang clothes upon, a red table that folds up, an old case without bottles, a hanging about a chimney; and the usual linen brass, pewter, earthenware and glass. The Fore Room was furnished with a bedstead and green say suit of hang- ings, another bedstead of oak, a painted chest of drawers, a wooden table, ten matted chairs, a Spanish leather stool, 53 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS a looking-glass, three pictures, " four racks that the pewter stands on and earthenware," a desk, a pewter standish, a painted eight-cornered table, three chests, a leather hat case, andirons, fire-irons, bellows, long and short handled brushes and the usual kitchen stuff. In the shop was a sleeping bed of pine wood and bedding for the servant, and "before the door a wooden sleigh." From the above examples, it is evident that in the aver- age home there was no distinction between sitting- and sleeping-rooms, and the hall is rarely named as an apart- ment, but that in the richest families the rooms were some- times reserved for distinct purposes. Col. Lewis Morris (1691, ^4928-17-1 ) had a bed in his dining-room as well as in the great room and lodging-room. Thomas Crun- dell's hall ( 1692) contained a bed. The other furniture in this hall consisted of small square and large oval tables, cup- board, black walnut chest of drawers, glass case of the same wood, seven leather and three Turkey-work chairs, a chamber screen, andirons, etc. The chimney-cloth was of fringed calico, and one large and three small landscapes were on the walls. The wives of the wealthier citizens had their own apartments to which they could retire for rest or privacy. Some of these were quite luxuriously furnished. William Cox was a rich merchant, who died in 1689. His widow's chamber contained a chest of drawers on a frame, a side table with drawers, a chest of drawers and a dress- ing-box, a glass case, twelve Turkey chairs, a large look- ing-glass, a silver ditto, and a bed with serge curtains and valance with silk fringe. By this time, many a Vanderdecken had weathered the Cape, and the beautiful fabrics and strange productions of ! if Q-S: Z S < ^ a z l ' OLD CRADLE, CHILD'S ROCKING-CHAIR AND TWO FIRE-SCREENS In the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society. See page 252. VAN RENSSELAER CRADLE AND CHILD'S CHAIR Owned by Mrs. Gould. See page 252. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the affluent East had found their way into every trade cen- tre. Oriental goods give a characteristic note to the rooms of every prosperous Dutchman of the day. Porcelains, lacquer goods, silk and cotton fahrics, carved wood and ivory, and wrought metals were brought here almost as freely as they are to-day. There is scarcely an inventory of a person of ample means after 1675 that does not contain some article of Eastern origin. New York was an exceedingly busy mart, and English and Dutch and other vessels unloaded at her wharves merchandise as varied as was to be had in London or Am- sterdam. Thriving as this trade emporium now was, legi- timate commerce did not satisfy many of the merchants, who, as is well known, were none too scrupulous; they had no hesitation in breaking the laws of trade whenever possible, and pirates received much sympathy and aid. Ships were even sent with supplies to the pirates' haunts and returned with miscellaneous plunder and successful pirates, who had come home to retire in comfort on the fruits of their industry. The Earl of Bellomont was sent out as Governor in 1697 to stop the illegal traffic. He and others had entered into a commercial venture with a citi- zen and ex-privateer of New York, named Captain William Kidd, with the object of exterminating piracy. Every- body knows the outcome of this scheme. In 1692, Cap- tain Kidd was a respectable member of society and mar- ried Sarah, the widow of John Ort who had been dead only a few months. It may be interesting to see the hoUvSehold goods that the future pirate acquired by this marriage. There were five tables, one of which was oval, with six carpets; eighteen Turkey-work, twenty-foursingle-nailed and twelve double-nailed leather chairs ; three chests of drawers, a glass case, two stands, two dressing-boxes, a desk, a screen, four looking-glasses, a clock, four curtained beds, two pairs of andirons, two fenders, three sets of fire-irons, three chaf- ing-dishes, four brass, four tin and four pewter candle- sticks, five leather buckets, 104 ounces of silver plate, twelve drinking-glasses, and the usual bedding, linen, pew- ter and kitchen stuff. With the addition of his own ef- fects, therefore, Captain Kidd's home was quite luxurious. The contents of the houses constantly bear evidence of the extent of New York's foreign trade and imply that little of the good furniture was made here. The new styles that the Dutch had borrowed from the East were rapidly growing in favour. Marquetry, already spoken of on page 68, beautiful examples of which appear facing page 262 and page 296, owned by Mrs. William Gor- ham Rice, of Albany, and Mr. John V. L. Pruyn, of New York, was becoming a leading feature of furniture decoration, and objects of strange shapes with inlay of exotic woods were gradually eclipsing the old cabinets, chests of drawers, cupboards and tables with mouldings and mathematical patterns of ebony and imitation ebony. The more picturesque and pictorial marquetry and the bombe forms and cabriole legs had practically superseded the severe oak by 1690. William of Orange was now in England, and the new Dutch furniture was all the rage. Walnut was principally used, but chestnut was also in de- mand, and much hickory reached Holland from this side. The Dutch recognized the value of mahogany in cabinet- making earlier than is usually thought. Stray pieces of mahogany unquestionably existed in New York and perhaps in New England and the South at THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS this date. It is probable that the " fine red chest of draw- ers," belonging to Thomas Tyler, of Boston (1691), was composed of mahogany. The '* red table that folds up," already mentioned in the inventory of Cornelis Van Dyke ( 1686), looks suspiciously like mahogany, and there is no MAHOGANY TABLE In the Van Cortlandt Houar, Crotnn-un-the-Hudion. telling how long he had possessed it. The same remark applies to the "cupboard of Cashoes tree, ^"i-io-o," be- longing to James Laty, of Jamaica, L. I., six years later. Cashoes is, of course, mahogany (Dutch, kasjoe ; Brazilian, a cajoba ; French, acajou). An early specimen of mahog- any represented on this page belongs to Miss Anne Van Cortlandt at Croton-on-the-Hudson; it is said to have 57 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS been brought from Holland by Olaf Stevenson Van Cort- landt in 1668 on his return from a visit to his fatherland. This, as well as the next example, closely follows the pattern of the seventeenth century oak tables (see pages 1 1 and 97). In transitional periods, styles overlap and the old forms are often clung to after the new have been introduced. It is quite possible, however, that the mahogany table belong- ing to Miss Van Cortlandt is, in fact, an early mahogany example of the seventeenth century. The second table, facing page 260, belonged to Sir William Johnson, and is loaned to the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society by the heirs of the late Gen. John Taylor Cooper. The wood is very rich red, the leaves drop on hinges at each end, and are supported by legs that fold. Its height is 29^8 inches; its length 6 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 11 inches across the shortest diameter. This piece of furni- ture was confiscated in 1776, and was purchased by the Hon. John Taylor. It is not, however, the new Dutch furniture designed under the influence of the Orient that is noticeable in New York houses, so much as the actual products in wood and lacquer of those remote realms. Many a house contained cabinets, baskets, trays, images and ceramics of all kinds that had come direct from the Far East. Among others we may select the following: Christina Cappoens ( 1687) had an " Eestindia Cabbenet with four black ebben feet, ^2-10-0." Margarita Van Varick (1696), had "five silver wrought East India boxes, three ditto cups, two ditto dishes, one ditto trunk, a Moorish to- bacco pipe, a small ebony trunk with silver handles, an East India cabinet with ebony feet wrought, two East In- dia cabinets with brass handles, a small black cabinet with THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS silver handles, eleven Indian babyes, ten Indian looking- glasses, two East India cane baskets with covers, a fine East India dressing-basket, a round ditto, two East India cane baskets with covers, two wooden guilt East India trays lackered, one round thing ditto, thirteen East India pic- tures, a fine East India square guilt basket and a carved wooden thing," and quantities of porcelain. Perhaps also " thirteen ebony chairs, a small gold box as big as a pea, a gold piece the shape of a diamond, a gold bell and chain, two gold medals, a small mother-of- pearl box and fifty-five pieces silver playthings or toys" may have come from the East. Mr. Jacob De Lange (1685) also owned "one waxed East India small trunk, one square black small sealing-waxed box, one silver thread-wrought small trunk, one ivory small trunk tipt with silver, two small square cabinets with brass hoops, one East India basket, one East India cubbet, five small East India boxes, one East India waxed cabinet with brass bands and hinges with four partitions, one small East In- dia rush case containing nineteen wine and beer glasses, one small waxed East India trunk, one ivory small trunk tipped with silver, one square black small sealing-waxed box, one silver thread-wrought small trunk, a gold boat wherein thirteen diamants to one white coral chain and one East India basket." If, in addition to Oriental products, we examine the porcelain, earthenware and pictures belonging to Mrs. Van Varick and to Mr. De Lange, a rich barber-surgeon, respectively, we shall have a very clear view of the best that was procurable at the close of the third quarter of the seventeenth century. The " Chyrurgian's" inventory ( 1685, ,740-17-7), includes: " Purcelaine. In the cham- $9 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS her before the chimney. Seven half basons (^"12-15-0), two belly flagons, three white men, one sugar pot, two small pots, six small porrengers, one small goblet " (all ^2-14-0). Thus we see how a chimney-piece was deco- rated. The six plates were naturally stood on end. Upon the case, or kas y were two great basons, one great goblet, two pots, two flasks and four drinking glasses; total ^'4-16-0. Other porcelain, some of which was evidently for sale, in- cluded : " Five drillings, thirty butter dishes, six double ditto, seven small tea pots, two white ditto, one can with a silver joint, one ditto with a joint, five small basons, one barber's ditto, sixty-seven saucers, four salt sellers, three small mustard pots, five oil pots, one small pot, 1 27 tea pots, three small men, two fruit dishes." The total value of this chinaware was ^"15-11-6 The earthenware comprised " two small cups, one bason, one small oil can, one small spice pot, five saucers, six small men, one small dog, two small swans, one small duck." These were all worth only ten shillings. In addition, there were " ten white dishes, seven white and blue ditto, two flat white basons, one white cup, one salt seller, one mustard pot, twenty-one trenchers, one chamber pot, one pan with pew- ter cover. Red earthenware : Five small saucepans, three stew pans, four pots, one strainer, two small dishes, two jars." Mrs. Van Varick's porcelain was as follows: " Three cheenie pots, one ditto cup bound with silver, two glassen cases with thirty-nine pieces of small chinaware and eleven Indian babyes, also six small and six larger china dishes, twenty-three pieces of chinaware, two white china cups with covers, one parcel toys (^'2-10-0), three tea pots, one cistern and basin, fourteen china dishes, three large ditto, three ditto basons, three smaller ditto^ three fine 260 S .s 5 i .> >J MARQUETRY CUPBOARD AND DRAWERS Owned by Mrs. William Gorham Rice, Albany. See page 256. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS china cups, one ditto jug, four ditto saucers, seven ditto smaller tea dishes, six painted tea ditto, four tea ditto, eight tea cups, four ditto painted brown, six small ditto, three ditto painted red and blue, three white East India flower pots, three ditto smaller, three ditto round, one china ink box, one lion, one china image." Other articles of this class were : Eight white earthen plates, one tea dish, two cups, six wooden tumblers, one carved wooden thing, and three wooden dishes painted. Besides her Eastern cabinets, already described, this lady had other pieces of furniture for the safe-keeping and display of her precious china. First, perhaps, comes " one great Dutch kas y which could not be removed from Flatbush," and was therefore sold for ^25. This must have been a very fine piece of carved and inlaid work. Then we have a " painted wooden rack to set chinaware in." The value, ^ 1-7-0, shows that either the painting or carving was elaborate. A wooden tray, a wooden tray with feet, and a small oval painted table also occur. One of the most varied assortments of household goods belonged to the above Jacob De Lange. His house con- tained a fore room, side chamber, chamber, shop, kitchen and cellar. Besides the Oriental goods already mentioned, he owned twelve chairs of red and six of green plush, and eleven matted. Then there were seven wooden backs, two can boards, two small cloak boards, a hat press, a church chair, a clothes press, a small square cabinet with brass hoops, a cupboard with glass front, " a black nut chest, found under them two black feet," one oak drawing and two round tables. His pictures numbered fifty-five. In the side chamber were " a small zea, an evening, four pic- tures countreys and five East India pictures with red lists " 161 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ( list = frame). The fore-room was adorned with "a great picture being a banquet with a black list, one ditto some- thing smaller, one ditto one bunch of grapes with a pome- granate, one ditto with apricocks, one ditto a small coun- try, one ditto a Break of Day, one ditto a Small Winter, one small ditto a Cobler, a Portraturing of My Lord Speelman, a board with a black list wherein the coat-of- arms of Mr. De Lange." These landscapes, marines, in- teriors and still life of the Dutch school would be prized in any house to-day. It is interesting, however, to note that the owner's coat-of-arms was valued at ^"5-4-0, while all the other pictures in the room totalled only ^8. The Chamber contained "one great picture banquetts, one ditto, one small ditto, one ditto Abraham and Hagar, four small countreys, two small ditto, one flower pot, one small ditto, one country people frolic, one portraiture, one sea strand, one plucked cock torn, two small countreys, one small print broken, one flower pot small without a list, thirteen East India prints past upon paper." These pictures, many of which were, doubtless, by celebrated masters, reached the grand total of ^ 19-7-6 ! Pictures are found in considerable numbers in all opu- lent houses. Thirty-eight were owned by Cornelis Steen- wyck, but the subjects are not recorded. Christina Cap- pons, 1687, owned "two rosen picters, one ditto a ship, one ditto of ye city of Amsterdam, two ditto small upon boards, ten small picters, one great ditto with a broken list, three small gilded ditto." These were collectively worth 2-0-6. Besides two pictures not described, John Van Zee, 1689, had one of Julius Caesar and another of Scipio Afri- canus. " Landskips " are plentiful. Margarita Van Var- 262 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ick, 1 696, owned thirty-nine pictures, including portraits of herself and relations, " three pictures of ships with black ebony frame, one ditto of the Apostle, one ditto of fruit, one ditto of a battle, one ditto landskip, one ditto large flower pot, one ditto with a rummer, one ditto bird cage and purse, etc., one large horse battle, one large picture with roots." The others included prints and pictures with ebony, black and gilt frames. In some houses the chim- ney-piece was not very high, especially towards the end of the century. In this case the space above it was rilled with a large picture which was specially named. Thus, Mrs. Van Varick possessed " a large picture of images, sheep, and ships that hung above the chimney." The walls of the rooms of the best houses were thus amply decorated ; and with the gay hangings, table and chimney-cloths, and cushions, the effect was exceedingly bright and rich. It may be noted that wherever there was a board or shelf it received some covering. The chests of drawers and dressing-tables were often covered with a cloth called a toilet or twilight towards the end of the century. Cornelis Jacobs (1700) has " one white cloth for chist drawers muslin." Mrs. Van Varick's chimney-cloths and curtains, which matched, were green serge with silk fringe and flowered crimson gauze. She also had a painted chimney-cloth, six satin cushions with gold flowers, white flowered muslin curtains, two fine Turkey-work carpets, chintz flowered and blue flowered carpets, and a flowered carpet stitched with gold, besides many other cloths and hangings. The "cup- boards" and "cases" in which the china was kept, espe- cially those with glass fronts, also had cloths on the shelves. " Six cloths which they put upon the boards in the case " is an entry in the inventory of Jacob De Lange. 163 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The cupboards and cases in which china was kept may have been similar to those represented facing this page and page 272, both of which belong to Mr. George Douglas Miller of Albany, and are in the rooms of the Albany In- stitute and Historical and Art Society. The kas, or kos, was the most important article of fur- niture in the ordinary Dutch house. It is almost invari- ably found, often attaining enormous dimensions and seeming almost to form part of the house itself. Before the rage for antique furniture arose not many years ago, superb presses of this class might still be found in very modest Dutch dwellings. They were, and where they exist, still are, looked after with special care, and lovingly rubbed, oiled and varnished. They often had tall and massive columns with broadly-carved capitals, and carving abounded along their edges and mouldings. Beautiful tones, enriched by the centuries, mingled in the contrasted oak, walnut, and blackened pear woods. They had a most impressive air that seemed disdainful of the rest of the furniture. In a chamber adorned with Oriental produc- tions, their severity produced a most striking effect. The dealers in antiques have stripped most of the small houses of these great wardrobe presses, but a few specimens that excite the admiration of tourists and travellers are still to be seen in Gueldres and North Holland. They seem to have been universal in the New Netherlands, and the inven- tories show that they lingered here long after the rest of the furniture of their day had departed, more on account of their usefulness even than their beauty, in all probability. That they were highly prized is plain from the fact of their frequent appearance in wills as special bequests. Two in- stances will suffice: Judith, widow of Peter Stuyvesant, a6 4 GLASS CASE ON FRAME (MARQUETRY) Owned by Mr. George Douglas Milter, Albany. See page WALNUT KAS &i<;ned by Miss Catharine Van Cortlandt Matthews, Croton-Qti-the-Hudion, N. T. See page 266. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS bequeaths to her son Nicholaes among other things: " My great case or cubbard standing at the house of Mr. Johannes Van Brugh, together with all the china earthen- ware locked up in said cubbard." Again, in 1687, Mary Mathewes leaves to her granddaughter, Hester Erwin : a bed and furniture, two silk coats and "one certain great black walnut cupboard standing in my new dwelling- house." Margarita Van Varick's has that was too massive to be moved has already been noted. (See page 261.) Mr. De Lange's great kas is thus described: "One great cloth [es| case covered with French nutwood and two black knots under it, j 13-0-0." Other examples are: A great press (Jno. Sharpe, 1681) ; a cupboard or case of drawers, ^9, and a cupboard or case of French nutwood, ^20 (Cornelis Steenwyck) ; a small oak case, ^"i-io-o (Glaunde Germonpre van Gitts, 1687); a white oak cup- board, ^"2-5-0 (Jacob Sanford, 1688); a large cupboard, 6 (Widow Burdene, 1690) ; a "cupboard for clowes," a press and porcelain, ^5, "a Holland cubbart furnished with earthenware and porcelain, ^15" (F. Rombouts, 1692); a great black walnut cupboard, 10, and a Dutch painted cupboard, \ (Abram Delanoy, 1702); a black walnut cupboard, ^"9 (Jeremias Westerhout, 1703); a "case of nutwood," jio (Jno. Abeel, 1712). The high prices of many of the above show that they must have been of fine workmanship. Sometimes they stood on square feet and sometimes on the favourite Dutch ball, or " knot," as the appraiser describes it. Humphrey Hall (1696) owned "a chest of drawers with balls at the feet, ^'1-16-0; ditto one loss, ^"i-io-o." This ball that is such a conspicuous feature in seventeenth-cen- tury furniture was sometimes flattened. We have seen it THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS in the bedposts, under chests and in table legs. The ball-and-claw foot that succeeded it ap- peared before the close of the century and re- mained in favour almost a century. The cases with glass or solid doors frequently stood on "stands" or "frames" with four or six legs on which the bulb, though reduced in size, was still conspicuous (see facing 264). Sometimes the porcelain cupboards, cases or cabinets stood on a base that was closed MAHOGANY KAS with d OrS - Mr De Owned by Mrs. H. Van Rensselaer Gould at Cherry Hill, LangC OWned a " CUD- Albany. See this page. board with a glass," .\- 5-0. A good example of the latter variety appears facing page 272. The kas on this page is a Van Rensselaer piece and belongs to Mrs. H. Van Rensselaer Gould, of East Orange, N. J., but it is preserved at Cherry Hill, Albany. It is mahogany with ball-and-claw feet. The four drawers are furnished with brass handles. In the cup- board above, the shelves run the whole length. On either side of the doors are fluted columns. The kas facing this page also stands on ball-and-claw feet, but is made of walnut. A kind of Chinese pattern 266 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS runs along the top. The drawers have hrass handles. This piece was partly burned by the Hessians during the Revo- lution. It is owned by Miss Catharine Van Cortlandt Matthews, at Croton-on-the-Hudson, N. Y. An example of the great kas, belonging to Mrs. John V. L. Pruyn, faces page 270. It is of marquetry orna- mented with plaques of blue and white Delft. A very interesting specimen facing page 235 is a walnut kas, veneered with mahogany, now owned by Miss Katharine Van Rensselaer, at the Vlie House, Rensselaer, N. Y. It is more than seven feet high. Two large balls form the front feet; the doors and two lower drawers are panelled. The carving consists of flowers bound together with cords and tassels (one of the latter is missing). Heads of cherubs and grotesque animals appear on the corners, and in the centre of the top moulding and between the two drawers. This originally belonged to Kath- arine Van Burgh (daughter of Johannes Van Burgh and Sara Cuyler, among the first settlers on Manhattan Island), given to her on her marriage to Philip Livingston (grand- son of Philip Schuyler); it descended to the present owner through the marriage of Stephen Van Rensselaer, the eighth patroon of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck, with Katharine Livingston, granddaughter of Katharine Van Burgh. It is safe to say that the greater part of the good furni- ture found in New York was imported. Among the merchandise brought in by the ship Robert \n 1687 was a cane chair. In the same year the Amity of London, besides barrels, kegs, firkins, casks and puncheons, brought 1 3 trunks, i 2 chests, 6 boxes, 3 cases, 9 bundles, 4 parcels of bedding, 3 kettles, a pot, spit, basket, fire tongs, shovel, THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS nellows, desk and kas. Another lot of furniture on board consisted of 2 tables, 2 bundles of chairs, a chest of draw- ers, bed, trunk, 2 boxes, spit and jack. In 1686, the Bachelour, also from London, had dry goods, brandy, claret and Rhenish wine, a saddle-horse with furniture, lanterns, Hat-foot candlesticks, funnels, saucepans, kettles, porringers, spoons, basins, chest of drawers, table and frame, suits oi curtains and valance, close-stool and looking-glass. Ther*. were, however, some workmen here who were capable of making good furniture, and all the necessary fine timber was on the spot. The Labadists, who visited New York in 1689, remark on the thick woods with which the shores of the bay were covered. Timber was exported in large quantities, and was wastefully used for fuel. The Labad- ists note : " We found a good fire, halfway up the chimney, of clear oak and hickory, of which they made not the least scruple of burning profusely." In 1710, " \ l / 2 cords Nutten wood for the fire, "0-15-0," belonged to Isaac Pinchiero. Nutwood, as we have already seen, was hick- ory. Boards that may have been used in the construction of furniture are frequently found in the inventories. C. Steenwyck (1686) has 14 French nut boards, .3-3-0; C. Cappoens (1687), 2 black walnut boards, "0-9-0; F. Richardson ( 1688), some walnut boards, "0-10-0 ; and T. Davids (1688), 260 oak and chestnut planks. It is rea- sonable to assume that the cheap pine tables, forms, and chests were made here ; probably, also, most of the maple and hickory furniture came from local workshops. Cedar ive know was largely used. In 1703, Matthew Clarkson owned "one fine chest of drawers and other things fitting of maple wood ; " and in 1707 Morton Peterson had " one cupbard of cedar home made, ji." The examples al- 268 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ready given show that the cupboards and kasses were usu- ally made of white oak or black walnut. Expensive marquetry, as well as Oriental goods, was occasionally imported. In 1705, Colonel William Smith, of St. George's, owned a fine chest of drawers of walnut and olive wood worth as much as ^15. The latter wood was common in looking-glass frames, and other articles were sometimes composed of it. In 1692, Lawrence Del- dyke owned an olive wood cabinet. The inventories quoted above would prove th?t the Dutch in the New Netherlands were possessed of wealth. We have contemporary testimony from the Rev. John Miller, who, in describing New York in 1695, writes: " The number of inhabitants in this province are about 3,000 families, whereof almost one-half are naturally Dutch, a great part English and the rest French. ... As to their religion, they are very much divided ; few of them intel- ligent and sincere, but the most part ignorant and con- ceited, fickle and regardless. As to their wealth and dis- position thereto, the Dutch are rich and sparing; the English neither very rich, nor too great husbands; the French are poor, and therefore forced to be penurious. As to their way of trade and dealing, they are all generally cunning and crafty, but many of them not so just to their words as they should be." Before closing the Dutch period, one feature of the large louse must be mentioned, the Doten-Kammer, a room al- ways kept shut up until a season of mourning and funerals. It was generally furnished as a bedroom; the high-post bed- stead was hung with white curtains, and the chest of draw- ers contained burial clothing. One of the longest preserved of these rooms was that of Whitehall, the Gansevoort home. a 69 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS At the beginning of the eighteenth century, New York was already an important place. Wealth and some degree of fashion were to be found there. The distinguished Earl of Bellomont and his successor, the wild Lord Corn- bury, were accustomed to the best that money could pro- cure at that day. The extracts from the inventories show that New York compared very favourably with Amsterdam and London. A visitor, describing the town in OLD CHEST WITH DRAWER AND DROP HANDLES Owned by Miss Anna Lansing, Albany. See page 271. 1701, says that it is built of brick and stone and covered with red and black tile, producing a very pleasing appear- ance from a distance. He adds: "Though their low- roofed houses may seem to shut their doors against pride and luxury, yet how do they stand wide open to let charity in and out, either to assist each other, or to relieve a stran- ger." For the next twenty years, we do not notice any great changes in the furniture. The old Turkey-work, Russia leather and cane chairs still linger, and the matted chairs are universal. The latter are usually black. Wal- nut is the favourite wood, and mahogany is scarcely ever 170 KAS OF MARQUETRY WITH PLAQUES OF BLUE AND WHITE DELFT OwntJ by Mrs. John V. L. Pmj/n, Albany. Set fage 267. CHINA CUPBOARD (MARQUETRY) Owned by Mr. George Douglat Miller, Albany. See page 266. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS THREE CHAIRS Owned by Miss Anna Lansing, Albany. The central chair of carved oak is from the Coeymans family ; the other* belonged to Abraham Yates. See page 171. mentioned. Olive wood is by no means scarce, as chests of drawers and tables, as well as looking-glass frames (see facing page 230), are made of it. Black walnut and Dutch painted cupboards hold their own. Chests are plentiful, ball feet and brass handles being often mentioned. Chests, such as the one with drawer on page 270, long in the Lansing family and now owned by Miss Anna Lansing, of Albany, are very common. A wealthy home of this time contains a great variety of chairs, old and new ; the old drawing-table almost entirely disappears ; the tea-table multiplies ; the cupboard is gradually relinquished as the " beaurit," or china shelves and cupboard, takes its place ; dressing-tables and chests of drawers, with looking-glasses, are plentiful ; Dutch styles prevail and stiffness is entirely 171 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CHAIRS Owned by Miss Anna Van Vechten, Albany, N. Y. The one to the right is a Schuylcr piece, the next a Dutch chair owned by Teunis Van Vechten, and the two others come from the Lush family. banished. Fashionable chairs occur on page 271 and here. Page 271 shows two chairs originally owned by Abraham Yates, and a carved chair of the style now going out of fashion, that belonged to the Coeymans family and de- scended to the present owner through the Ten Eycks. These pieces are owned by Miss Anna Lansing, of Albany. On this page appear an old chair painted black, orig- inally cane, that was brought from Holland by Teunis Van Vechten, a fashionable chair owned by the Schuyler family, and two chairs to the left that belonged to the Lush family, the one to the extreme left being of a still later period. These four specimens are owned by Miss Anna Van Vechten, Albany. Captain Giles Shelley, of New York, died in 1718 with a personalty of ^6812-16-7^ . His house con- tained a medley that is typical of this transition period. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS There were seventy chairs, of which six were Turkey- work, twenty-one cane, twenty-seven matted, twelve leather, one easy, two elbow, and one red plush elbow. One painted and three other large and small oval were among the fourteen tables. Of three clocks, one was re- peating. Five looking-glassses, three pairs of gilt sconces, one hanging and many other candlesticks and lamps, lots of silver plate, brass, china lions, images, porcelain and glass gave light and brilliancy to the rooms, the walls of which were also adorned with seventy-seven pictures and prints in black and gilt frames. Colour was added by bright curtains and arras hangings. The position of one fine picture is expressly stated ; it is a " landskip chimney- piece." Two chests of drawers and another with a look- ing-glass, a dressing-box, a cane couch, a cupboard, five chests and seven or eight bedsteads constituted the re- mainder of the important wooden furniture. The princi- pal bed curtains were of red china, blue shalloon, calico, silk muslin and white muslin inside, and striped muslin lined with calico. Among the miscellaneous household goods, of which there was a great quantity, the following are noticeable: a brass hearth with hooks for shovels and tongs, four hand fire-screens, a pair of tables and men, a pair of tables, box-dice and men, two brass ring-stands, a plate-stand, two silver chafing-dishes, a wind-up Jack with pullies and weights, two tea-trays, a red tea-pot, a cruet, a work-basket, a flowered muslin toilet, a red and gold satin carpet. George Duncan, also of New York, whose goods were valued at ^4099-8-5^4 in 1724, shows a still further ad- vance from the old styles, though no mahogany is speci- fically mentioned. The chairs were "old," black, matted THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and cane. The most noticeable pieces of furniture of value are an olive wood chest of drawers ; an inlaid scriptore, ^"6-5-0 ; a cedar ditto, 2 ; a bedstead with dimity cur- tains lined with white damask, ^10-5-0 ; a large looking- glass, ^4-5-0; a clock and case, ^10; and a plate case with glass doors, ,3-5-0. To picture a wealthy home in New York during the reign of George I. we cannot do better than enumerate the possessions of William Burnet, Governor of New York and Massachusetts, who died in 1729, with a personalty of ; 4540-4-3 ^ . His house contained twelve tables and seventy chairs. Some of the furniture was undoubtedly of mahogany, though the only wood mentioned is walnut. The chairs were walnut frames, red leather, bass bottomed, black bass, and " embowed or hollow back with fine bass bottoms." One easy-chair covered with silk was valued at ^10. The style of chair known as "Chippendale," with traceried splat and bow-shaped back, was thus found here in the " twenties." Twenty-four of those belonging to the Governor had seats of red leather, and nine of fine bass, valued at twenty-four and twenty shillings each re- spectively. The tables were large and small oval, black walnut, small square and round, plain and japanned tea tables, card and backgammon tables. There were two valuable eight-day clocks, a fine gilt cabinet and frame, a writing-desk and stand, a chest of drawers and small dressing-glass, a " scrutore with glass doors " valued at ^20, three chests and seven trunks. Besides six dozen silver knives and forks worth ^72, there were i 172 oz. of silver plate; china and glass (^1 30-16-0) ; pewter (j 100-2-6); kitchen stuff" (^140-15-0); and a variety of expensive beds with red and chintz curtains. One bedstead was of iron ; /-5 a >' : and one " mattress Russia leather," one of " Ozenbriggs," and two of coarse Holland are mentioned. Some form of carpet now covered the floor of the best houses, and tapestry still adorned the rooms. The Governor owned " a fine piece of needlework representing a rustick, ,20 ; 4 pieces fine tapestry, ^20 ; a large painted canvas square as the room, ^8 ; 2 old checquered canvases to lay under a table, ^o- 1 o-o ; 2 four-leaf screens covered with gilt leather, ji 5 ; I fire screen of tapestry work, ji-i o-o ; 2 ditto paper screens, ji." Besides window curtains, cushions for windows occur. The hall was lighted by a large lantern with three lights. There were also twelve silver candlesticks weighing 171^ oz., two branches for three lights, two large glass sconces with glass arms. The hearth furnishings included a brass hearth and dogs, a pair of steel dogs, tongs, shovels, japanned and plain bellows, and " an iron fender to keep children from the fire." There were many other household conveniences, among which we may note a linen press, a horse for drying clothes, a plate heater, a plate rack, an iron coffee mill, and a screen to set before meat at the fire. There were large quantities of household linen. The rooms were lav- ishly adorned with pictures, as well as curtains, cloths, and tapestries. Three sets of the genealogy of the House of Brunswick recall the Governor's loyalty, and his family's rewarded services to that House. A tree of the church of Christ, Martin Luther's picture, a lady's picture over the door, the Blessed Virgin Mary's picture with Jesus in her arms (^2), five plans of Boston, and a view of Boston harbour are the only subjects mentioned. There were " two pictures in lackered frames, ^5 ; 151 Italian prints, j 1 5-2-0; 17 masentinto prints in frames, 3 ditto small, 75 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS 3 ditto that are glazed, 4-0; and 44 prints in black frames, ^'7-15-0." The possessions of the Governor breathe an atmosphere of ease and luxury that one would scarcely expect to find in New York during the third decade of the eighteenth century. He was evidently fond of good living, games, sport, exer- cise and music. He had three coach horses and a horse for riding. Five cases of foils and a single foil show that he was a fencer ; and three muskets and a cane fishing-rod prove that he was a sportsman. " Nine gouff clubs, one iron ditto and seven dozen balls " show that the game was played on Manhattan Island nearly two centuries ago. A chess-board, backgammon-table, card-table, magic-lantern, harpsichord, clapsichord, double courtell, tenor fiddle, large bass violin, two treble violins and two brass trumpets testify that music and games were played in the Governor's mansion. His cellar was well stocked. The " embowed chairs " that occur in the above in- ventory were of that style that is now generally called " Chippendale." The top bar was bow-shaped, and perhaps 176 PLATE BACK. CHAIR Originally owned by Elbridge Gerry ; now in old State House, Boston. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the word embowed also included the cabriole leg. Plate- back chairs, examples of which appear on this page, fre- quently occur in the inventories. These were chairs with solid splats, the outlines of which assumed various forms, that of the jar prevailing. An excellent specimen of this chair, that belonged to Elbridge Gerry, and is now in the old State House, Boston, is shown on page 276. Here DUTCH CHAIRS Owned by the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mas*. we have the jar-shaped splat, embowed top-rail, and cabriole leg ending in hoof feet. Dutch chairs of kindred model appear on page 295 and facing page 286. For decorative purposes, this splat was perforated with a heart or some geometrical figure, and from this the step from plate to bar tracery was a very simple one. This development is ap- parent before Chippendale is known to have been at work. In the Dublin museum there is a very early example of a mahogany arm-chair, attributed to about 1710, which has 77 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS a square back with scrolled top-bar, back-rail of openwork with interlacing design, plain arms, square back legs, and incurving, tapering front legs ending in hoofs. Another mahogany chair in the same collection, made in 1710, has the cabriole leg and other characteristics of the new style. There are slight curves in the back, and the splat is un- pierced. Instead of having a hollowed wooden seat for the cushion, the latter is placed on a network of tapes. By 1730, the solid splat has entirely gone out of fashion : it is now sometimes carved into ribbons formed into loops. Sir William Burnet's chairs, shown facing page 274, which were bought in 1727, are good examples of the " embowed " chair. These chairs, of which there are ten, together with the handsome mahogany ball-and-claw foot table shown on opposite page, are owned by the Yale Univer- sity Library, the gift of Mr. Abram Bishop of New Haven in 1829. According to Professor Silliman's account, they were imported in 1727 by Sir William Burnet, and passed after his death into possession of his successor, Governor Belcher. Mr. P. N. Smith bought them at auction, and Mr. Bishop obtained them from Mr. Smith. We have now reached a date, therefore, at which the mahogany furniture, still so greatly prized, might be pro- cured by those who cared to pay for it. During the rest of our period, the tendency was towards greater lightness and grace of line. We will not dwell any further on the contents of individual houses, but turn to the newspapers of the day and note the goods and novelties that were im- ported and those that were made here by local shopkeepers. It is plain that English and foreign skilled workmen came here in large numbers and found employment. The upholsterers alone were a numerous body. Xhe .kin.d .of 278 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS work upholsterers did during this period, and the goods they kept on sale, are fully advertised. A handsome upholstered settee of the period, with hall and claw feet and carved with the acanthus leaf, is owned by Gerald Beekman, Esq., and is shown below. SETTEE Owned by Gerald Beekman, Esq., New York. A bedstead of the period is shown on page 281. It is owned by Mr. William Livingston Mynderse, of Sche- nectady, N. Y. The old blue and white curtains that drape it were originally in the Glen-Sanders house, Scotia, N. Y. Bed furnishings were sold in bewildering varieties. Sometimes the bed and curtains complete are offered for sale. John Searson has a yellow silk damask bed, 179 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS bedstead and sacking bottom, in 1763. We also note a mahogany bedstead with silk and worsted damask curtains, 1764; and a moreen bed and curtains, 1773. Some of the gay materials supplied for bed furnishings are as follows : yellow camblet laced, 173 I ; corded dimities, i 749 ; russels and flowered damasks, i 750 ; flowered russels, 1758 ; blue and green flowered russel damask, and blue cur- tain calico, 1759; checked and striped linen for beds and windows, 1 760 ; chintz and cotton furniture for beds, 1 765 ; fine bordered chintzes elegantly pencilled, and copper-plate bed furniture, 1770 ; blue and white, red and white copper- plate cottons ; red and white, blue and white, and purple furni- ture calicoes, 1771 ; and India, English, and Patna chintzes, 1 774. In i 774, Woodward & Kip, near the Fly Market, have " fine laylock and fancy callicoes, red, blue, and purple, fine copper plate ditto, laylock lutestring, light figured, fancy, shell, Pompadour and French ground fine chintzes. Purple, blue and red copper-plate furniture calicoes, ditto furniture bindings, and black, blue, brown, Saxon; green, pea-green, yellow, crimson, garnet, pink and purple moreens." It will be noticed that plain white curtains do not pre- dominate. We also note bed cords, silk and worsted bed lace, and silk fringe and snail trimmings of all colours. " Jillmills for musketto curtains" are sold in 1750; "col- oured lawns and gauzes, plain, spotted and flowered for musqueto hangings," 1760; and white and green catgut for ditto, 1772. The upholsterers' announcements clearly show the work undertaken by them, and the successive pre- vailing styles. Paper-hanging was evidently an important part of the business, and the walls of the better houses were papered before the middle of the century. * The last chapter of this work deals further with upholstery. 280 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Among the advertisements we rind : "Stained paper for hangings," imported in the snow Nep- tune (1750); an "assortment of paper hanging" (1750): MAHOGANY BEDSTKAD Owned by Mr. William Livingston Mynderse, Schenrctady. Sr page 279. "flowered paper" (1751); "a curious assortment of pa- per hangings", brought by the snow Irene (1752); " printed paper for hanging rooms " ( 1760) ; Roper Daw- son offers " a great variety of paper for hangings, stucco 181 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS paper for ceilings, etc., gilt leather" (1760); James Des- brosses has " a large variety of paper hangings," arrived from London in the brig Polly (1761); Henry Remsen "an assortment of paper for hangings" (1762) ; William Wilson, Hanover Square, " a variety of flowered hanging paper " imported in the Albany (1762) ; " gilt paper hang- ings " (1765); and William Bailey imports in the Samson from London " a large assortment of paper hangings of the newest fashions." Some interesting wall paper of the period, the chief features of which are four large pictures of the Seasons, is owned by Mr. William Bayard Van Rens- selaer in Albany, having been taken from the walls of the Van Rensselaer manor house (built in 1765) before it was demolished a few years ago. In the average house, however, if we may believe a contemporary eye-witness, the walls were not papered. Kalm, a Swedish botanist, describes New York in 1748 as follows: " Most of the houses are built of bricks; and are generally strong and neat, and several stories high. Some had, according to old architecture, turned the gable-end towards the streets ; but the new houses were altered in this respect. Many of the houses had a balcony on the roof, on which the people used to sit in the evenings in the summer season; and from thence they had a pleasant view of a great part of the town, and likewise of part of the adjacent water and of the opposite shore. The walls were whitewashed within, and I did not anywhere see hangings, with which the people in this country seem in general to be little acquainted. The walls were quite covered with all sorts of drawings and pictures in small frames. On each side of the chimnies they usually had a sort of alcove; and the wall under the windows was wainscoted, and had benches 282 V3 < vj r CL t*l w cc O MAHOGANY CHAIR Owned by Mr. William E. Ver Planck, Fishkill, N. Y. See page 290. CARVED OAK ARM CHAIR See page 241. DUTCH CHAIR Owned by Mr. Gardner C. Leonard, dlbany. See page 248. CHAIR From the Schuyler House on the Flats, New York. See fage 248. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS placed near it. The alcoves and all the woodwork were painted with a bluish grey colour." About the middle of the century, we find traces of the revived taste for the Gothic style, and the fashion of fitting up rooms in various ancient and modern foreign modes. Thus in 1758, we have a certain Theophilus Hardenbrook, surveyor, announcing that he designs all sorts of buildings, pavilions, summer rooms, seats for gardens, etc.; also " all sorts of Rooms after the taste of the Arabian, Chinese, Persian, Gothic, Muscovite, Paladian, Roman, V r itruvian and Egyptian . . . Green houses for the preservation of Herbs with winding Funnels through the walls so as to keep them warm. Note : He designs and executes beau- tiful Chimney-pieces as any here yet executed. Said Har- denbrook has now open'd a school near the New English Church where he teaches Architecture from 6 o'clock in the Evening till Eight." " In the City of New York, through our intercourse with Europeans, we follow the London fashions ; though by the time we adopt them, they become disused in Eng- land. Our affluence, during the late war, introduced a degree of luxury in tables, dress, and furniture, with which we were before unacquainted. But still we are not so gay a people as our neighbours at Boston, and several of the Southern colonies. The Dutch counties, in some measure, follow the example of New York, but still retain many modes peculiar to Hollanders. The City of New York consists principally of merchants, shopkeepers, and trades- men who sustain the reputation of honest, punctual and fair dealers. With respect to riches there is not so great an inequality among us as is common in Boston, and some other places. Every man of industry and integrity has it THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS in his power to live well, and many are the instances of persons who came here distressed by their poverty, who now enjoy easy and plentiful fortunes." The above is a contemporary description of the city in 1756. The writer is speaking of the old conservative element in the community that is always slow to adopt new fashions. The richest families, and the members of the aristocratic class in England who had their permanent or temporary residence here, and there were many of these, were supplied with the latest modes in furniture as well as in costume as quickly here as they were in London. In tes- timony of this see page 115. James Rivington, Hanover Square, has for sale in 1760: " Books for Architects, Builders, Joiners, etc., particularly an entire new work entitled Household Furniture for the Tear Ij6o, by a society of Upholsterers, Cabinet-Makers, etc., containing upwards of 180 Designs consisting of Tea-Tables, Dressing, Card, Writing, Library, and Slab Tables, Chairs, Stools, Couches, Trays, Chests, Tea-Kettles, Bureaus, Beds, Ornamental Bed Posts, Cornishes, Brackets, Fire- Screens, Desk and Book Cases, Sconces, Chimney -Pieces, Girandoles, Lan- t horns, etc., 'with Scales." The above book was for sale here in the same year in which it was published in London. It is therefore plain that the native cabinet-makers could, and undoubtedly did, make the newest styles of furniture here within a very few months of their appearance in London. In 1748, Kalm says that the native joiners used the black walnut, wild cherry, and the curled maple principally. " Of the black walnut-trees (Juglans nigra] there is yet a sufficient quan- tity. However, careless people take pains enough to destroy them, and some peasants even use them as fewel. *8 4 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The wood of the wild cherry-trees (Prunus Virgin/ana) is very good and looks exceedingly well ; it has a yellow colour, and the older the furniture is, which is made of it, the better it looks. But it is already difficult to get at it, for they cut it everywhere and plant it nowhere. The curled maple (Acer rubrum] is a species of the common red maple, but likewise very difficult to be got. . . . The wood of the sweet gum-tree (Liquidambar} is merely employed in joiner's work, such as tables, and other furniture. But it must not be brought near the fire, because it warps. The firs and the white cedars (Cupressus thyoides} are likewise made use of by the joiners for different sorts of work." Cedar was brought from the Bermudas and Barbadoes. In describing the latter in 1741, a writer says: " The first and fairest tree of the forest is the Cedar ; 'tis the most useful timber in the island, strong, lasting, light and proper for building. There have been great quantities of it sent to England for Wainscoting, Stair- Cases, Drawers, Chairs and other Household Furniture ; but the smell, which is so pleasing to some being offensive to others, added to the Cost, has hindered its coming so much in Fashion as otherwise it would." In 1745, Sheffield Howard advertised mahogany plank. The Success brought in Braziletto wood in 1758 ; William Gilliland imported mahogany plank in 1760; and "a par- cel of choice red cedar, fit for either joiners or house car- penters," was sold in 1761. In 1770, "A quantity of ma- hogany in logs and planks of different dimensions and brass furniture for desks and bookcases of the newest fashion " came to public vendue ; and Stanton and Ten Brook on Deys Dock offered pine, cedar and ** mahogany of all sorts for joiners' work." 085 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS A cargo of 60,000 feet of choice large bay mahogany was sold in 1772, and another cargo the following year. In addition to choice timber, metal furnishings for cabinet ware were readily obtainable. In 1745, Thomas Brown, at the Sign of the Cross Daggers in the Smith's Fly, sold ironmongery and all materials for cabinet-makers. Among other announcements of this class of ware, we find bolts and latches for doors ; drawer, desk, cabinet arid chest locks ; " polished brass handles and locks in sute for writ- ing desks, closets and door locks of sundry sorts"; hand- some brass locks for parlours ; " all sorts of locks and brass handles " ; " closet, chest, and cupboard locks ; rimmed and brass knobed do." ; " brass ring drops " ; desk and tea chest furniture ; brass knockers, knobs for street doors, brass locks, copper chafing dishes, and brass curtain rings, 1750; " bookcase and escrutore setts, brass handles and escutcheons," 1751 ; "brass and wood casters, curtain rings, brass knobs and all Sorts of locks, desk suits," 1752 ; brass chair nails, " brass handles and escutcheons of the newest fashion," " H H L hinges," chest ditto, table hinges, table catches; " locks in suits for desks " ; " single and double spring, chest locks"; a large variety of brass furniture, etc., for desks and chests of drawers ; brass handles for desks and drawers, and brass hinges and casters, 1758. It would seem that it was not unusual for some people to supply their own timber, etc., to have made up accord- ing to their own fancy. In 175 i, John Tremain, "having declined the stage, proposes to follow his business as a cab- inet-maker." Among the inducements he offers for cus- tom, he says : " Those who incline to find their own Stuff, may have it work'd up with Despatch, Honesty, and Faithfulness." 286 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Cabinet-making, moreover, seems to have been a favorite occupation with some amateurs at that date, for we rind "chests of tools for the use of gentlemen who amuse themselves in turning and other branches of the mechanic art," for sale in 1771 . Many of the cabinet-makers of New York carried on an importing as well as a manufacturing business. There were skilled workmen here who had been trained abroad and could produce furniture as good as the best foreign article. In 1753, " Robert Wallace, joyner, living in Bea- ver Street, at the Corner of New Street, makes all sorts of Cabinets, Scrutores, Desks and Book cases, Drawers, Ta- bles, either square, round, oval, or quadrile, and chairs of any fashion." Solomon Hays at his store, Beaver Street and Broad Street, offers, in 1754, "a choice assortment of India, Ja- pan gilded Tea Tables, square Dressing ditto of which Sort none were ever before in America ; beautiful sets of Tea Boards, answerable to the Tea Tables ; tine marble Tea Tables with complete sets of cups and saucers in Boxes for little Misses." " Stephen Dwight, late an apprentice to Henry Hard- castle, carver," in 1755 sets up business "between the Ferry Stairs and Burling Slip, where he carves all sorts of ship and house work ; also tables, chairs, picture and look- ing-glass frames, and all kinds of work for cabinet-makers, in the best manner and on reasonable terms." Gilbert Ash had a " Shop-joiner or cabinet-business in Wall Street, in 1759; and Charles Shipman comes from England and, in 1767, settles near the Old Slip. He is an ivory and hard wood turner, " having been an apprentice to a Turning-Manufactory at Birmingham." He make,* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS " mahogany waiters and bottle stands, pepper-boxes, patch- boxes, washball boxes, soap-boxes, pounce-boxes, glove- sticks, etc., etc." Flagg and Searle of Broad Street, in 1765, announce " japanning and lacquering after the neatest manner." In 1762, we tind "John Brinner, cabinet and chair- maker from London at the Sign of the Chair, opposite Flat- ten Barrack Hill, in the Broad-Way, New York, where every article in the Cabinet, Chair-making, Carving and Gilding Business, is enacted on the most reasonable Terms, with the Utmost Neatness and Punctuality. He carves all Sorts of Architectural, Gothic, and Chinese Chimney-Pieces, Glass and Picture Frames, Slab Frames, Girondels, Chan- daliers, and all kinds of Mouldings and Frontispieces, etc., etc. Desk and Book Cases, Library Book Cases, Writing and Reading Tables, Study Tables, China Shelves and Cases, Commode and Plain Chest of Drawers, Gothic and Chinese chairs ; all sorts of plain or ornamental Chairs, Sofa Beds, Sofa Settees, Couch and easy Chairs, Frames, all kinds of Field Bedsteads, etc., etc." " N. B. He has brought over from London six Artifi- cers, well skilled in the above branches." A few months later he announces "a neat mahogany desk and a bookcase in the Chinese taste." fane Wilson has "japan'd goods with cream coloured grounds, and other colours of the newest taste; The mod- els also are new constructions, some of them only finished last May at Birmingham and imported to New York the 4th inst. in the ship Hope; consisting of tea trays and waiters, tea chests compleated with cannisters, tea kitchen and compleat tea tables, ornamented with well painted landskips, human figures, fruit and flowers." 288 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS MAHOGANY CHAIRS Owned by Mr. William t. Ver Planck, Fishkill, N. Y. Sec page 190. The painted table appears in many of the early inven- tories. Those of Dutch and French workmanship, deco- rated with flowers and birds and sometimes historical and mythological subjects, were quite expensive. An elaborate example of this class appears facing page 298. It belongs to Miss Katharine Van Rensselaer, at Vlie House, Rens- selaer, N. Y. Specimens of the more luxurious furniture of the period are shown on the frontispiece and facing page 282. This beautiful set of Gobelin tapestry, consisting of two large sofas, two tabourets and eighteen chairs, was imported for the ball-room of Mount Pleasant, the Beekman home on First Avenue and Fifty-first Street, New York. The house, which was built in 1763 by James Beekman and THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS remained standing until 1874, was associated with many historic characters and events. It was the headquarters of General Charles Clinton and Sir William Howe. Andre slept here before he left for West Point, and Nathan Hale was tried and convicted as a spy in its greenhouse. The furniture preserves its original mounts; the sofas and tabourets show hunting and pastoral scenes, and each chair presents a different illustration from Msop's Fables. TWO MAHOGANY CHAIRS FROM THE GANSEVOORT FAMILY, AND A CHAIR FROM THE SCHUYLER FAMILY Now owned b) Mrs. Abraham Lansing, Albany. The handsome chair facing page 286 (top left-hand corner) is one of a set of twelve brought to New 'York in 1763 by Judith Crommelin of Amsterdam, who was married to Samuel Verplanck. This couple settled in Fishkill, and the chair is now in the Verplanck home, there owned by Mr. William E. Verplanck. The chair is hand- somely carved, and preserves its original yellow damask. The interesting chairs, with Turkey-work seats, repre- 290 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS sented on page 289, are also owned by Mr. William E. Verplanck at Fish- kill, New York. Two chairs from the Gansevoort family appear on page 290, with a Schuyler chair. All three specimens are owned by Mrs. Abraham Lansing ot Albany. Another chair belonging to the Gansevoorts, and shown on this page, is owned by Mrs. Blanche Douw Allen of New York. The top-rail is bow-shaped, the splat pierced and carved, the seat is rush- bottomed, and the two front legs end in curious dog- shaped claws. The chair, on page 292, ifi the Schuyler house oppo- site " the Flats ' near Al- bany, belonged to Stephen Schuyler, and is owned by Mr. Stephen Schuyler. An early example of a "wing chair," or "saddle- check chair," appears on page 293. This belongs to Mrs. Harriet Van Rensselaer (iould of East Orange, New Jersey, and is kept in the Van Rensselaer house, Cherry H/'//, Albany. This is one of the old Van Rensselaer pieces, and is covered with a sort of brown matting, much worn. This kind of chair is usually covered with chintz, and a deep flounce, or ruffle, nearly hides the feet. The corner chair shown on page 294 was the property 291 CHAIR Owned bv Mrs. Blanche Dotm Allrn, Nrw York. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of John Stevenson, and descended through his grandson of the same name to Mrs. Augustus Walsh, of Albany. " Minshiell's Looking Glass Store, removed from Smith Street to Hanover Square (opposite Mr. Goelet's the sign of the Golden Key), has for sale "an elegant assortment of looking-glasses in oval and square ornamental frames, ditto mahogany ; the greatest variety of girandoles ever imported to this city ; brackets for busts or lustres, ornaments for chimney-pieces as tab- lets, friezes, etc. Birds and baskets of flowers, for the top of book- cases or glass frames, gilt bordering for rooms by the yard. Engravings by Strange, Woollet, Vi- vares, and other eminent masters. A pleasing va- riety of mezzotintoes OLD OAK CHAIR Owned by Stephen Schuyler, now by his descendant, Mr. fully Coloured. AlsO an Stephen Schuyler, Troy Road, N. Y. . /. elegant assortment or frames without glass. Any Lady or Gentleman that have glass in old fashioned frames may have them cut to ovals, or put in any pattern that pleases them best. The above frames may be finished white, or green and white, purple, o; any other colour that suits the furniture of the room, or gil. in oil or burnished gold equal to the best imported." ( 1 775.) 292 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS OLD "WING OF "SADDLE-CHECK. CHAIR Italian marble ta- bles are imported in 1750; "fashionable chairs " are offered by Sidney Breese in 1757; Samuel Parker imports in the Dove " a very complete London made mahogany buroe and bookcase and other fur- 'liture " (1762) ; ma- hogany furniture and a fine damask bed come to public vendue in 1764; "japanned stands of all prices beautifully ornamented and gilt " Owned by Mrs H Van Rcnj$eUer GouW> at cbtrry HiJI> are imported by Duyc- Albiny - pi9'- kinck, 1 764 ; and handsome chairs with damask seats and backs are advertised in 1765. Thomas Fogg offers "a quantity of worsted furniture," and W. N. Stuyvesant auctions "some mahogany chairs," 1765; Nicholas Car- mer, Maiden Lane, imports " a neat parcel of mahogany chairs and desks and bookcases, tables, etc., and a parcel of mahogany plank," 1767; "some choice marble slabs for side tables " are offered cheap by Captain William Stewart, on King Street, 1767; "a mahogany fluted double chest of drawers, a microscope, a good Wilton carpet, two bed- side ditto, and three sets fire furniture " come to public vendue in 1768 ; " beautiful mahogany chairs" and "chests upon chests" are sold in 1769 ; crimson worsted furniture, 1 770 ; " parcel of mahogany desk, desk and bookcase, 193 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS chest upon chest, dining tables, tea tables, stands, and buroes, mahogany cases with knives and forks," 1771. The above extracts are ample to show the kind of fur- niture that was imported and that was made in New York Boston and Philadelphia also produced a lot of cabinet- work which occasionally is offered for sale in the papers. CORNER CHAIR Originally belonging to John Stevenson, now owned by Mrs. Augustus Walsh, Albany. See page 291. Garrit Van Home Fishef, at his store in Smith Street, " has some neat black walnut Boston made chairs with leather seats to dispose of" (1759) ; and Perry Hayes and Sherbroke advertise " Philadelphia made Windsor chairs " ('7 6 3) Two old chairs from the Van Cortlandt House, Croton- on-the-Hudson, are shown on the opposite page. We learn that the floors of the average house were 294 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS TWO CHAIRS From the Van Cortlandt House, Croton-on-the- Hudson, N. Y. sanded until towards the middle of the century when car- pets became more general. In 1747, bedside carpets are advertised; and, in 1749, bedside and floor carpets. In 1750, the Neptune brings in flowered carpets. In 1752, the Mary has white cotton bed carpets ; the Nebuchadnezzar, haircloth for floors ; and the Irene, " painted floor cloths in the handsomest manner." Then appear successively " Rich beautiful Turkey fashion carpets," 1757; " Persian and Scotch carpeting and ditto bedsides," 1758; Wilton and the best Turkey carpets of all sizes, 1759; stair cloth, Scotch carpets and " carpeting for floors, chairs and tables," 1 760. Thus the word carpet is not yet used exclusively as a term for a floor covering. Next we have carpeting for stairs, 1762; painted floor cloths and entry cloths, *9S THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS haircloth for entries and staircases, and handsome mo- hair carpeting, 1 764. At the same date, also, we have " Persia, Scotch, list, entry, Floor, Bedside, Table, and painted," besides " bordering lists for carpitting." Two excellent Turkey carpets, one of them seven yards square, are offered for sale in 1765. Wilton and Axminster carpets cost from 3 to 60 in 1771 ; and in the next year there are square and list carpets for beds, and the Hero brings some beautiful plush carpeting from Ayr. " Brass rods for fixing carpeting on stairs " could be had at James Byers, Brass Founder, South Street, in 1 767 ; and large brass and iron wire for staircases, 1772. The fireplace was a decorative feature of the room all through this period. Coal gradually succeeded wood as fuel, and grates took the place of andirons ; but coloured tiles still made the chimney-piece and hearth gay with scriptural, historical, and landscape subjects. The articles manufactured here and imported for the decoration and service of the hearth were numerous. A few selections from this class of goods include the following : A marble chimney-piece, 1744; "new fire places," made by Robert Grace in Pennsylvania, 17445 ; "a par- cel of handsome Scripture tiles with the Chapter and some plain white ditto," 1748; history and landscape tiles, 1750 ; marble hearths, 1751 ; "a parcel of choice iron ash pails proper for taking up hot ashes from hearths to let them cool in"; green and yellow hearth tiles; white and Script- ure galley tiles ; steel hearths with mouldings and stove grates from England. " Just imported from Bristol and to be sold by Rip Van Dam a large iron hearth plate with brass feet and handles," 1752; two handsome marble hearths with layers suited to the hearth are offered in 296 MARQUETRY CHEST OF DRAWERS AND GLASS CASE Owned by Mr. John V. L. Pruyn, New York. See page 256. OVAL PAINTED TABLE Owned f>v Miss Katharine Van Rensselaer, Vlie House, Rensselaer, N. T. See page 289 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ! 753 J onn Beekman has some German stoves, iron hacks, marble chimney fronts and marble tea tables for sale in 1757; carved and plain chimney backs are imported, 1759; ind chimney tiles and stucco ornaments for ceilings and chimney-pieces are sold by Bernard Lintot, 1760. "Ger- man cast iron stoves round and square, handsome marble chimney fronts and hearth stones, hearth and Jam tiles " are for sale by Robert Crommelin, 1761 ; "mantel-pieces, iron grates for coals, Scripture and landskip chimney tiles, Boston do., for oven floors and hearths," 1 764 ; best blue and white landscape tiles, common do., and purple best do. ; and open work mahogany mantelpieces, 1765. Red and blue hearth tiles are sold by Samuel Verplanck, 1765. James Byers, brass founder in South Street, makes " brass mouldings to cover the edges of marble or tiled fire places," 1768 ; " marble hearths very beautifully variegated with different colours" are sold by Philip Livingston at his store, Burnet's Quay ; and elegant grates or Bath stoves are imported in 1768. Samuel Francis, Vauxhall Gardens, offers "two carved formitif pieces for a fire place " ; and several sets of very curious Italian, Derbyshire, and Kilkenny marble for fireplaces just imported from London are sold by Walter Franklin & Co., 1770. From 1751 to 1761, large importations of china are constantly advertised, the varieties consisting chiefly of blue and white earthenware, Delft, japanned, gilded and flow- ered, green ware, Tunbridge and Portabella wares, blue and enamelled, " aggott," " tortoise," " pannel'd " and Staffordshire Flint ware. In 1765, James Gilliland adver- tises at his Earthen and Glass-ware house " flower horns, wash hand basins without bottles, pine apple and colly flower coffee pots, cream coloured tea pots, white tortoise 97 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS mugs and jugs, coffee cans, pearl'd flower horns and land- skip tortoiseshell coffee pots, black ware, white stone tureens, mallon, all with stands." " Agate and mellonea ware" are advertised in 1766; "white and enamelled tea table setts, white and burnt China bowls from y z pint to 3 gallons, quart and pint mugs, jars and beakers, sauce boats, spoon boats, children's tea table sets, dining sets ranging from 16 to 24 guineas, blue and white enamelled china, blue and white landscape china, enamell'd white gilt landscape, nankin, brown edged sprig and duck break- fast cups and saucers, black and white ribbed and engraved sauce boats, sugar dishes, enamelled gilt image and sprig damasked tea pots, enamelled coffee cans and saucers, pen- cilled china, burnt china, blue and white china, white quilted and plain sugar dishes, cream jugs, flower jars, etc.," are imported from London and Bristol in 1767. "A parcel of china useful and ornamental, Queen's or yellow ware, delf and black earthenware" is offered in 1769. An earthenware manufactory is started at Norwich, Conn., in 1771, and although domestic productions constantly appear, the ships continually bring in china and earthen- ware of new patterns and shapes. " Enamelled salt cellars pink, blue and green," and "one dozen very handsome caudle cups and saucers" are advertised in 1771, and in the next year John J. Roosevelt, Maiden Lane, imports from England " an elegant assortment of burnt china jars and beakers, fruit baskets, butter tubs, sauce boats and pickel leaves." George Bell, Bayard Street, has " burnt china, quilted china, pencil'd china, blue and white Queen's ware, Delph, stone enamell'd black," etc., in 1773; at Rhinelander's store in 1774, there was " a fine assortment of china, including blue and white, blue and gold, purple and 198 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS gold and enamelled and burnt." " Several very elegant sets of Dresden tea table china and ornamental jars and figures decorated and enriched in the highest taste " are advertised by Henry Wilmot, Hanover Square, in 1775. James Byers was riveting broken china in 1769, and Jacob de Acosta repaired with cement (see page 301). Glass ware for the table seems to have been very plen- tiful. Wine, beer and water glasses, square and round tumblers, cruet stands and cruet frames, and sets of castors with silver tops appear from 1744 onward. Glass cream jugs are advertised in 1752; "neat flowered wine and water glasses, glass salvers, silver top cruit stands, a few neat and small enamelled shank wine glasses, flowered, scalloped and plain decanters jugs and mugs, salver and pyramids, jelly and silly bub glasses, flowered, plain and enamelled wine glasses, glasses for silver salts and sweet meat, poles with spires and glasses, smelling bottles, scon- ces, tulip and flower glasses of the newest pattern, finger- bowls and tumblers of all sorts," 1762. Cut glass and silver ornamental cruet stands cost from 10 shillings to ^"i 5 each in 1762. Ten years later, " ebony cruet stands, jelly glasses, soy cruets, carroflfs, wine and water glasses and bottle stands " are for sale by John J. Roosevelt in Maiden Lane. Wine servers and " bottle slyders " appear in 1 77 1 -2 ; and " pearl labels for decanters " and " corks with silver tops for do." in 1773. American flint glass made at the Stiegel Works, Mannheim is advertised in 1770. A partial list of articles used in preparing and serving tea includes: copper tea-kettles, 1744; pewter tea-pots, 1745 ; " mahogany tea-boards," 1749; tea-chests, "neat ponte- pool* japanned waiters," 1750; mahogany tea-chests, brown So called from the town in England where it was made. *99 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Polish tea-kettles with lamps, 1751 ; "japann'd and mahog- any tea waiters of all sizes," India tea-boards, " tea-chests of all sizes mounted with plate and other metals," Dutch kettles, lamps, and coffee-pots, 1752 ; "best Holland ket- tles with riveted spouts," 1758; sugar cleavers and bells for tea tables, brass kettles in nests, very neat chased silver tea-pots, sugar pots, chased and plain, milk pots double and single, jointed tea-tongs, tea spoons, 1759 ; cannisters, brass Indian kettles in nests, mahogany and book tea chests, 1760; nests of kettles to hold from thirty gallons down to a quart, 1761 ; plated tea-boards and tea-trays, 1762 ; tin kettles in nests, painted and plain sugar boxes of various sizes, japanned cannisters, neat tea chests with can- nisters, " mahogany tea-boards, sliders, tea-trays, beautifully ornamented japanned tea boards, waiters and kettles hand- somely japanned and gilt, Chinese tea tongs, tea chests and slyders, the most fashionable octagon and square japann'd, riniered and inlaid tea chests," 1764; open work mahog- any tea-boards, 1765; " curious japann'd Pontipool ware, viz., tea equipage a fine tea kitchen and waiter, a beautiful 24 inch rail tea tray, cannister," 1768; "one handsome double bellied plaited tea kitchen and stand," 1768 ; urns or tea kitchens, silver plated, finely chased and plain brown tea kitchens, tea pots gilt and enamelled of the finest ware, 1771 ; japan'd tea tables, kitchens, trays, chests, cannisters, waiters, bells, 1772; pearl and tortoise shell sugar tongs, inlaid mahogany tea chests, tea cannisters lined with lead, silver milk urns, japann'd Roman trays, 1773 ; "polished Gadrooned and fine open work silver tea tongs, very fashionable," 1774. Turning now to ornamental china used for the decora- tion of mantel-pieces, as well as for the tops of chests of 300 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS drawers, escritoires and bookcases, we find among the importations birds, baskets of flowers and busts ; " a very curious parcel of plaster of Paris Figures," 1757; "plaster of Paris ornaments for chimney-pieces," 1758; 44 flower horns," 1758; "some beautiful ornamental chimney-china," 1766; "white stone ware, including complete tea-table toys for children, with a great collection of different kinds of birds, beasts, etc., in stone ware, very ornamental for mantle pieces, chests of drawers, etc.," 1 767 ; " one set of image china," 1 768 ; " a few pieces of very elegant ornamental china," 1769. Jacob de Acosta, who mends china and glasses with cement, has " all sorts of marble or china furniture such as is used in ornament- ing chests of drawers or chimney pieces," 1770; Henry \Vilmot has " the greatest variety of ornamental china, consisting of groups, setts of figures, pairs, and jars just opened," 1770; and Mr. Nash offers some "superb vases for the toilet," 1771. Wax-work ornaments appear in 1765 ; glass pyramids in 1764; and "glasses to grow flowers," 1775. The dressing-tables were furnished with every luxury, and shaving boxes and brushes of all sorts are found in 1 756. " Neat Morocco tweese cases with silver door, lock and key," 1759. Complete shaving equipages, japanned comb trays, and India dressing-boxes are imported in 1759; complete sets of shaving utensils in shagreen cases, 1 760 ; ladies' equipage, with everything complete for a fashion- able toilet, 1761 ; "shaving equipages, holding razors, scis- sars, penknives, combs, hones, oil bottle, brush and soap box with places for paper, pens and ink," 1761 ; straw dressing-boxes with private drawers, 1 764 ; and fish skin razor cases, 1774. "Very fine travelling cases for ladies 301 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and gentlemen contain everything to make a journey com- fortable, and some of these are adapted for army officers." The "seal-skin portmantua " is fashionable towards 1776. The desk and escritoire were furnished with many ar- ticles familiar to-day: but sand to sprinkle upon and dry the ink, and wafers and quill pens have now almost disappeared. Hard metal inkstands with candlesticks are advertised in 1750; large and small pewter standishes in 1759; glass ink pots with brass tops, ditto for sand, 1759; brass ink pots, 1761 ; "ink equipages with silver plated furniture for the nobility, gentry, public officers, etc., and others of inferior size and quality " are advertised by James Riving- ton in 1771 ; and japann'd, brass, leather and paper ink- stands appear in 1774. Neat red and blue morocco letter cases with locks (1750); red leather letter cases; beau- tiful red and blue morocco letter cases with spring locks ; neat shagreen ink horns ; ivory and tortoise-shell mem- orandum books (1761); fountain pens; cedar pencils (1750); sealing-wax, and quills; vermilion and common wafers (1759); ivory paper-cutters (1761); lignum vita? rulers ; letter scales ; black lead pencils with steel cases for the same; ink-powder (1762); wafers, black and red; gilt message cards ; and letter files (1765). Ivory, tortoise- shell, shagreen and pear-tree memorandum books are also advertised. Ladies' memorandum blocks occur in 1764. Clockmakers are numerous, John Bell advertises in 1734; Aaron Miller, of Elizabethtown, in 1747; and Thomas Perry, of London, in Dock Street, and " Moses Clements in the Broad-way, New York," in 1749. A handsome japanned clock, made by Allsop of Lon- don, appears facing this page. It has always been in the Bleecker family, and descended from Garrit Van Sant \ JAPANNED CLOCK Belonging in thf Bleecker family, note in the house of Mrs. F. Ten fiyek, Albany. See page 302. FRISIAN CLOCK Owned by the Rev. John fan Burk, of Johns- ton, N. Y. See page 244. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Bleecker, of Albany, to one of his daughters. It is now in the home of Mrs. J. Ten Eyck, Albany. " Clock case cupboards " are brought over by the Batchelor, 1751 ; Samuel Bowne, Burling-Slip, has some "japanned and walnut-cased clocks," 1751 ; Dirck Brinck- erhoff is at the Sign of the Golden Lock, in Dock Street ; " Uriah Hendricks, at his store next door to the Sign of the Golden Key in Hanover Square ( 1 756), has imported " two fine repeating eight day clocks, which strike every half hour and repeat " ; Thomas Perry, watchmaker, from London, " in Hanover Square, makes and cleans all sorts of clocks and watches." " He will import, if bespoke, good war- ranted clocks at 14, they paying freight and insurance, and clocks without cases for jio." (1756.) George Chester, from London, opens a shop at the Sign of the Dial, on the new Dock; and Carden Proctor mends and cleans musical, repeating, chimney and plain clocks in 1757 ; Abraham Brasher, of Wall Street (1757) ; Solomon Marache, opposite the Fort ; John Est, at the Dial and Time in Broadway ; and Thomas Gordon, from London, opposite the Merchants' Coffee House (1759) sell various kinds of timepieces. Edward Agar, in Beaver Street, brings from London " a very neat table clock which repeats the quarters on six bells" (1761); Joseph Clarke imports from London some " exceedingly good eight-day clocks in very neat mahogany cases," and two dials, " one in a covered gilt frame large enough for a church or a gentleman's house." (1768.) In 1 768, John Sebastian Stephany, Chymist, has " for sale for cash a new and ingenious Clock Work, just im- ported from Germany, and made there by one of the most ingenious and celebrated Clock-makers in Germany. It THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS plays nine different selected musical tunes, and every one as exact as can be done on the best musical instrument ; and changes its music every hour. It is done with i i clocks and 22 hammers. It has an ingenious striking work for every hour and quarter of an hour ; it repeats 8 Days, Hours, and Minutes and shows the Month, and Days of the Month." " At the Sign of the Clock and Two Watches, oppo- site to Mr. Roorback's at the Fly Market is made and re- paired at reasonable Rates, Clocks and Watches ; will keep in Repair by the Year, Clocks plain or musical ; . . . . China is also rivited at the said Shop three different ways and ornamented with Birds, Beasts, Fish, Flowers, or Pieces of Masonry by a curious and skilful Workman." (1769.) Isaac Heron (1770), watchmaker, facing the Coffee House Bridge, has " a musical clock noble and elegant cost in England 80," and " a neat and extraordinary good chamber Repeating Clock." Stephen Sands, 1772, William Pearson, jr., and Will- iam Kumbel, 1775, were also in this business. The two bracket or pedestal clocks of the period represented on page 305 are owned by Gen. J. Watts de Peyster of New York. The one to the left was long in the Broadway home of the Watts family ; the second one, with chimes, belonged to the de Peysters and bears the name of Robert Henderson, who made clocks at St. Martin's Court, Lon- don, in 1772, and at 18 Bridgewater Square in i8oo-'5. The names of the tunes are engraved above the dial and include the March from Scipio, Sukey Bids Me, and Miss Fox's Minuet. Music was by no means neglected in New York, and 304 THE FURiNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CLOCKS Owned by Gen. J. Watts de Peyster, New York. See page 304. competent teachers were not lacking. In 1750, six very fine violins and some German flutes are for sale; in 1757, a good English spinet and some flutes. In 1759, a gen- tleman has a lot of musical goods imported from Naples and London, including two good violins, a girl's six- stringed bass viol ; " exceeding good German Flutes for three Dollars, each ; likewise others with 2, 3, 4, or 5 middle Pieces to change the Tones and Voice do. Like- wise Bass, viol Strings of all Sizes, and silvered Ones for Basses, Violins and Tenors. A great Collection of Wrote and Printed Music from Italy and England." James Rivington, Hanover Square, has in 1760 " Fid- dles with Bows or Fiddle-Sticks, Mutes, Bridges and Screw THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Pins, German Flutes, common Flutes, Fifes, Pitch Pipes, Hautboy Reeds, Bassoon Reeds, and mouth-pieces for French horns. ist, zd, 3d and 4th Fiddle Strings, very excellent; ditto Blue, for Basses;" also a lot of Music Other instruments on sale include: a "harpsichord with three stops," 1758 ; " a complete set of bagpipes 4," i 760 ; " a chamber organ, with 5 stops, silvered pipes, case 9 feet high and 6 feet wide, new bellows, and good in con- dition, 60 New York currency, scarce a quarter of the sum which a new organ will cost," 1762 ; violins in cases, German flutes, " speckled screw bows," " a violoncello and case" and "an excellent bassoon with reeds," 1764; " two very fine handorgans, one with four barrels and the other with two barrels," 1767; "a new chamber organ of six stops and neat gilt front," 1768 ; "a very fine tone harpsichord and a forte piano," 1770. John Shimble, " organ builder from Philadelphia makes and repairs all kinds of organs harpsichords spinnets and pianos," 1772. A parlour organ of the period shown on page 307 be- longed to Anthony Duane, an officer in the English navy. It descended to his son James Duane, first Mayor of New York under the new government, and from the latter's youngest daughter, Catharine Livingston Duane, to James Duane Featherstonhaugh. It is now owned by Mr. George W. Featherstonhaugh, Schenectady, N. Y. The organ is fifty-two inches high and twenty-six inches wide. It is made of mahogany. The wind is supplied by a bel- lows worked by a crank. The keys are lifted by wire elevations on a revolving barrel. The organ contains five barrels, playing ten tunes each. All the tunes are English. The card table on page 309 belongs to Miss Anna 306 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Vandenberg, of Albany. It was owned by the Lush family, and is somewhat unusual in having five legs. Games were no less popular in New York than in the Southern cities and plantations. PARLOUR ORGAN Owneo by Anthony DUJIU-, now b) Mr. George W. Kearhentonhaiigh, Schenectady. See page jo6. The " best playing cards " are advertised among the importations of 1749 ; battledores, 1751 ; " quadrille boxes tor the fashionable game," 1761; "Henry VIII. and Highland playing-cards," 1 76 1 ; "Merry Andrew and Highland playing cards" and "Great Mogul playing 307 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS cards," 1764; backgammon tables and drum battledores and shuttlecocks and " backgammon tables lined to pre- vent the odious sound of the boxes," 1764; chess, draft and cribbage boards, with men, dice and boxes, 1771 ; " quadrille pools," 1772; "paper and japanned quadrille pools, and pearl and ivory fish and counters," 1773. Children's toys are frequently mentioned in the impor- tations : the Charming Rachel brings " all sorts of children's toys," 1752; "boxes of household furniture for children" occur in 1759 ; and "a large quantity of Dutch and Eng- lish toys " in 1767. The ladies of the period were accomplished in needle- work, and that they made various ornaments for their homes is evident from advertisements for teaching the fashionable decorative arts of the day. One in 1731 is: " Martha Gazley, late from Great Britain, now in the City of New York, Makes and Teaches the following curi- ous Works, viz. Artificial Fruits and Flowers and other Wax-Work, Nuns-Work, Philligree and Pencil Work upon Muslin, all sorts of Needle-Work and Raising of Paste, as also to Paint upon Glass, and Transparent for Sconces, with other Works. If any young Gentlewomen, or oth- ers, are inclined to learn any or all of the above mentioned curious Works, they may be carefully taught and instructed in the same by the said Martha Gazley at present at the Widdow Butlers, near the Queen's head Tavern, in Will- iam Street, not far from Captain Anthony Rutgers." In 1761, the wife of John Haugan, at the Horse and Cart Street, advertises that she " stamps linen China blue or deep blue, or any other colour that Gentlemen and La- dies fancies. Bed sprays, Women's Gowns." In 1 769, " Clementina and Jane Fergusson intend re- 308 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS MAHOGANY CARD TABLE AND CHAIR Owned by Miss Anna Vandenberg, Albany. See page 306. moving their school the first of May next to Bayard Street, opposite the house of John Livingston, Esq., where they will continue to teach reading, writing, plain needlework, sampler, crowning, Dresden catgut : shading in silk on Holland or cambrick and in silk or worsted on canvas; as also all sorts of needlework in use for dress or furni- ture." In 1773, Mrs. Cole, from London, teaches ladies " tambour-work and embroidery " ; and in the same year William and Sarah Long, from London, teach " Tambour work in gold, silver, and cotton." In 1774, Mrs. Belton, who has a French and English school, teaches " tapestry, embroidery, catgut, sprigging of muslin," etc., etc. A specimen of the handiwork of the period is shown 309 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS on page 311. This is a screen worked in 1776, and owned by Mrs. Edward Rankin at the Van Rensselaer house, Cherry Hi//, Albany. The standard is mahogany with " snake " feet. Among the importations, " catgut gauze," " catgut silk ' and " drawn catgut " frequently occur. We also find " cruels sorted in shades," 1752; " ivory shuttles for knotting fringe," 1752 ; ladies " knitting and work boxes," 1 794 ; " coarse and fine yellow canvass for work or win- dow blinds," 1771 ; and tambour cases and needles, 1774. The looking-glass was very important at all periods. In 1730, James Foddy from London undertook "to alter and amend old looking glasses," and it would ap- pear from the constant advertisements that there was a great demand for looking-glasses of the newest fashion. The large pier glass with its carved frame, a glass over the mantel-piece and convex mirrors with sconces on either side were common ornaments of the drawing-room. " New fashion sconces and looking-glasses" are constantly appearing among the importations from 1749 onward. From about 1752, they are carved and gilt; "a variety of sconces with branches in wallnut frames with gilt edges," are offered in 1757 ; pier glasses of all sizes are favourite importations; and convex lenses and concave mirrors, 1 764 ; " two carved white framed sconce glasses and one mahogany ditto," 1768; oval sconces with gilt frames, 1773; "looking glasses the most fashionable, neat and elegant ever im- ported into this city, oval glasses, pier do. and sconces in burnish'd gold, glass border'd, mahogany and black walnut frames with gilt ornaments of all sizes; likewise some elegant gerandoles," 1774, framed mahogany and black walnut, square and oval sconces, glasses and girandoles, 310 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS 1775. Handsome dressing- glasses are constantly being offered tor sale; sometimes these are gilt, sometimes ja- panned, sometimes black wal- nut, and frequently they are furnished with sconces. Lamps and lanterns were imported in considerable vari- ety : the entries and halls were lighted by square and spherical lanterns. The standard sizes were 18x14 inches, 1 6 x 12, IQX 14, 9x4, 8x4 and 7x4. A few of the announcements are as follows: fine large lamps at twenty shillings apiece, 1752; barrel and bell glass lanthorns for entries, 1753; g^ ass lamps and chamber lamps, 1759; horns for lanterns, 1759; pocket lanterns, 1761; glass lamps for halls, 1761; glass, tin, and horn lanterns, 1763; square and globe lanterns for halls and staircases, i 764 ; large glass lanterns and chamber lamps, 1765; "lamps of the newest patterns, very useful for sick persons," 1770; and " square glass and globe lanthorns and chamber lamps," 1771. Candlesticks of all kinds were made here as well as SCREEN WORKED IN 1776 Owned by Mr*. KJwjrJ R-inlcin, Albany. Sec page jio. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS imported. Among the kinds in demand we note: brass ball iron candlesticks, " some curious four armed cut glass candlesticks ornamented with stars and drops, properly called girandoles," 1762; brass snuffer dishes, 1764; " en- amel'd and japan'd candlesticks for toilets and tea-tables " and "candle shade slyders" 1765; "Japanned and Ponti- pool table and chamber candlesticks," 1768; "iron and japann'd candlesticks, 1773; red, green, gilt, and black japanned candlesticks, with snuffers and extinguishers, 1773 ; candle frames and screens, with japanned and skin cases, 1774; and candle screens, 1776. (M TSD THE FURNITURE FOREFATHERS SIX-LEGGED HIGH CASE OF DRAWERS Owned by Mr. George Dudley Seymour, Ne \^^\ 1745) had in his shop 1 1 8 1 ft. of pine boards, 604 ft. of maple, 204 ft. of black walnut, and 173 ft. of oak joist. The latter was the cheapest, costing three-sevenths of a penny per foot. The maple was very slightly cheaper than the pine, the prices being three-fifths and two-thirds of a penny per foot respectively. The walnut was by far the most valuable, being worth three-and-one-half pence per foot. In Benjamin Thurston's shop (1746) there was only "ma- ple board and stuff" valued at ten shillings. Daniel Harris (^"289; 1752) had a more varied, though still limited, assortment of cabinet-ware than any of the above. His twenty-four chairs, thirty-two shillings, and thirty-four tables, ^3-1-4, were common enough ; but seven desks, two tables, ^20-13-4, evidently belonged to the superior grade of fur- niture. Board, plank and joist came to ^'8-1-5. Benjamin Gray (^38 1 ; 1 76 1 ) had a small stock of thirty-eight chairs in his chair-making business: ten of these were "great" chairs, ranging in price from eight to four shillings each. The other chairs cost from two shillings to thirteen pence each. These also must therefore have been of simple con- struction. Deacon Miles Ward (^312; 1765) had even cheaper chairs in his house, nine of them being worth only eight pence each. His fellow townsman Joseph Gavet (^299 ; i 765) owned a maple desk, ^"1-4-0; a maple case of draw- 39 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ers, ^2-8-0; low case of drawers, 1 ; and high case of drawers, ^ 1-4-0. His shop contained maple, oak, pine, walnut and a little mahogany timber. John Harris (^262; 1767) had some frames for tables and black walnut and maple boards in his shop. Samuel Stryker's goods (^'74 ; 1762) were principally of maple. Three tables of that timber were worth twenty-four, sixteen, and six shillings respectively. His chairs were of a slightly better class than the average joiner's, costing from three shillings to sixteen pence each. He had a desk at 2. ; another, unfinished, was valued at eight, and an unfinished chair at four shil- lings. Joseph Symonds (^362; 1769) had a maple desk, ^i-io-o, and a maple case of drawers; a cherry-tree desk, ^2-10-0; and some black and "joiner's" chairs from four shillings to one shilling each. One 4-ft. table cost sixteen shillings; a 3~ft. ditto, eight shillings; a 3^ -ft. maple ditto, twelve shillings; a 3~ft. frame with leaves not hung, seven shillings; a breakfast ditto, two shillings; and a toi- lette-table, only sixpence. The timber in the shop was maple, black walnut, cherry and mahogany. The walnut was worth eight pence, the cherry, one and two-thirds pence, and the mahogany, eighteen pence per foot. Jo- nathan Goodhue (^202; 1770) left " sundry joiner's work unfinished, 1 1 -I 1-9." Francis Cook (^"i 26 ; 1772) left only six shillings' worth of walnut and pine board. The leather chairs on page 318 were made in 1724 by the Rev. Theophilus Pickering of Salem. The bellows was also made by him, and bear that date in brass nails with his initials. These pieces are owned by Mr. John Picker- ing in Salem, Mass. The chair on page 321 is a four- back chair with rush bottom. It is painted green, and is supplied with castors. This belonged to the Lincoln family, 310 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and is now in the rooms of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. The furniture of most of the joiners and cabinet-makers was very scanty, and the prices already given show that the wares they made were intended for the great class of yeomen, artisans, and mariners. A specimen of the cheap joinery work of these men is shown in the lower right-hand corner of the plate facing page 318. It is a roughly put together table with falling leaves, cabriole legs and hoof feet. It belonged originally to Moll Pitcher, the famous fortune-teller of Lynn. She was born in 1738 in Marblehead. Rich and poor consulted her in serious earnest, and few vessels sailed without obtaining her favourable augury. Her method was divination by tea. In 1760, she was married to Robert Pitcher, and died in 1813, being buried in Lynn, where she had lived for many years. The picture to which reference has been made represents the table at which she sat when receiving her clients. Sewall Short (^796; 1773) was a Newburyport cabi- 3" OLD GRKEN PAINTKD ANI> Rl'SH- BOTTOM CHAIR Owned by the Lincoln family, now in the rooms of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Man. See page 310. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS net-maker who kept a more ambitious stock both in quan- tity and quality. His timber comprised 1429 ft. of pine, 1860 maple, 276 black walnut, 115 cedar, 1045 red cedar, 448 Spanish cedar, and 44 mahogany. He made high- priced furniture of the latest styles and most expensive ma- terials. At his death, the mahogany furniture in his work- shop was valued at high figures even in its incomplete state. The mahogany pieces specified as unfinished were as fol- lows: desk and bookcase, ^15; desk, ^"6-15-0; bookcase, 4. ; plain ditto, ^3 ; plain desk, ^4 ; and stand table, fourteen shillings. The other unfinished work consisted of a cedar desk and bookcase, ^6-5-0 ; large cedar desk, ^4-5-0 ; 2 common cedar ditto, ^4-5-0 ; small maple ditto, sixteen shillings; black walnut table, five shillings; and "a quantity of stock partly wrought, ^1-4-0." Fin- ished work in stock included two 4~ft. mahogany tables, ^4-16-0; two 3^ -ft. ditto, ^4; mahogany chamber table, ^1-4-0; two 4~ft. Spanish cedar tables, ^3-10-0; and thirty chairs (kind not specified), .3-13-0. Four mahogany table frames, ^3-10-0 ; and six cabin-stool frames completed the list of warehouse goods. Mr. Short's desks and bookcases evidently had brass mounts and glass doors, for he had in stock sixty brass handles, 1-5-0; forty-eight ditto, 0-16-0; two sets of desk brasses, 0-8-4 ; thirty escutcheons, 0-6-3 ; twenty- four ditto, 0-4-0 ; and sundry old brasses, bolts and locks, 0-8-0. The panes of glass in the doors were small, be- ing of the sizes commonly used in the windows and hall- lanterns of the day. Mr. Short's stock of glass comprised ninety-three squares 7x9, 1-3-3; anc ^ three hundred and seventy-six ditto 5x7, 2-10-1. Glass was sold in standard sizes in New England as well THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS as New York. Abner Chase advertises in the Essex Ga- zette, May 28, 1771: "Bristol crown window glass, 7x5, 6x8, 7x9, 8xio, 9x1 1, 9x1 2." Joiners were often glaziers also: Thomas Waldron of Marblehead (^43; 1740) has "window frames, chairs and 30 squares of glass, ^'i 2-2-0," among his joiner's ware. The only timber found in the shop of Oliver Moody, Jr. (j("i68; 1776), was 82 ft. of poplar and 52 ft. of ash, all valued at seventeen shillings. He manufactured chairs. Moses Dodge (^132; 1776) owned 675 ft. of maple at two pence, and 1 76 ft. of black walnut at three pence per foot. Benjamin Jones (^303; 1776) was a joiner who made miscellaneous cabinet-ware. His goods included a desk, ^2-8-0 ; ditto, ^"2-4-0 ; chest with drawers, o- 1 3-4 ; case of drawers, ^2-13-4; seven tables, ^2-2-0; stand- table, half finished, jo-6-8 ; table frame, ^o-io-o; brack- ets for desk, ^0-2-0; legs for candlestand, o-\ -6; lists (frames) and backs for chairs, jo-i 6-0; thirteen chairs, ji-i-o; great chair and six small ditto, ^5-3-9; two great round and six joiner's ditto, ^2-8-0; and a rough table- leaf, sixteen pence. Mr. Jones thus made chairs for all classes, even the most fashionable. His timber consisted of 207 ft. walnut, 208 ft. maple, 40 ft. cherry, and one thousand clapboards. It will be seen from the above analysis of the wares pro- duced by local workmen in. the region of which Salem and Marblehead formed the head-centre, that the needs of the community must have been very simple, unless the native productions were supplemented by importations. This conclusion is fully supported by an examination of the in- ventories as a whole, which show very small estates during the first half century. Indeed, the first considerable estates 33 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS found are those of James Calley (1734), and Captain Joseph Smethurst (1746), both of Marblehead. Of the former's estate of ^2,3 1 1-16-18^ , only ^74 represented household furniture, and of this a desk worth ^5, a looking-glass, ^5, and a clock .j y were the only notice- able pieces. Of Captain Smethurst's total of ^2,685-1 1-7, a schooner accounts for ^300, and real estate for ^1,000 more. He owned silver plate valued at ^"107-19-2; but with the exception of a Japanned tea-table (^'5-10-0) all his wooden furniture was such as was made by the native joiners. When the woods are specified during this period, which is comparatively seldom, they prove to be those found in the joiners' shops ; viz.: pine, maple, etc. The ab- sence of cabinet-makers' advertisements from the Salem papers is noticeable. A rapid survey of their columns has not yielded a single example, although notices of the ar- rival of English goods are not uncommon. The same conditions existed in Boston. Sometimes we find a cabinet-maker removing to Salem from Boston, which was regarded as one of the headquarters of good work. We have seen Boston wares quoted in New York. An advertisement, in 1771, informs the public that Joseph P. Goodwin from Charlestown has set up business in Salem. " He makes best mahogany chairs, couches and easy chairs, sofas and anything in the chairmaking business. ... N. B. He has got two sorts of chairs made by him which are called as neat as any that are made in Boston." The last sentence implies that the chair-makers of the day by no means confined themselves slavishly to recognized styles and patterns, but sought to introduce variations of their own design. Even clocks and watches were made here in con- siderable quantities, and some of the native makers were in 3*4 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS very good repute. The Salem Gazette of December 23, 1 774, announces that " James Furnivall, clock and watch- maker (late journeyman to Richard Cranch of Boston), has opened a shop at Marblehead." An Ipswich clockmaker at this date was Richard Man- ning; a simple clock of his, made in 1767, faces page 360. It is owned by the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. One of the most interesting old houses in Salem has been made famous by Hawthorne in The House of the Seven Gables. Four generations of Turners wealthy merchants of Salem lived in it. The first, Captain John Turner, removed here soon after 1662. In his day, the house con- sisted of two large lower rooms, two chambers above, and rooms in the attic. Captain Turner's troop served against the Indians and in the Canadian Expedition. His son, John, was of great importance in Salem. He commanded the town regiment and was one of his Majesty's Council. He died in 1743, worth ^10,752-17-8^ . His home was elaborately furnished. The "best room" contained four tables : one, of black walnut, was large and expensive ; an- other was japanned ; the third, a small walnut ; and the fourth, an inlaid tea-table and stand. Upon the latter stood a set of blue-and-white china. There were twelve black cane chairs, half a dozen white cane chairs, and a great white cane chair in the room. A looking-glass with two brass arms, valued at ^30, and two glass sconces hung on the walls, as well as nineteen mezzotints covered with glass. A bright fire blazed upon the usual brass hearth furniture ; and the great amount of china and glass, in- cluding punch-bowls, flowered decanters, plates, dishes, tea- pots, etc., indicates that the " best room " was a breakfast and dining, as well as a living room. 3*5 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The "Great Chamber" was equally well furnished. Its most valuable piece of furniture was the bed with its head-cloth, tester, double set of curtains of camblet and "flow'd muzling," its silk quilt and blankets. The window curtains matched the bed curtains, as was the custom of the day. The next important articles were a " case of drawers and mounts" and a cabinet, worth respectively ^31-10-0 and ^25. There were no less than eighteen chairs here. There was, of course, an open fire upon brass andirons, and on the walls were twenty pictures in lacquered frames, and a looking-glass with two brass arms. There was a consid- erable amount of china in this " great chamber," including a " sullabub pott," and three china images used as orna- ments. Some of it stood upon a painted table and a stand. Nearly every article used in table service is found here. The Hall contains a clock worth ^14; and a long, a black walnut oval, and two small tables. There are two old chairs, and twelve leather chairs, a looking-glass, three maps, and a brass dial ; and iron dogs instead of the custo- mary brass. Passing into the hall chamber, we find a bed hung with calico curtains, head-cloth and tester, and made comfort- able with a blanket, a green rug, a blue rug, and a large and small calico quilt. The windows are draped, seven pictures brighten the walls, and we note a " case of draws," a cypress chest, a square table, a stand, four black chairs, one old chair, and some china, among which is a large coffee-cup. The "shop chamber" contains a bed with curtains, head-cloth and valance, two old chairs and three small pictures. Six pictures adorn the stairway; and a map of Virginia and Maryland, and one of Boston, the entry way. 3*6 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The "Porch Chamber" was furnished with a bed and bedstead having a tester, head-cloth, curtains and valance and four rugs, worth altogether ^25; and an old chest of drawers. The "Kitchen Chamber" had a more expensive bed MAHOGANY FIELD-BED In the Warner House, Portsmouth, N. H. See page 334. and bedstead, adorned with blue curtains and furnished with two blankets and two quilts. A looking-glass, an old oak table, an old case of drawers, and five Turkey-work and five callimanco chairs complete the furniture of this room. The windows were made cheerful by six curtains of calico. Four pictures hung on the walls. There was the usual brass hearth furniture, and in this room were kept great 37 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS stores of Holland, garlix, " oznahriggs " and other materials for sheeting and counterpanes, besides table linen amount- ing to no less than ^390. The "Great Chamber Gar- rott" was also a store room. Here we rind two old bed- steads, an old chest, fifteen old rugs, and a feather bed weighing fifty pounds. The "Accounting Room," on the first floor, contained an old slate table, three trunks and a chest. We cannot fail to notice the arms and ammunition here, including pistols and bullets; nor the silver scales and weights worth ^5, a silver-hilted sword-belt and dagger valued at ^'8, velvet holsters, a buff belt and three straps and belt, and a case with fifteen bottles. In Captain Francis Goelet's ^Journal ( 1 746-1750) we get a glimpse of the best house of this district. " Oct. 20th. Lodg'd at Mr. Brownes after Breakfast Sauntered round the Towne mayking Our Observations on the Build 5 , etc. Dynd at his House after Dinner had a Good Deal Conversation with him upon Various subjects, he being a Gent" of Excellent Parts well Adversed in Lea- turate, a Good Scholar, a Vertuosa and Lover of the Lib- eral Arts and Sciences, having an Extraordinary Library of Books of the Best Ancient and Modern Authors, about 3 a Clock we Sett out in his Coach for his Country Seat rideing trough a Pleasant Country and fine Rhoads we ar- rived there at 4 a clock the Situation is very Airy Being upon a Heigh Hill which Over Looks the Country all Round and affords a Pleasant Rural Prospect of a Fine Country with fine woods and Lawns with Brooks water running trough them. You have also a Prospect of the Sea on one Part and On another A Mountain 80 Miles distant. The House is Built in the Form of a Long Square, with Wings at Each End, and is about 80 Foot Long, in THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the middle is a Grand Hall Surrounded above by a fine Gal- lery with Neat turned Bannester and the Cealing of fhc Hall representing a Large room Designed for an Assembly or Ball Room, the Gallery for the Musicians, etc. The Building has four doors Fronting the N. E. S. and W. Standing in the Middle the Great Hall you have a Full View of the Country from the Four Dores at the Ends of the Buildings in 2 upper and 2 Lower Rooms with Neat Stair Cases Leadeing to them in One the Lower Rooms is his Library and Studdy well Stockd with a Noble Collec- tion of Books." We have seen that none of the Salem or Marblehead joiners and cabinet-makers, whom we have found recorded before 1773, kept in stock the most expensive kinds of fur- niture, whether imported or home-made; we have also seen that the newspapers do not mention it. The question therefore naturally arises : Where did the Turners, Brownes and other prosperous merchants procure their fine furniture? The answer is that some of it was made to order, and the rest was specially imported, sometimes in their own ships, just as was the case in Boston. It was quite the custom for persons of affluence to have their furniture made to order, and sometimes they imported their own woods, as in the case of Christopher Champlin, a young merchant of Newport, R. I., who brought with him from the West Indies, in 1 762, several logs of mahogany and had a number of pieces of furniture constructed. Among these was a bureau which was used for many years by his daughter, Miss Peggy Champlin, quite a famous belle, and by his son, Christopher Grant Champlin, who purchased the Champlin House in Newport (previously known as the Cheeseborough House] in 1782. The bureau 39 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS finally descended to Mr. George Champlin Mason, of Newport. The correspondence of merchants with their foreign agents from the earliest times contains many orders for purchases of household goods. Sufficient has survived to show the extent of this practice. A few specific instances may be offered in evidence. In a letter to Samuel Storke, dated " Boston, N. E., Feb. 20, 1 7s," we find Judge Sewall enclosing the follow- ing "Memoranda": "To be Bought. " Curtains and Vallens for a Bed, with Counterpane, Head-Cloth and Tester of good yellow waterd worsted camlet * with Triming well made ; and Bases, if it be the fashion. "A good fine large Chintz Quilt well made. A True Looking-Glass of black Walnut Frame of the newest Fashion (if the Fashion be good), as good as can be bought for five or six pounds. " A second Looking-Glass as good as can be bought for four or Five pounds, same kind of frame. " A Duzen of good black Walnut chairs, fine Cane, with a Couch. A Duzen of Cane Chairs of a different figure, and great Chair, for a Chamber; all black Walnut." His list also includes a bell-metal skillet, a warming- pan, four pairs of brass-headed iron dogs, a brass hearth for a chamber with dog's tongs, shovel and fender of the new- est fashion (the fire to lie on the iron), a brass mortar, four pairs of brass candlesticks, four brass snuffers with stands, six small brass chafing dishes, two brass basting ladles, a pair * " Send also of the same Camlet and Triming, as may be enough to make Cushions for the Chamber Chairs." 330 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of bellows with brass noses, a small hair broom, a dozen large pewter plates, newest fashion, a dozen pewter porringers, a dozen small glass salt-cellars, and a dozen good ivory-hafted MAHOGANY LOW CASE OF DRAWERS AND MAHOGANY LOOKING-GLASS Owned by Milt Sherburne, Warner House, Portsmouth, N. H. See page 367. knives and forks. These articles are intended for his daugh- ter Judith. He sends ^50 and adds, " If there be any money over, send a piece of fine Cambrick and a Ream of good Writing Paper." Another instance is the following order in a letter from 331 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Sir William Pepperell to Silas Hooper in England. It is dated December 6, 1737. He writes: " I Desire you will buy and send me by y c first good Opportunity, for this port or Boston, twenty peaces ossen- brigs ; eight dosn. of halfe hower glasses ; foure dos n of halfe minit glasses; three peaces of bedtick of about fiveteen pence p r yard; ten peaces of Lubeck Duck; six dozen of such castor hats you sent last . . . six dos n of Cheep Closet Locks, six dos n of such Chist Locks you sent last, a grose of pad Locks; about Cw f of put r dishes, a grose of put r plates, fifty w* of put r basons; ... a dos n of hansome Chairs of y e New fashion for a Chamber and a hansome looking glass for y e same, and Curtains, etc., for a bed of y e same, and Case of draws. Send me brass and Locks and henges for six Scritors and Ditto for y e same for Case of Draws ; six dos n p r of buts for henges of tables ... a Dos" of Choice Chist locks that cannot be pickt ; . . . foure dos n p r of Snipe bells to hang small Chists ; . . . send two marble Stons to make two haths one of six feet Long and fifteen Inches wide ; . . . The hight of y e Chamber, where y* bed is to be put, between y e flore and y e plasturing, is 8 feet and 4 Inches . . . You have here inclosed, a draught of a chamber, I desire you to geet mock tapestory or pant d canvis lay d in oyle for hangings for y* same, and send me . . . My wife would Chuse that y e Curtains for y e bed sent for in this foregoing Letter Should be of a Crimson Couler, if Fashionable." (Other instances of individual importa- tions are given on pages 37476 and 38082.) Two of Sir William's chairs are shown on page 333. They are now in the Ladd House, Portsmouth, N. H. These were of carved oak frames filled in with cane and cane seats, as the back still indicates. This style of chair 33* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS has frequently appeared in our former pages. It belongs to the seventeenth century, hut like other styles it overlapped. Sir William Pepperell was one of the most distinguished CARVED OAK CHAIRS Originally owned by Sir William Pepperell ; nuw in the Ladd House, Portsmouth, N. H. See page 331 New Englanders. He was horn in Kittery, Me., in 1696, and died there in 1759. He was the only native of New England created a baronet. His title was the reward for his service at the siege and capture of Louisburg in 1745. 333 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ivS houvse was richly furnished, his table was resplendent with massive plate, costly mirrors and paintings adorned his walls, his cellar was filled with choice wines, and his park stocked with deer. When his daughter, Elizabeth, was married to Natha- niel Sparhawk, her father built a handsome residence for her and furnished it in the richest style. In accordance with the English fashion, a certain colour predominated in each chamber. The bed and window curtains were of red, blue, yellow and other coloured damask and each room was designated the Red, the Blue, the Yellow, or the Green Room. To this bright use of colour in colonial days we have frequently drawn attention. The interesting bed shown on page 3 27 is a mahogany field bed which so frequently appears in the homes of the period. It is owned by Miss Sherburne and is in the Warner House, Portsmouth, N. H. Connecticut preserves the seventeenth-century flavour in her houses until many years after the new century has come in. Leather, sealskin, wooden and serge chairs are the only kinds found in the house of Col. Robert Treat (1710). Eleven years later, Col. Joseph Treat (^2,026) has only leather chairs; and a brass clock, ^"5-10-0, is his most expensive piece of furniture. An example of this clock has been given (see facing page 168). John Hodson (^947; 1711) has a bed in every room except the hall ; the principal furniture of the latter being two square tables and eleven high- and twelve low-backed leather chairs. The old "cupboard" still lingers. John Mix, of New Haven (1712), has a " cuberd with ye cloth, and earthen things on the cuberds head." Robert Treat, Jr. (^3,383; 1 721], owns a "cupboard in ye parlour, glass 334 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS case, great chest in ye parlour," great chair carved, and old carved cupboard. However, the old carved furniture was no longer being made; the chairs especially were undergoing a great change. Some of those mentioned about 1710 are cane, black, white and varnished. The change from the seven- teenth century appears plainly in the inventory of John Mix, Jr. (^"1,254; 1722), who possessed "six crooked- backed chairs, two great ditto, six straight-backed ditto, six rive-slat ditto, three red ditto, and eight plain ditto." The straight-backed chairs had turned posts and front legs; and horizontal flat bars in the back made them two-, three-, four-, or rive-slat chairs. Samuel Clark of Milford (.6,666; I 7 2 5) nac ^ leather, black, red and white chairs. The red chair was made of white-wood and painted. We also rind red calfskin and red Russia-leather chairs men- tioned. Black chairs were very general now ; and the Turkey-work chair was as popular as ever. Mary Prout ( 1724) owned six new Turkey-work chairs, six older ditto, and three lower ditto. She also owned twenty-three others, including two great chairs. There was thus considerable variety in height. The old square timber chairs survived in many houses, and chairs with cane in the back lasted far into the century. The great mass of furniture in Connecticut was en- tirely of native manufacture. Oak was largely neglected, the favourite woods being cedar, white-wood, cherry and black walnut. In 1726, a rich cabinet-maker of New Haven has cedar, cherry and white-wood boards only in his shop. The chests, cases, and desks of drawers that were made in such large numbers now often had brass mounts. The applied black ornaments and knobs were 335 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS falling into disuse, and were labeled "old-fashioned" in the inventories. In 1726, drops and escutcheons are valued at fourpence each. Mahogany made slow progress in public favour in Connecticut. With the exception of a stray piece here and there, it shows no sign till well on towards the middle of the century. Job Smith of New Haven (.8,907; 1743), did not possess a single piece of ma- hogany. His most expensive articles were two escritoires at 9 each, a black walnut case of drawers at ^7, and an eight-day clock at ,30. His chairs were leather, wooden, black, and covered with shalloon. By this time, tables such as those facing page 64 and on page 97 were no longer made. Mr. Smith had an " old-fashion " one that was valued at four shillings only, whereas his three oval tables came to ,7-5-0. His fellow townsmen, Lieutenant Stephen Trowbridge ("3,010; 1744), Michael Todd (^7,028; 1745), Elihu Yale ("8,189; 1748), and Theophilus Mun- son (^6,868 ; 1749), also lacked any mahogany among their household goods. At that date, men of their posi- tion and relative wealth in other colonies would have been behind the times without at least mahogany chairs and tables. Lieutenant Trowbridge's chairs were great, old slat, plain, slat-bannister, crown-back, three-slat and four-slat. The woods are not mentioned. The only other pieces of cabi- net-ware of any importance are a case of drawers, "15, and a case of drawers of cherry-tree on frame "12-10-0. Michael Todd had a case of drawers with steps, "6, and a button-wood oval table, ^2-15-0; but nothing else of note. Elihu Yale's chairs were old black, black slat-back, and white. He had seven tables, including a "vernish table" (lacquered) and an old table with oak leaf. He owned a valuable chest of drawers and several old-fashioned 33 6 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS chests, one with a drawer, drop and escutcheon. The de- scription of the latter answers to that shown on page 27 1 . Cherry was used extensively in the construction of tables, chairs and chests and cases of drawers. Kalm has CROWN-BACK CHAIR Owned by the Whipple family, now by the Misses Burnett, Kim-wood, Cambridge, Mass. See page 338. explained the virtues and popularity of this wood (see page 285). A low case of drawers and a chest of drawers of Connecticut make appear on pages 339 and 395. They are of dark cherry and are both ornamented with the sun- flower. Both pieces are owned by Thompson S. Grant, Esq., Enrteld, Conn. In the middle of the century, the prevailing styles of 337 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS chair still include black, white and cane-back, as well as leather and Turkey-work bottoms. A good deal of cherry appears side by side with white-wood. Warham Mather (^2,511 ; 1745) had several pieces of cherry, one of which was a large table no mahogany is mentioned. Theophilus Manson (^6,868; 1749) has two-slat, three- slat, four-slat and crown-back chairs. He also owns a case of drawers on a frame with feet, 20, and a desk, ;i2 ; but again no mahogany. In the same year, we find black chairs with straight backs, flat-backed ditto, and black crook-back ditto. We also gather that white-wood board costs threepence per foot. The Rev. Samuel Whittelsey (^21, 641-14-10 ; 1752) has walnut, cherry and white- wood furniture, but no mahogany. Among other things, he has six cherry- tree chairs, jCq ; a black walnut chest of drawers and table, ^54; a desk, ^23; a white-wood coloured table, ^2-15-0, and a coloured square table, ^i-io-o. The two-, three-, four-, and five-slat chairs were the same that were called two-back, four-back, etc., in the Boston inventories. The crown-back chairs belonging to Lieutenant Trowbridge and Theophilus Manson had lately come into fashion here. The shape of the back, which somewhat closely follows the outline of a crown, gave this chair its name. In common with so many other designs of carved walnut and mahogany frames of that period, this is often attributed to Chippendale. One variety of the crown-back chair appears on page 123, and another on P a g e 337- The latter is an early and plain form, and shows the crown in part of the splat as well as the top of the back. This is one of two chairs originally owned by the Whip- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS pie family. They belong to the Misses Burnett, grand- daughters of Mr. James Russell Lowell, at Elmwood y Cam- bridge, Mass. Although no mahogany is mentioned, the household LOW CASE OF DRAWERS, OR DRESSING-TABLE (DARK CHERRY) Owned by Thompson S. Grant, Eq., Enfield, Conn. Srr page 337. goods of Joseph Bryan, of Milford (^1,062 ; 1752), show some pretensions to elegance. Of his thirty-six chairs, six had worked bottoms, six were of Turkey-work, three white and two dozen black. An oval table, jio; a tea- table, ^4 ; a large waxwork (lacquer) case, 20 ; and a case of drawers and a dressing-table, ^3^, are the most noticeable pieces. The very expensive case of drawers was 339 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS probably made by a native cabinet-maker ; and some of the cost was due to brass mounts, the value of which we can gather from the contemporary inventory of John Miles (4,804; 1755). He owned one set of brass for a chest of drawers, ^3, and another for a desk, 10. He seems to have worked, like so many of his brethren, almost exclusively in cherry and white-wood. His shop con- tained 202 ft. of the latter at sixpence per foot, and 384 ft. of cherry at 17^ pence per foot. On page 341 are shown two mahogany pieces owned by Miss Marion P. Whitney, New Haven, Conn. The chair was originally the property of Governor William Pitkin (1694 1769), governor of Connecticut in 1766-69. The model shows a curious combination of Anglo-Dutch legs and frame-work with the Gothic tracery in the splat that came into fashion in England towards the middle of the century. The table is square with falling leaves supported by legs that may be pulled in or out. These are slightly cabriole and end in hoof feet. An oval table of the same period appears on page 379. The Providence inventories tell the same story as those of New Haven. There was plenty of comfort, and the houses were thoroughly well furnished, but the cabinet-ware was of native make, except in rare instances. Among the many estates of more than one thousand pounds, we have the fol- lowing: Major W. Crawford, ,3,551, 1720; Benjamin Tillinghast, 4,776, 1726; Job Harris, "1,615, 1729; Captain Nicholas Power, ,1,751, 1734; Captain William Walker, 2,498, 1742; Arnold Coddington, 3,640, 1742; Stephen Arnold, "2,127, 1743; Peter Thatcher, 1,1 21, 1745; Captain William Tillinghast, "4,290, 1753; Captain Ebenezer Hill, "3,3 14; David Rutting- 340 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS MAHOGANY TABLE AND CHAIR The latter originally belonged to Governor William Pitkin. Now owned by Mia Marion P. Whitney, New Haven, Conn. See page 340. borg, ^1,425; John Mawney, .9,050; Rev. John Check- ley, ^"2,530, and George Dunbar, ^2,261, all 1754; Oliver Arnold, ^1,021, 1771. In none of these inventories is a single piece of mahogany recorded, with the exception of John Mawney, who possessed a solitary desk of that wood valued at ^40. When the woods are mentioned, which, relatively, is very seldom, we find the same as in Connec- ticut : pine, walnut, white-wood, maple and cherry. Peter Thatcher and David Ruttingborg both made furniture; the former had maple boards in his shop, and the latter had pine. The old "cupboard" gives place at an early date to the case of drawers. The latter and the escritoire formed the most decorative pieces of furniture in the rooms, and often attained high values. Arnold Coddington's desk was worth 20. It was mounted with brass, as was all the new furniture of that kind. Mr. Coddington had a lot of brass 341 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS for sale for the use of native cabinet-makers. It comprised three dozen Dutch rings and escutcheons at three shillings a dozen ; three gross of extra desk brass handles at eighteen shillings a dozen, with ten dozen escutcheons to match, at fourteen shillings a dozen; a gross of brass handles at fif- teen shillings a dozen, with seven dozen escutcheons to match at eleven shillings a dozen ; ten dozen brass handles at twelve shillings a dozen, with six and a half dozen escutcheons at eight shillings a dozen ; some odd brass han- dles; and a fine-ward desk-lock valued at one guinea. The case of drawers was low and high. To-day the two varieties are popularly known as "low-boy" and " high-boy," but I have never come across these terms in any inventory of the seventeenth or eighteenth century. In the Providence inventories, the distinction between chest of, or with drawers, and the case of drawers is clearly maintained. For example, John Mawney (1754) owns a maple low case of drawers at twelve and a chest with drawers at eight pounds. Benjamin Tillinghast also has a chest with drawers at three, and a case of drawers v/ith glasses upon it at seven pounds. The top of the case of drawers was therefore adorned with china and glass as the head of the cupboard, which it superseded, had been. The case of drawers first appeared probably about 1 690, and made rapid strides into popularity. It is found in the majority of comfortable homes in the early years of the eighteenth century, and the native workmen soon construct it of black walnut, cherry, white-wood, maple and even pine. When made of white- wood, or pine, it was usually coloured: the favourite tint was Indian red, but sometimes these woods were stained, grained and dappled to imitate maple and other woods. Some of these cases of drawers, although presenting a good 34* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS outward appearance, are of somewhat flimsy workmanship, and show signs of cheap construction. The drawers sometimes are ill-fitting. A very fine example of the high case of draw- ers, belonging to Mr. George Dudley Seymour, of New Haven, is shown on the frontispiece. This is made of white-wood and was originally stained Venetian red. It is now coloured a deep brown, and is adorned with brass drop- handles. LOW CASE OF DRAWERS Originally owned by Governor Dudley, now by the Concord Antiquarian Society, Concord. See page 368. Another six-legged high case of drawers appears facing page 390. It is preserved in the Whipple House, Ipswich, Mass. A low case of drawers, or dressing table with drawers, of cheap wood painted black, such as was made by the native joiners, faces page 326. It is owned by the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. Another, owned by the Concord Antiquarian Society, is represented on page 367 and one, owned by Mrs. Wainwright, of Hartford, faces page 322. 343 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS When mahogany came into general use, it was used in the construction of the case of drawers, side by side with the other woods. By that date, the legs had become slen- der, and had been reduced to four in number. The low case of drawers probably never had more than four legs, although six-legged so-called "low-boys" are occasionally shown ; but these are really only the lower part of the high case of drawers which rested upon it, and which has been lost. The low case had two or more rows of drawers ; the lower part of the high case generally had one only. The illustrations will make this clear. If the upper parts of the high cases of drawers facing pages 313 and 390 were re- moved, there would be a sense of incompleteness in the lower parts that is not felt with the low cases given on pages 339 and 343, and especially on page 331. On page 345 ap- pears the lower part of a six-legged case of drawers owned by Mrs. Wainwright, Hartford, Conn. Before leaving Providence, we should note the hetero- geneous collection of cabinet-ware found in the houses as we approach the Revolution. Oliver Arnold (1771) will serve as an instance. Of mahogany he owned a high case of drawers, two square tea-tables, a china table, and a 4^ - ft. square-leaved table; of black walnut, a desk and book- case and a 4-foot table ; of cherry, a china table ; of maple, a 5 -foot table, a square and an oval tea-table; a 4-foot, a 4- foot round, and an oval table, and six framed chairs; and of pine, a long table. Other furniture, the wood of which is not specified, includes an old high case of drawers, an older ditto, two small tables and a candlestand, a small stand-table, six framed green, two high-backed and two low Windsor, six framed-seat banistered, six banistered, six four-back, two round, and a great chair. 344 "BEAUFAIT" From a house in Vernon Place, Boston. Now in the Old State House, Boston, Mass. See page 353. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS In our survey of this period before the Revolution, if we examine the full contents of a typical home every ten years or so, we shall be able to form a clear idea of the suc- cessive changes and developments of household furniture. The possessions of Governor Phipps (see page 230) are PART OF A SIX-LEGGED HIGH CASE OF DRAWERS Owned by Mrs. Wainwright, Hartford, Conn. See page 344. representative of the best that was in use during the first decade of the eighteenth century. His chests of drawers with tables-and-stands and dressing-boxes were of the new style we have just been considering, In his house also, we still find the closet which was a sort of alcove, or small annex to a larger chamber. We constantly come across this in the better class of house all through this period. Robert Bronsden (^3,252; 1702) had a closet to his J4S THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS dining-room that contained a table, his pistols and some books. In the closet of the Chamber over Hall, there were three Turkey-work chairs, a table with a calico carpet, a picture and a sword. In the closet to the Chamber over Dining Room, there was a bedstead with curtains and valance, besides a black frame looking-glass; while the room itself contained only a square table, six Turkey-work chairs, some things on the mantel-tree, and brass hearth-ware. A view of a comfortable Boston home of 1707 is gained from that of Katharine Eyre, widow of John Eyre, who is about to be married to Wait Winthrop. Her hall is furnished with two oval tables, a dozen cane chairs and a great chair, a couch and quilt, a looking-glass, a clock worth ^12, and brass andirons, shovel and tongs. In the hall chamber, which is the most expensively furnished room in the house, there is a handsome bedstead hung with china curtains trimmed with India silk. A quilt of the same lies upon the feather bed, as well as a pair of fine large blankets. She owns an olive wood cabinet valued at ^"5. Six Turkey-work chairs, a cane couch, a table and a looking-glass complete the furniture of this attractive apart- ment, rendered still more so by a number of books worth ji 5. The fire-place is adorned with brass; the light is de- rived from candles in brass candlesticks. The "kitchen chamber " is furnished with a feather bed and bedstead, hung with "searge curtains and vallens." A chest with drawers, worth j, stands in this room, and there are seven cane chairs and couch, a looking-glass, andirons, tongs and shovel. Six Turkey-work chairs form the seats in the Little Chamber, where the large bedstead is also hung with "searge curtains and vallens." Green curtains are in "ye chamber over the kitchen chamber" and cur- 34 6 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS tains of that colour decorate the bedstead. In "ye little room" there were nine cane chairs, two little tables, a looking-glass, and andirons, tongs, etc. A feather bed seems to have been the only furniture of the " second chamber over ye little room." One of the bedsteads is dec- orated with "a suit of white callicoe curtains and vallens lac'd." Mrs. Eyre possessed plate amounting to ^169 and a considerable amount of table and bed linen. Her estate totalled ^"5,328-12-2, and of this ,183-15-0 was in fur- niture. The tables show little change during these early years. Oak, pine and black walnut, with occasional cedar and maple, are the chief woods. Captain Andrew Wilson (1710) has a chestnut table, and Thomas Gilbert (1719) a large oval one of beech. Square, round and eight-square are common shapes, but the oval is even more favoured, and the octagon gradually disappears. The slate table is not rare. Between 1700 and 1720, we meet with the following varieties of chairs: seal-skin, Turkey-work, leather, rush, cane, wicker, patchwork, black, black matted, black bass, black cane, Hag, knit, low-back, two-back, three-back, four- back, five-back, mohair, bass, blue serge, green-flowered serge, cane-back with bass bottoms, cane-back with leather bottoms, blue china, flat-back, plate-back, straight-back, and crook-back. The four-back is the same chair that is called four-slat elsewhere during this period. Examples of the four- and five-back (or slat) chair have already been given on page 87. The straight is represented on page 4; and varieties of the flat-back chair, which had a flat splat, appear on pages 39, 65 and 85. An early example of the crook-back chair is shown on page 101 and another variety 147 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS on page 1 84. The tendency to stuff the seats of the chairs and cover them with more or less rich material, in addition to Turkey-work and leather, was rapidly increasing. Com- RUSH-BOTTOM CHAIR Owned by Dr. James Read Chadwick, Boston, Mass. See page 349. fort was no longer largely left to the ministry of cushions. The consequence is that by 1720 cushions, except for win- dow-seats, have largely disappeared from the inventories. We find them sometimes retained, however, with rush- and bass-bottomed chairs. The elbow chair is often specified THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS "with cushions." The elbow and the easy chair are dis- tinct : the arms, back and seat of the latter were all up- holstered, the commonest form being the "wing chair" (see facing page 184 and page 293). Charles Shepreeve (1722) owned six elbow chairs, ^4-10-0; and one easy chair, 2. The rush-bottom chair represented on page 348 and owned by Dr. James Read Chadwick, Boston, Mass., is an exceedingly interesting specimen. The legs and stretchers are survivals of an earlier period, while the top rail is "embowed" and the jar-shaped splat pierced (see page 277). A rush-bottom corner chair, sometimes called a "roundabout" chair, with similar legs, is shown on page 364. Joint-stools are still in use in some houses. Bedsteads, high and trundle, still maintain their place, and are adorned with a variety of bright curtains, hangings and rugs or quilts that generally match the window curtains, and often the chair-covers, in hue and material. Varieties of the folding-bed are met with more frequently. Elisha Hopkins (1712) owns a press bedstead worth ninety shil- lings; and an old one belonging to Samuel Jacklen (1718) is set down at fifteen shillings. The latter was hung with old homespun curtains and valance. It has already been shown how difficult it is to get precise definitions of terms in the dictionaries that were printed before the middle of the eighteenth century. It is only when we find both the chest with drawers and the case of drawers in the same inventory, that we can be sure that these differed in kind. Even during the reign of Queen Anne, the distinction between the trunk and the chest was not uniformly maintained in the Boston inven- tories. The chest and the chest with drawers were some- times covered with leather like the trunk; and the trunk 349 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS had drawers and sometimes feet like the chest. Thus Ambrose Daws (1706) had an old leather chest with draw- ers; and Josias Byles (1708) and Captain Andrew Wilson (1710) each owned a trunk with feet. An early chest with drawers of this period that may also have been classi- fied as a trunk with drawers, faces page 344. It is inter- esting as showing the first step in the development of the chest of drawers from the most elementary form of chest (see pages 215-6). This trunk is covered with red leather and studded with brass nails arranged to form a border of rose, thistle and shamrock. Upon the top is the mono- gram A. R. It is said to have been the travelling trunk of Queen Anne, and was purchased in Guilford, Surrey, by Mr. Charles Wyllys Elliott in 1870. It is now owned by Mrs. Charles Wyllys Elliott, Cambridge, Mass. The hall shown on page 351 is that of the Warner House, Portsmouth, N. H. This is the oldest brick build- ing now standing in that town. It was built in 1718 and finished in 1723 at a cost of ^6,000. It was originally owned by Captain Archibald Macpheadris, a merchant and native of Scotland, who married a daughter of Governor John Wentworth. Their daughter Mary became the wife of the Hon. Jonathan Warner in 1754. Mr. Warner was one of the King's Council and remained a Tory. A mahogany low case of drawers, or dressing-table, from this house appears on page 331. Our next typical home is that of Mr. John Mico, a wealthy Boston merchant (^1 1,230-17-0, 1718). His house contained twelve rooms, besides the entry with stair- case, pantry, cellar and wash-house. The Dining-room con- tained two tables, six Turkey-work and four bass chairs, a looking-glass, four sconces, a good clock worth ^10, brass 350 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ^^32-^^Si**5 HALL IN THE WARNER HOUSE Portsmouth, N. H., built in 1716. See page 350. andirons, etc., and glass in the " Beaufett," and "earthen- ware in the closett." The Hall contained no bedstead, and seems to have kept its character as a hall. Here we notice a "scriptore," or writing desk, upon which stand some glasses; there is a chimney table and a chimney glass, a large looking-glass, a tea-table with a set of china upon it; and sixteen chairs and two elbow chairs reach the value of ^14. A touch of elegance is bestowed by "four sconces with silver sockets" upon the walls, and five cushions lend comfort to the chairs. Among the ornaments is a flower- pot. The firelight flickers upon brass andirons, etc. The next important room is the " Hall Chamber." A luxurious THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS "silk bed and furniture" worth ^30, a couch, squab and pillow, a table, dressing-box and two stands, "a table and twilight," a chest of drawers, two elbow chairs and cushions, seven mohair chairs and brass hearth-ware make it evident that the eighteenth century is present here. Seven pictures, a "lanthorn," and twelve leather buckets for readiness in case of fire, of course, hang in the " Staircase and Entry." A Little Room, made cheer- ful by a log blazing on the brass andirons, is furnished with a square table, nine leather chairs and a number of books. In the "Chamber over the Little Room" we find six Turkey-work and two cane chairs, a square black table, and an iron chest. "A set of mantle tree ware" brightens the chimney-piece, and beneath it the fire burns upon the usual brass hearth furniture. The chamber over the dining-room contains a looking-glass, a table and chairs, a couch and squab, andirons, and a bed hung with white curtains. The chamber over the kitchen has, in addition to the bedstead a chest with drawers, six old chairs, an old looking-glass and dogs, etc. In the kitchen we find six leather chairs, an oak and a pine table, a looking-glass and 323 ounces of plate. In the four upper chambers there is a mat for a floor worth ^2, a press, a screen, a little bed and suit of blue curtains, a fine case of drawers and chairs, trunks, bedsteads, etc. Altogether there are more than sixty-eight chairs in Mr. Mico's house. A new feature of the parlour or dining-room that came into general use during these years, and occurs in the above inventory, was the corner cupboard, known as the buffet, variously spelt beaufet, beaufett, beaufait, bofet, etc. On its shelves, glass, china and earthenware were displayed. It was not a movable, but was fixed in a corner of the 35* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS room, rounding out the angle and producing a most pleas- ing effect. The word does not appear in the early dic- tionaries of Phillips, Kersey, Cocker, and others, but in 1748, Dyche describes buffet as "a handsome open cup- board or repository for plate, glass, china, etc., which are put there either for ornament or convenience of serving the table." In 1738, Mrs. Mary Blair's "Bofett" con- tained twenty-three enamelled plates, five burnt china ditto, a pair quart china mugs, seven breakfast bowls, six smaller ditto, a large sugar-pot, twenty-six china cups, twenty-eight china saucers, four china tea-pots, one pair small flowered stands and a small server, one glass double cruet, a hearth brush, and a pair of blue and white china mugs. The total value was .32-3-0. In William Clarke's " Bofet" (1742) were twelve china plates, a delft pot and cover, and large and small china bowls. In 1744, a "Hall Bofet" contains a blue shagreen case with eight knives and eight forks with silver caps, and eight silver spoons; another case with six ivory-handled knives and forks with silver "ferrils"; and six other white- handled knives and forks, besides china and glass. The "beaufait" facing page 352 is from the house in Vernon Place, Boston. It was built in 1696 by William Clough, who sold the house and land to John Pulling in 1698. The latter left it to his sister, Mrs. Richard Pitcher, who sold it to William Merchant, brother-in-law of Gov- ernor Hutchinson. It was purchased in 1758 by Cantain Fortescue Vernon and remained in his family for about seventy-five years. The "beaufait" is ornamented with cherubs' heads in the spandrils and the hollowed shell. A handsomer example of the shell appears in the "boufct" from the Barton homestead on page 354. This was made 353 in 1750. It was presented to the Worcester Society of Antiquity, Worcester, Mass., by Mr. Bernard Barton in 1894. The one represented on page 363 has the advantage " BOUFET " FROM THE BARTON HOMESTEAD, WORCESTER Made in 1750. Now owned by the Worcester Society of Antiquity, Worcester, Mass. See page 353. J 'l over the other in standing in the spot for which it was made. This is from the Whipple House, Ipswich, Mass. It is furnished with glass doors and is filled with valuable old china. The buffet from the Peabody House, Boxford, Mass., 354 ""V** . t t" r-_j "* &* BY ESTHER SINGLETON WITH CRITICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF PLATES BY RUSSELL STURGIS ILLUSTRATED GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1913 COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY BOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO. OCTOBER, 1901 it. CONTENTS PAG I BOULLK AND His FURNITURE . . . 403-408 Cardinal Mazarin's sumptuous furniture, 4034; precious metals and gilded wood, 404; the Gobelin Manufactory, 404 5; characteristics of Boulle, 405-6; " old Boulle " and "new Boulle," 4067 ; examples, 408. TRANSITIONAL PERIODS OF STYLE 408-409 FAMOUS DESIGNERS ..... 410414 Philibert de 1'Orme, Mathurin Jousse, Jean Berain, Jean Le Pautre, Daniel Marot and Sir Christopher Wren, 41012; be- ginnings of the china-mania, 412 ; Sir William Kent, 412-14. INTRODUCTION OF ORIENTIAL GOODS INTO EUROPE 4 i 44 i 6 THE USE OF PORCELAIN IN DECORATION . 416-419 Brackets and chimney-pieces, 416-17 ; Marot's great use of china, 417; room described by Addison, 418 ; Defoe on China, 419. THE CHINESE FAD ..... 419-420 Sir William Chambers, 419; early publications of Chinese de- signs, 420. THE GOTHIC REVIVAL .... 421-425 John Evelyn on Gothic art, 421 ; gardens with Gothic ruins and shell-work, 421-22; Batty Langley, *^ire, Mrs. Delany and Horace Walpole, 422-5. BATTY LANGLEY ON CABINET-MAKEM 425-428 CONTENTS PAGE FRENCH DESIGN UNDER THE REGENT AND Louis XV. 428-432 Use of Chinese motives, 428 ; Cochin's satire, 42931; art during the Regency, 431 ; rocaille, 43 1 ; decorative ornaments, 43 !~ 2 - CHIPPENDALE ...... 432450 Chippendale a generic name, 432; Chippendale's book, 433; life of Chippendale, 433-4; Sheraton on Chippendale, Ince and Mayhew, and Heppelwhite, 4357 ; George Smith on cabinet-makers and Chippendale, 4378; Matthias Darly, 4412; Chippendale's preface, 442-3; favourite designs, 444; Chippendale, the carver, gilder and decorator, 4458 ; indebt- edness to Meissonier, 449-50. CARVING AND CARVERS .... 450452 CHIPPENDALE FURNITURE .... 452464 Difference between "Chippendale furniture " and the designs in his book, 452-4; Chinese and Gothic designs, 455; chairs, 456; examples, 45864. THE ADAM BROTHERS .... 464-469 The Adam style, 465; Adam ornaments, 4656; Adam de- signs, 467-8 ; the Adam style in America, 468-9. HEPPELWHITE ...... 469476 Heppelwhite on English furniture, 469-70; characteristics of Heppelwhite, 471-2; examples, 472; the Heppelwhite side- board, 473-6; decline of Heppelwhite, 476. SHERATON ...... 476-484 Obituary of Sheraton, 476-7 ; Sheraton's book, 477-8 ; charac- teristics, 478; typical drawing-room, 478-80; dining-parlour, 480; Sheraton on the dome, 481 ; beds and sofas, 482; work- tables and chairs, 482-4. S J List of Illustrations WITH CRITICAL NOTES ON MANY OF THE PLATES BY RUSSELL STURGIS ALL THE NOTES FURNISHED BY Ml. STURGIS ARE FOLLOWED BY HIS SIGNATURE. FRONTISPIECE: CARVED EBONY CABINET FACING This massive piece of carved ebony was brought from China and is part of a magnificent col- lection of Chinese furniture that was got together by Mr. Caleb T. Smith during his resi- dence at Canton from 1850 to 1870. Every piece came from the house of some man- darin of high rank. The present piece belonged to one Houqua. The other pieces comprise a large round centre table, two sofas, two armchairs, six high-back chairs, two high stands with antique bronzes, two low stands and various other articles. When the owner wanted certain repairs made upon arrival, he was told by experienced American cabinet- makers that there were no instruments manufactured of fine enough steel and temper here to work such wood, which is like stone. The form of this piece of furniture is curiously in- teresting in that it genetically resembles the Jraicirs and livery cupboards of the seven- teenth century. The china displayed upon the shelves is of the very choicest varieties, and was brought in at the same time. E. S. BOULLE TABLE Boulle table, the inlay of tortoise-shell and of brass or a metallic alloy resembling German silver, and a richly coloured stained veneer of wood. The elaborateness of the veneering tt completed by very rich gilded bronze appliques, those at the heads of the four legs being of peculiar richness. It is probable that an examination of these pieces would show the stamp of some well-known worker in bronze of the reign of Louis XIV. R. Sturgis. BOULLE SECRETARY AND CABINET . FACING Writing-desk with cabinet above, of which, however, the uppermost member is missing. This elaborate piece of furniture is inbid in the style of that Boulle work with tortoise- shell and metal which makes one of the glories of the reign of Louis XIV. The work before us is of a date difficult to fix as the appliques seem to be hardly of the same date as the very beautiful and delicate scrollwork of the inlays. R. Sturgis. BOULLE CABINET Cabinet with richly carved open stand, the body containing ten small drawers and a central cabinet opening with doors, and a gallery of unusual height and prominence. This piece is in many ways unusual in design, for, although the separate parts are familiar, their com- bination is surprising and yet agreeably so, for the general proportions are extremely good. There n no Boulle work properly so-called in the piece before us, but the rounded table- like masses which adorn the fronts of the drawers and the panels of the doors would be in- sufferable in polished wood, while in the delicate translucent and richly veined material, tor- toise-shell, they are in a sense attractive and form a useful centre for the elaborate sculpture around them. The colonnettes are sheathed with a veneer of tortoise-shell. The elaborate carving in light material, and the rippled pattern of the mouldings which form the frame PAGE iii FACING 403 406 FACING 407 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE enclosing each panel, whether forming the front of the drawer or the surface of the door, are of earlier date than this use of tortoise-shell would suggest. There is something about the general design also which suggests a seventeenth-century piece In fact, if this chest of drawers and cupboards dates from a time later than the reign of Louis XIV. (1715) it is assuredly the work of a cabinet-maker with strong traditional tendencies and one who longed to retain the designs of his boyhood. In a piece less elaborate and costly the student would be inclined to note the probability of its having been made somewhere in the pro- vinces, far away from Paris ; for it is well known that the style of design and of carving would be retained long in the south in Brittany or in Burgundy after it had changed seri- ously at the centre. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY CHAIR ...... 409 Mahogany chair of which the back has a single broad slat pierced in suggestion of scroll- work with just so much reference to the broken and interrupted scrolls of the rococo style as would be attractive in an epoch which had not yet forgotten the illogical brilliancy of that class of work. The rococo was pretty nearly abandoned in France as early as 1760, but it might easily have lingered in England, from whence this chair was undoubtedly brought, twenty-five years longer ; it is therefore not remarkable to see these lingering traces of its passage. The front legs are of perfectly well-managed curves with claw-and- ball feet. It is interesting to see the great added weight and solidity given to the wood where it is most elaborately cut away into supposedly graceful shapes. R. Sturgis. CHAIR ........ 413 This chair is to be compared with the one shown on page 409 as being almost precisely similar in the character of its back, while the front legs are as square and plain as the others were elaborate. Moreover, there is reason for square and solid legs ; there are stretching- pieces which connect the four legs with one another and make the whole piece very solid. It is easy to see that the demand for as obviously durable and massive a piece as this would be contemporary with the demand for the more graceful and finished type shown in the former example. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY CHAIRS . . . . . . 414 Two chairs, in the form of which the two different types shown on pages 409 and 413, are reproduced. It will be understood that in all these chairs the seat is separate ; usually a plank with a stuffed cushion secured to it, the plank forming the under side of the cushion. A some- what later arrangement is the substitution for the solid panel of an open frame with strips of webbing carried from side to side. This, when introduced, was found to give the cush- ion greater softness and to produce a more agreeable seat. In all these inserted cushions there is a certain air of fitness, the soft part of the chair obviously separate from the frame and easily movable. It is, in taste and propriety, a fash- ion superior to that in which the cushion is nailed fast to the outside of the frame. R. Sturgis. CARVED EBONY CHAIRS AND TABLE . FACING 416 These pieces come from the same collection as that on the frontispiece. The form of the chairs is very much like some of those of the Queen Anne period and shows the origin of the models of that date. The magnificently carved ball-and-claw foot table is as ornate as any similar pattern of the Chippendale school. The chairs are stuffed and covered with dark blue satin with woven Oriental figure and landscape subjects in various colours. E S. MAHOGANY CHAIRS . . . . . -417 Two mahogany armchairs, the style of which is closely in accordance with that of the chair page 409 and one of the two page 414. The intelligence of the designs which we associate with Chippendale and his immediate successors in English furniture-making is hardly to be appreciated until one notes the perfect fitness of those designs to the enlarged form required by an armchair. It is hard to say whether the smaller or the larger piece of furniture is the more effective ; and yet the design cannot be said to have undergone not- able modification. R. Sturgis. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS fAGI MAHOGANY CHAIR ...... 420 A chair of the same epoch as the piece* represented on previous pages, but modified by pierced patterns in the stretching-pieces which are made of thin boards for the purpose of receiving this kind of ornamentation. The same patterns are reproduced in mere sinkings in the front legs. The design of the piece is not improved by these ornaments. It is an experience constantly recurring in the examination of styles of art the attempts of work- men to escape from the uniformity of design observed in the more important works of the time. Once in a thousand instances the innovation lucceeds, and a new style succeeds to the old one after existing for a while contemporaneously with it. R. Sturgis. CHIPPENDALE CHAIR ...... 423 Chair in which the forms given on page 413 and page 420 are repeated with but slight alteration while, however, the prominent surfaces of the woodwork are covered with the most delicate sculpture in low relief. The front of the chair, legs and rail, is so beautifully wrought, with such good taste as well as ingenuity, that one cannot but regret that the eighteenth century seldom attempted such refined sculpture in buildings or in furniture of greater size and pretension. R. Sturgis. SET OF LACQUER TABLES AND CARVED EBONY CHAIR ..... FACING 417 These pieces belong to the same collection as that in the frontispiece and those racing page 416. The form of the chair with cabriole legs, claw feet and carved heads terminating the arms is one that frequently occurs in English furniture of the eighteenth century. It is upholstered in crimson satin. On the lacquer tables is a large bowl of the rarest porce- lain along the rim of which is a border divided into symmetrical lengths, each containing a different picture. E. S. MAHOGANY CHAIRS ...... 427 Chair and armchair of mahogany forming part of the same set, though the coverings of the seat are now different. What was said above in connection with the cut on page 417 applies with force to these two pieces. The entire fitness of the design to both forms ii especially worthy of note. R. Sturgis. ARMCHAIR AND Two SHERATON CHAIRS . . 429 Armchair which in all respects resembles those shown in previous illustrations of this Part. Two chairs of different patterns and of somewhat later date than the pieces found on the pages above. The designs resemble those shown in Sheraton's "drawing-book," which is indeed of a later date than. the Chippendale contributions to decorative art. R. Sturgis. "CHINESE" SETTEE .... FACING 430 This handsome settee is an excellent example of the " Chinese " style of Chippendale work which is fully discussed in the text. The frame is of mahogany, handsomely carved, and the seat is cane, in accordance with Chippendale's instructions. Probably this was orig- inally intended for a summer-house, the suggestions of umbrellas in the top and temple bells in the hanging ornaments occurring often in the furniture designed for garden pavil- ions, etc. There are several armchairs of identical design belonging to this set. E. S. CHIPPENDALE BOOKCASE AND SECRETARY . FACING 431 Library bookcase, the lower part containing fifteen drawers, in addition to the usual writing- desk with dropping shelf and the finings of the scrutoir ; while the upper pan has the usual distribution of glass doors with light wooden sash-bars. It is probable that the upper pan, if not the lower, is separable into three pieces for convenience of transportation, and un- doubtedly the whole uppermost member the cornice, as we call it in recent rimes can be removed, as it is nothing but a simulacrum, representing no essential pan of the piece of furniture. This piece of about 1810, though with certain minor details which suggest an earlier time, is most attractive for its simplicity, the general grace of its proportions, and LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE the evident air of being a thoroughly workmanlike and most useful piece of furniture for the library. The more precious or more delicately bound books even of a large collection would find room behind those glass doors, and the small prints, the notes and documents even of a busy literary student might find room in these numerous drawers. R. Sturgis. CHIPPENDALE CHAIR AND HEPPELWHITE CARD- TABLE . . . . . . .433 Round table of most successful and admirable design, a gem of simplicity and refinement. The inlays in light-coloured wood are almost characteristic of Heppelwhite. The chairs shown on pages 413 and 423 appeal perhaps more strongly to the sense of admiration for stately designs than the prr cent one they may be thought more fit for a splendidly-furnished drawing-room. There is in the nature of the design nothing to put this one into a place of inferiority. R. Sturgis. SETTEE ...... FACING 434 Double-chair of carved walnut, a piece to be compared with that in the lower part of the Plate opposite page 448 ; in connection with which there is given some statement of the different meanings of the word settee often applied to such pieces as this. In the present case the carving is of unusual interest. It is rare that mascarons are introduced into work of this epoch (about 1780), and still more rare that the end of a member should be carved into an elaborate head, as seen in the arms of the present sofa. These dragon-heads are evidently studied from Oriental, probably Chinese, originals, but the heads from which the mascarons of the sofa legs were taken were of European character, however remote and impossible to trace may be their primal origin. The forms of this piece are those of the famous Chippendale, but the carving is, to say the least, unusual in work of his, and it seems not impossible that an American joiner with Chippendale's book before him should have produced such a piece. R. Sturgis. CHIPPENDALE AND SHERATON CHAIRS . . . 435 The two central chairs are of Chippendale design ; the one to the extreme right is a Sher- aton with the lyre-shaped open panel ; the chair to the extreme left belongs to the early nineteenth century. These are sufficiently described in the text. E. S. WRITING-CABINET AND Two TABLES . FACING 435 Small case of drawers with writing-desk decorated with carving and with the original brass handles. This piece of the closing years of the eighteenth century is somewhat unusual in its small size and in the curious repetition on a small scale of the parts of a two-bodied piece a chest upon chest or bahut a deux corps. The whole piece stands but little higher than the modern writing-desk, and yet, in the small space allowed there are three drawers, of which the lowermost is raised above the floor by the whole height of the supporting feet. The two stands with deep tops are interesting as unusually rich examples of the table with rim. The square table has this raised rim so pierced and of such comparative height that although it is not vertical, not at right angles with the top, it may with propriety be called a gallery. This, of course, has been added to the top, and fitted on with careful dowelling and glue. The other stand has the rim worked out of the solid precisely in the same way that the carving in the middle has been done, the whole top being either a single piece of wood, or else built up by the setting edge to edge of different pieces of plank made one by the well-known arts of the joiner. The tripod stands and pedestals are very beau- tifully designed and prettily carved. R. Sturgis. DOUBLE CORNER CHAIR ..... 439 Elaborate corner chair so designed that it presents an equally decorative aspect on every side; unusual in this and still more unusual in having the secondary or upper back, which may per- haps be an after thought or perhaps a special provision made for one who desired support for the head. The complicated form has not been mastered by the designer. Its essential clumsiness has not been overcome ; but the beauty of the workmanship, and the delicacy of the design shown in the turned uprights and stretching-pieces and in the carefully modelled and carved legs, give this armchair a high place as a piece of decorative art. R. Sturgis. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PACE MAHOGANY TABLE AND TEA-KETTLE STANDS FACING 440 Two mahogany pedestal tables, and a stand with " gallery " enclosing the top. All three of these pieces are of the pedestal type, the upright pillar being supported by a tripod of three gracefully shaped legs. The beauty and the long continued permanence of thb type of support is commented on in connection with the illustrations of Part V. The designers of the time, having this entirely satisfactory principle to go upon, were never tired of work- ing out the possible varieties of form and carved detail. Thus, the table on -the left de- pends entirely on turning for the decoration of the pedestal, and the three legs are cut out of thin board and are simply rounded at top and bottom ; the outlines remaining, however, extremely graceful and appropriate ; while the stand with a little pierced railing around the top has the pedestal elaborately fluted above and reeded in spiral form below, with the three legs carved with a graceful adaptation of acanthus leafage. The larger table in the middle has a carved coat-of-arms which, however, lacks the crest. R. Sturgis. CHAIR ........ 444 A chair of later design than those shown on pages 409, 413 el ley. As mere matter of composition, this is in no respect an advance upon the earlier pieces, but there is an in- creased delicacy in the parts of the back, partly real and resulting from their slendemess, and partly apparent, coming from their very delicate moulding. The plain square lep are moulded and the mouldings cut across into little pyramids like mediaeval dog-teeth, an at- tractive treatment when more elaborate carving cannot be had. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY CHAIR ...... 447 This chair b one of a set that was probably made about the middle of the eighteenth cen- tury. It may have been made by a Charleston cabinet-maker ; it is almost identical with another chair on page 148, which also comes from Charleston. This piece is upholstered with dark red leather fixed with brass studs. E. S. CHIPPENDALE STANDS . . . FACING 441 Three pieces ascribed to Chippendale, namely, tall stand with open " gallery " around the top and pierced and carved uprights ; low stand with raised moulded edge worked in the solid ; and closed case possibly for keeping music. Such pieces as the taller of these stands were often called candle-stands ; that eighteenth-century term curiously repeating the pro- per and original sense of the Latin word candelabrum ; for those who have studied in mod- em museums will remember the ponderous and richly carved marble pieces five feet high, as well as the slender bronze uprights of the same or even greater altitude, which were used simply to support the feeble lamps of the Roman Imperial time. The small flame of a candle or lamp is doubled in efficacy by being set rather high in a place, where the unceiled walls and the low ceiling receive and reflect the full force of its illumination. Such a stand as the present, about three feet six inches high, would serve rather as a piece to hold the light by which one would wish to read, for a candle set upon it would be at the right height for a seated reader. The low stand, perhaps two feet in height, is a piece useful in a thousand ways. In connection with the plates of Part V, there is comment on the tripod fleet and the solid moulded edges of such pieces. R. Sturgis. SKTTEE ...... FACING 441 Double-chair sofa of Chippendale style, with an unusual amount of sculpture added. Such pieces were called at the time simply "double chain," and if the term settee was also ap- plied to them, that word was used equally for other very different pieces, or parts of pieces. Thus ( and this b an interesting point ) the word settee was used for the small three-cor- nered seats worked into the two ends of very long sofas, such as were made for the great taltns of France, and sometimes imitated in England. These pieces were like a sofa to which two comer chairs had been added, one at each of the two ends, the whole worked into one design which was sometimes very spirited and successful; and the whole was then called, in England, a sofa with settees. The present writer has heard the name applied in old country house* ro the settles set upon rockers pieces like a rocking-chair made for two or three occupants. Out-of-door garden seats long enough for two, and settles of the true LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FACE antique fireside pattern, are called by that name. In fact, anything which can be used for sitting upon and which is not a chair in the ordinary sense of the word, may, it appears, be called a settee. The present piece is unusual in that while the forms are rather simple, there is an un- usual amount of naturalistic carving worked upon the front face of each bar or separate piece which goes to make up the back. R. Sturgis. MIRRORS ...... FACING 450 These mirrors are of various dates, ranging from early in the century till the close of the Chippendale period. The top one on the right, showing the bird at the top, is a good ex- ample of the spikiness of the characteristic Chippendale carving. The rest are compara- tively simple in design and workmanship, and were to be found in homes that were not necessarily luxurious. . S. SCREEN, TABLE AND CHAIR ..... 451 The screen is a beautifully embroidered floral design, and is an excellent specimen of the more elaborate needlework done by the ladies of the eighteenth century. It should be compared with the screen, worked in 1776, shown on page 311. The claw-and-ball tripod table is a common form of the middle of the century, and the chair is one of the more graceful models designed by Heppelwhite. It is stuffed, and covered with crimson damask. This is the chair that Heppelwhite designates as " cabriole." . S. FIELD-BED ........ 454 Four-post bedstead with low and slender posts carrying the skeleton of an elaborate canopy or ciel. The idea is that as the posts are short, the tester shall be arched up high in the middle. This piece as compared with the massive and rich four-posters of Part V is curi- ous in this, that the posts of the head-board are of precisely the same design as those of the foot, except that the latter have a single passage of reeding in the most prominent part. R. Sturgis. BOOKCASE AND SECRETARY . . . FACING 451 Bookcase and scrutoir with drawers below, the glass of the doors lined with some textile material, the bookcase so much less deep than the lower part of the case that a broad shelf is provided in front of the bookcase doors. The writing-shelf is the inside of the dropping front cover which, when closed, completes the design of the piece. The suggestion of Gothic window tracery in the form of the sash bars seems to imply an epoch of about 1 810, although in Sheraton's dated designs of 1812 some approach to it may be found. In Eng- land, where the practice of what was thought to be Gothic art has never been abandoned altogether, such a way of treating the slender bars of glazed sash may have occurred to the designer at almost any time. R. Sturgis. CHAIRS ........ 457 Chair and armchair of the type characteristic of drawing-room furniture in the time of George III. and George'IV. The suggestion of the form is evidently classical, taken from the Greco-Roman forms studied by the French artists of the First Empire. Indeed, the forms of these English chairs are closely akin to those in use within Napoleon's sphere of influence. The design has in it a certain grave respectability appropriate enough to the rooms of English citizens of the wealthier class at a time when decorative art was at the very lowest ebb which it has ever reached in western Europe since the revival of art in the tenth century. R. Sturgis. INLAID SIDEBOARD .... FACING 458 Small sideboard with three knife-cues. This sideboard is of very unusual character in that it is arranged as if for travel or for easy removal from place to place. That which ap- pears in the picture as the back of the sideboard and supports four shelves, each having a bracket to support it, is in reality the hinged cover which on occasion can be shut down upon the box below. The shelves are all adjustable themselves to the raised upper part or cover LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PACE and are hinged a* are their brackets, these last having spring holders which keep them in place when they are once opened. The side shelves drop like the leaves of a Pembroke table and are supported, when raised, by sliding strips which disappear in the body of the piece. The whole thing is inlaid with delicate woods much in the style of Heppelwhite, bur with more use of floral ornament than is usual with him. The knife-cases are of unusually elaborate design, this richness of aspect being caused mainly by the very finely wrought metal mountings. There are three delicate little feet to each piece and the attachment of these to the body, the striking plates of the drop handles un the sides and of the sloping top, and most of all, the scutcheon and hasp piece of the lock are remarkable pieces of delicate work. One looks in vain among these rich and fan- tastic scrolls for a cipher or even a single initial. All is abstract and made without refer- ence to any particular owner something unusual IP pieces of such varied beauty. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY CHAIR ...... 461 Chair with legs and cross bars as plain as any that we have to do with in this study, but with a back elaborately wrought as if in further development of the style adopted in the chain shown on pages 409, 41 3, and elsewhere. The design of the present chair may be thought even more constructional than those in that it is more obviously nude of slender bars wrought into shape instead of a broad pierced slat. R. Sturgis. ADAM CHAIRS ....... 463 Chain and armchair, the two pieces on the left and in the middle having much the same Imperial character as those on page 457. R. Sturgis. HEPPELWHITE CHAIR ..... 465 Chair which should be compared with that on page 46 1 . There is the same desire to obtain curved forms in the back, and to give the combination of these a shape which re- minds one of the outline of a shield. The mediaeval pointed i, u has always been attrac- tiv: to modems, and wherever an excuse offers to bring it in, as in the scutcheon of a key- hole, the flat plate of a sconce, or as here, the mere bounding outline of a series of ban, it is seized upon eagerly and retained entire. The legs of this chair are prettily inlaid with light-coloured wood. R. Sturgis. HEPPELWHITE SOFA .... FACING 459 Sofa of about 1780, with no woodwork showing except the legs. Such pieces as this, which are the precursors of our modern stuffed and tufted furniture, of horsehair and springs, were not themselves so very luxurious. They were comparatively hard, and, how- ever well stuffed were the seat, back and arms, they hardly invited to such reposeful atti- tudes as the nineteenth-century pieces which correspond to them. On the other hand, they were far more comely in the room, agreeing much better with the architectural lines, retaining a certain severity and dignity, and avoiding the appearance which our modern comfortable furniture almost inevitably has, of being an accidental cushion thrown down here or there, and not belonging to the apartment which it is supposed to complete. There is also in the old pieces a far better opportunity to show a finely designed piece of stuff, and in the present case that opportunity is seized. A very beautiful material with a flower pattern alternated by stripes, the whole somewhat formal and exact but of singular beauty of composition, completes this piece in a way that few recent furniture coverings would make possible. R. Sturgis. HEPPELWHITE CHAIRS ...... 467 Two chain whose forms are closely in agreement with those on pages 461 and 46$. An- other step in the gradually increased elaboration of these pieces is shown in the shaping of projecting bases, as it were, to the front legs. This is an entirely appropriate and fitting termination of such uprights. The only doubt about its propriety is in the comparative plainness which the workmen of the period agreed in giving to the legs of their chain. It teems to be thought, and certainly not without reason, that these should be made so as to Atnct the eye less than other parts of the piece. R. Sturgis. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE HEPPELWHITE SIDEBOARD . . . FACING 470 Sideboard of about I 800, and probably the work of one of the famous English makers, although probably the handles of the drawer are not of the same epoch. There is very beautiful inlay of light wood oil dark in the style of that introduced by Heppelwhite dur- ing the last years of the eighteenth century. There are three knife-cases standing on this sideboard, all of about the same date with it. It is a curious instance of the intelligence of design shown by these later eighteenth-cen- tury artists in furniture that their pieces look well with, and also without, the almost inev- itable accessories. A sideboard of this date with its perfectly flat top is evidently made to receive the spoon-bowls, knife-cases, lamps, branched candlesticks and punch bowls which belong to it, and yet the piece is not felt to be naked and incomplete without them, how- ever well it may look when they are set upon it. R. Sturgis. SOFA ......... 472 Covered sofa closely agreeing in design and character with that which is shown in the plate opposite page 466. Here also in each of these two sofas the thickening of the legs at the bottom, as if to make a little base, is noticeable. In this case the fluting of the legs gives an additional fitness to the little bases as affording a natural means of stopping the flutes and keeping them from reaching the floor. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY SOFA .... FACING 471 Sofa of the first twenty years of the nineteenth century, carvea with the solidity and mass- iveness of detail peculiar to the time. R. Sturgis. Two CHAIRS AND A LETTER CASE .... 473 The chair on the left is of a design which Thomas Sheraton made peculiarly his own, the central slat being wrought into the guise of a classical vase with festoons, and this enclosed in a special arcaded open frame, reinforced in its turn by a secondary and plainer frame. The design is illogical enough, but its dignity and fitness for a room of reception and ceremony cannot be denied. The simple armchair on the right would seem to be of the design modified originally from the Windsor chair. Thus might a cabinet-maker of renown deal with the simple problem which that traditional form would offer him. R. Sturgis. SHERATON CHAIR ...... 475 A chair but slightly modified from the design shown on the left, page 473. This is another instance of a design, giving satisfaction to its maker and therefore played with, treated in dif- ferent ways with but slight change of detail, and always with pleasure to workman and to purchaser. R. Sturgis. SHERATON SOFA .... . 479 Sofa of very fine and agreeable form; but the piece is in reality a completely covered sofa, with the wooden frame as completely concealed as is the stout wire frame of our modern rembourrc style. The strip along the back is a mere adjunct to the actual framing-piece con- cealed by the stuff and that of the arms ' even more slender, and as it were a wooden bind- ing put on where a piece of passementerie might equally well have been used. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY INLAID SIDEBOARD AND CHIPPENDALE CHAIRS .... FACING 480 Sideboard and two chairs ; the chairs of about 1780, probably Chippendale of a simple pat- tern ; the sideboard somewhat later, probably 1805, perhaps by Heppelwhite, retaining some of its original hardware and unrestored. Upon the sideboard are two knife-cases of polished wood, one open to show the interior arrangement. The sideboard is of singular beauty of design. The reeding of the legs would be alone recommendation enough to an ardent collector or student, for it is very rare that this detail LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS it 10 ample and successfully managed. The rounded member which forms one of the Icgi below forms above a perfectly well adapted corner-piece, and in another case an equally fitting division between the central mau and the side cupboards. The beauty of proportion and grace of outline of this piece are unsurpassed in pieces of this style and epoch. R. Sturgis. WORK-TABLE . . . . . . . Work-table ; that b to say, a table in which a lower drawer has suspended from it and re- placing a wooden bottom, some much larger receptacle which might, as in this case, be of stuff, silk, or some more costly textile material, and finished with a fringe. The piece on page 485 is of a different character, and the two show very well the tables used by ladies at a time when it was customary to have some pretty sewing work ready to carry on in the re- ception or sitting-room. Those were the days when there was not quite the same demand for constant amusement as is known in the twentieth century. The ladies of the rime ex- pected to make some sort of dainty occupation of work which had to be done or might be thought to need doing. The table itself is in this case extremely interesting, with prettily applied carving, which in itself is of merit. R. Sturgis. WORK-TABLE . . . . . . - Work-table in which the triple design of the wooden frame allows equally for each of two possible distributions. The side pieces above may be work-boxes, that is, little tills for the keeping of spools, scissors, and the rest what a sailor would call the ditty boxes and the centre compartment being open allowed the arm to reach into the silk bag below. The other arrangement allowed by this table is a division of three bags with three separate open- inp to them from above, and a single cover to all three. R. Sturgis. 481 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Part VI THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Part VI. Chippendale AND OTHER GREAT CABINET-MAKERS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY \ J)rr\f & HE family of Boulle (written also Boule and ("^^^Q" Buhl) acquired great fame as cabinet-mak- Ters in the seventeenth century. The most celebrated was Andre-Charles, the son of ^.. /-3J J 4 -"' 1 ". ;llu ^ tnc nephew of Pierre Boulle. *^^ U These elder Boulles bore the title of " menu- siers du rot' 1 and lived at the Louvre. Andr6-Charles Boulle, native of Paris, architect, painter, and sculptor in mosaic, born November loth, 1642, died in Paris in the galleries of the Louvre, where he had had the honour of residing since 1672. Boulle was not the originator of the style that bears his name : he carried it to such perfection, however, that it will always be associated with him. Long before Boulle began to work, Cardinal Mazarin owned a cabinet of tor- toise-shell and ebony, outlined with copper-gilt and sup- ported on copper-gilt monsters. This was still further or- 403 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS namented with copper-gilt masques, cartouches, foliage, animals, and figures in bas-relief representing various fables from Ovid. From the reign of Henri IV., but more es- pecially that of Louis XIII., there had been a growing use of metal in combination with wood, and the liking for and use of luxurious furniture, constructed of precious metals and richly decorated, was greatly fostered by Anne of Austria and Cardinal Mazarin. The latter owned furni- ture of the most sumptuous description. At this period, the rich financiers furnished their homes with silver furni- ture, a fashion brought over the Pyrenees with the daugh- ter of Philip III. on her marriage with the Dauphin, after- wards Louis XIV. Furniture under the latter monarch soon outshone that of past reigns, although, for the most part, it was sculptured in wood and gilt rather than chiselled out of metal. The King was not the only one to enjoy luxurious articles; as an example, we may recall the superb bed-room set of sil- ver presented to Mile. d'Aumont on her marriage with M. de Beringhen. Indeed there was so much extravagance that sumptuary laws were passed. Furniture in precious metals had its influence as well as its comparatively short day, and wooden furniture was gilded and silvered in imitation of it. The furniture in the reign of the grand monarque was principally gilded : gold glittered everywhere. In 1667, the Manufacture royalle des Meubles de la Couronne in other words, the Gobelin Manufactory (tak- ing its name from the Gobelen brothers of Flanders) was founded. The intention of the King and his minister of finance, Colbert, was to adorn the royal palaces with furni- ture hangings, bronze, mosaics, etc., etc., of the greatest 404 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS splendour. The manufactory was placed under the direc- tion of the famous painter Le Brun, who, in this capacity, gave French art a character of unity so perfect and com- plete as to impose French styles all over Europe. A vast number of artists and artisans worked under one governing idea. Boulle was made " ebeniste, ciseleur, et marqueteur or- dinaire du Roy," and devoted himself to producing the fur- niture so well in harmony with the magnificence of Ver- sailles, Marly, and other palaces of the King and his cour- tiers. Boulle's furniture consists almost exclusively of ar- moires, consoles, tables and desks, such forms as present large surfaces for decoration. It naturally follows that his designs are frequently four-square and heavy ; yet they often take the curved, or bombe shape, and it is not uncom- mon to find the legs of his tables joined by the X-shaped stretcher. His cases for clocks are also valued. " No one would refuse to admit," says a modern French critic, " that the architecture is the least remark- able part of the creations of this celebrated artist. His great merit, independently of the perfection of the work of his ebenisterie, must be sought elsewhere. Boulle is a colourist in his art more than a designer. The contours of his furniture are often heavy and he added nothing new. You may find all the elements in the immense work of Le Brun, the great master of decorative art under Louis XIV. The superiority and the originality of this cabinet-maker consists in the admirable combination of the bronze and the copper with the background of the furniture which he un- derstood how to vary infinitely by the multiplicity of incrustations and mosaics upon the groundwork of oak and chestnut. This was his palette, from which he drew his 405 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS surprising effects and on which he played with his con- summate virtuosity; it is to this that he owes his legiti- mate renown, greater even in England than it is in France." Boulle's work is an intarsia or marquetry of tortoise- shell and metals. Ebony or oak forms the framework or background for the decoration. The designs of the orna- ments of thin brass, or white metal, are usually branches of foliage or scrolls, and are sometimes elaborately engraved. Frequently these metal ornaments are fastened to the bed of wood with small brass nails, hammered flat, and after- wards chased, so that they are invisible. The method of in- crustation was as follows : the workman superimposed a plate of metal and a plate of shell of equal size and thickness, and, after having traced his design upon this, cut the pat- tern out with a saw. He then had four ornamental designs, or patterns, two of which were hollowed out. Into the hollowed out tortoise-shell pattern he would fit the corre- sponding metal pattern, and into the hollowed out metal pattern he would fit the corresponding tortoise-shell pattern. Two pieces of furniture were frequently made at the same time. The tortoise-shell ground with the metal inlay was considered the " first part " ; and the metal ground with the tortoise-shell inlay, " the counterpart." Frequent- ly, also, the first and second parts were mingled in the same piece of furniture. An interesting example of such balan- cing belonged to Sir Richard Wallace; examples of the reverse designs occur in two console tables in the Galerie d'Apollon at Versailles. The earlier style, called " old Boulle," was costly, owing to the waste in cutting ; but the expense was lessened af- terwards by sawing through several thicknesses of material 406 BOL'LLE SECRETARY AND CABINET In Memorial Hall, Philadelphia, Pa. Stf pagr 408. BOULLE CABINET In the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Mass. See pa%e 408. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and producing a number of designs at once. This process is known as " Boulle and Counter." In the " old Boulle" the shell was left in its natural colour; in the " new Boulle" it was laid on a vermilion or gilt ground. A beautiful ex- ample of the latter faces page 403. This table belongs to Mrs. Andrew Symonds of Charleston, S. C., having de- scended to her through the Breaux family of New Orleans. The shell used is that of the hawk's-bill turtle, or tortoise. The most prized scales are dark brown with light golden spots. Boulle also used ebony, pearl shells, ivory and woods. That he worked in wood-marquetry we have proof from an Inventaire prepared by him after a tire had destroyed his workshop in 1720. He mentions : " Five boxes filled with different flowers, birds, animals, leaves, and ornaments in all kinds of natural colours, the greater number by Boulle pere, made in his youth. Twelve cases of all kinds of col- oured rare woods." He valued these at 8,000 livres. Boulle, who was also a sculptor, frequently chased the mouldings, feet, etc., for his works. The sons and pupils of Boulle sometimes used horn, col- oured blue or red, instead of tortoise-shell. Among them may be mentioned Philippe Poitou, who became the King's marquetry- worker in 1698. The Crescents, father and son, who also made furniture enriched with ornaments of copper and shell, acquired fame during the Regency. The son was "ctemstt des palais du due d* Or leans" At the period of Boulle's popularity in France, Eng- land's sumptuous furniture was silver beautifully embossed. A great interest was taken in carving in wood during the last part of the seventeenth century ; but Steele includes in a humourous paper upon Lady Fardingale's stolen treas- 407 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ures (1710), "a small cabinet with six drawers inlaid with red tortoise-shell and brass gilt ornaments at the four cor- ners," which shows that Boulle was fashionable in Eng- land at this date. Porcelain was much used to ornament furniture in Boulle's day. The Boulle cabinet, facing page 406, is in Memorial Hall, Philadelphia. It has ormoulu mounts ; the front and flap of the desk are inlaid brass and tortoise-shell ; the columns sup- porting the pediment are twisted with Corinthian capitals of brass ; the pilasters and doors are of brown tortoise-shell ; the Cupids and other ornaments are gilt; four porcelain medallions decorate the front, two are portraits of Henri- etta Maria and Charles I., the other two are mythological subjects. The front hoofs are brass, the back hoofs of wood. The two marriage coffers ordered by the king on the occasion of the marriage of his son, the Grand Dauphin, to Marie Christine de Bavaria, were probably the most ornate work of this celebrated ebeniste. Another fine specimen of Boulle's work, a cabinet, said to have been made for the Cardinal de Retz, is pre- served at Windsor Castle. A very ornate cabinet by Boulle, owned by the Mu- seum of Fine Arts, Boston, faces this page. The difference between furniture characteristic of the seventeenth and that of the eighteenth century is suffi- ciently marked to be startling to one who has not studied the subject; he would make a grievous error in assum- ing that the change was sudden or abrupt. Even people who take an intelligent interest in the decorative arts, often speak of styles of ornament as if each were a separate 408 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS MAHOGANY CHAIR From the Glen-Sanders house, Scotia, N. Y. and independent creation, springing to life from one great brain, in full panoply, like Minerva. They also imagine that the old order immediately passes away, falling like blossoms before the first frosts. The transitional period with its modifications and developments is entirely lost sight of, the distinct char- acteristics of each style only be- ing considered. This tendency to draw sharp dividing lines be- tween periods is partly account- able for the fact that, as we shall see, the name Chippendale is loosely used as a designation for . . . r ~ . a whole period or turniture to which many artists and crafts- men contributed. Some space may therefore be profitably devoted to bridging the gulf between Jacobean furniture and that which appears in Chippendale's book. It is only when art is at a low ebb in a community that a medley of moveables is found in wealthy homes; even the discovery of the strange products of the East and their importation soon brought about a demand for buildings and interior decoration in character with Oriental furniture and ceramics, as we shall see. In Medheval halls, the furniture is cumbrous and solid, in sympathy with the heavily carved wall and rafter, and seems almost to form part of the architectural decoration. In such a setting, furniture of delicate and graceful form would have been out of place. When, therefore, we re- member that furniture contributed to effects of interior 409 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS decoration, we can readily understand why it was specially designed by great artists, carvers and architects. Let us now take a rapid survey of those who influenced the new developments. Philihert de 1'Orme (died 1570) designed chimney- pieces decorated with terminal figures, scrolls, escutcheons, etc. Mathurin Jousse was a designer in metal mountings, etc. His book (1627) figures, also, a kind of invalid chair that can be propelled by the occupant, and a four-post bed with an early form of casters. Jean Berain (1636-1711) employed his talents freely on the decoration of rooms and furniture. Jean Le Pautre, who studied under a cabinet-maker named Philippon and died in 1682, designed tables, chim- ney-pieces, mirrors, gueridons, etc. His works, published in 1731, are full of French Renaissance details which must have been of great use to the English cabinet-makers, who, like Chippendale, delighted in florid carving. Moreover, his motives, doubtless, crossed the Channel, and were known to the native carvers forty years before his works were pub- lished in Paris, for a pupil of his, Daniel Marot, was one of the many skilful Huguenots employed in this branch of art who were forced to leave their country by the revoca- tion of the Edict of Nantes. He went to Holland in 1686, and when the Prince of Orange became William III. of England, three years later, Marot became his chief archi- tect and master of works. Staircases, panelling and all gen- eral furniture were among his numerous designs. He had become acquainted with the latest Dutch marquetry de- signs, and the Oriental wares with which the Low Coun- tries were being inundated. His influence, therefore, in 410 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS introducing the so-called Queen Anne style, must have been very potent. In England, Marot found architects and workmen who were receptive and progressive. Inigo Jones, who died in 1653, had already worked in the Renaissance style. His Classic chimney-pieces were carved in wood, stone and mar- ble by imported Italians. Foreign labour, however, was not required now, for an English school of carving of the highest ability had arisen, and at its head was the famous Grinling Gibbons (16501721), who in addition to his other work, carved wall-panels, mirror-frames and chim- ney-pieces. His most renowned pupils were Watson, Doe- vot of Brussels (died 1715) and Laurens of Mechlin. Designs in interior decoration and furniture were de- parting widely from what the conservative element consid- ered advisable. Protests were soon heard against this license. In 1697, Evelyn writes: "As certain great mas- ters invented certain new corbels, scrolls and modilions, which were brought into use ; so their followers animated by their example (but with much less judgment) have pre- sumed to introduce sundry baubles and trifling decorations (as they fancy) in their works. . . . And therefore, tho' such devices and inventions may seem pretty in cabinet-work, tables, frames and other joyners-work for variety, to place china dishes upon; one would by no means encourage or admit them in great and noble buildings." Evelyn evidently alludes to the work of Borromini, Berain, Marot and their followers, who were bringing se- verity and restraint into disfavour. Marot was only one of many foreigners who worked in England. A list of the for- eigners in London, soon after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, reveals a great number of Huguenot join- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ers, carvers and goldsmiths. It is well known that this exile drained France of many of her most skilful workmen, and proportionately enriched England, Germany and the Neth- erlands. French art, moreover, was imparted to the Eng- lish cabinet-makers by many of the French designers and artists who visited and sometimes took up their residence in England. Among others, J. B. Monnoyer, commonly called Baptiste, died in London in 1699. Samuel Gribelin was another who worked chiefly in England, and died there in 1733. In 1682, he published A Book of several! Orna- ments. Later publications of his were A Book of Ornaments useful to "Jewelers, Watchmakers and all other Artists (1697) and A New Book of Ornaments useful to all Artists. Until the death of Queen Anne, however, it was the Dutch rather than the French that dominated English taste. Sir Christopher Wren (16321723) superintended the furnishing and decorations of Queen Mary's apartments in Hampton Court Palace. There were alcoves in the din- ing-room for sideboard tables, and the carved chimney- pieces had receding shelves for china. There were also tables with carved and gilt frames and tops of coloured marble. Mary had acquired at The Hague a mania for the col- lection of china ornaments, and on her accession this had a great influence in spreading the fashion. Lord Notting- ham wrote in 1689 that the Queen visited many "India houses" (curiosity shops). The exchange of porcelain for ladies' cast-off clothing became a recognized trade. William Kent (16841748) designed most of the fur- niture at Houghton, the seat of Sir Robert Walpole. Hor- ace Walpole doubted his good taste ; he says : " Chaste as these ornaments were, they were often immeasurably pon- 411 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS derous. His chimney pieces, though lighter than those of Inigo, whom he imitated, are frequently heavy ; and his constant introduction of pediments and the members of architecture over doors and within rooms, was dispropor- CHAIR Owned by Miss Shcrburnc, Warner House, Portsmouth, N. H. See page 456. tionate and cumbrous. Kent's style, however, predomi- nated authoritatively during his life; and his oracle was so much consulted by all who affected taste, that nothing was thought complete without his assistance. He was not only consulted for furniture, as frames of pictures, glasses, tables, chairs, etc., but for plate, for a barge, for a cradle. And 413 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS so impetuous was the fashion, that two great ladies pre- vailed on him to make designs for their birthday gowns. The one he dressed in a petticoat decorated with columns of the rive orders; the other, like a bronze, in a copper- coloured satin with ornaments of gold." The English, Dutch and Portuguese trade with the MAHOGANY CHAIRS Owned by Stephen Girard, now in Girard College, Philadelphia. See page 463. East had greatly affected taste in furniture during the sec- ond half of the seventeenth century. An early lover of Chinese art was Cardinal Mazarin. He hit upon an in- genious way of bringing Oriental goods into prominence in the fashionable world as early as 1658. An entry in the diary of the King's cousin, La Grande Mademoiselle, re- lates how : " He took the two queens, the princess and myself into a gallery that was full of all imaginable kinds 414 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of stone-work, jewelry and all the beautiful things that came from China, crystal chandeliers, mirrors, tables, cabi- nets of all kinds, silver plate, etc." These were for a lot- tery in which every one was to have a prize. The Cardinal started the taste for Chinese products so successfully that, in 1686, when Count Lauzun and the above famous princess had quarrelled, the count could think of no better way to conciliate her than by sending her a cargo of Chinese goods from England. At this period, Paris received most of her Orienta? wares through London or Amsterdam, though later there were enormous importations through L'Orient. Evelyn notes in his Diary, March 22, 1664: "One Tomson, a Jesuite shewed me such a collection of rarities, sent from ye Jesuites of Japan and China to their order at Paris, as a present to be received in their repository, but brought to London by the East India ships for them, as in my life I had not seen. The chiefe things were rhinoceros's horns ; glorious vests wrought and embroidered on cloth of gold, but with such lively colors, that for splendour and vividness we have nothing in Europe that approaches it ... fanns like those our ladies use, but much larger, and with long handles curiously carved and filled with Chinese characters; a sort of paper very broad, thin and fine like abortive parch- ment, and exquisitely polished, of an amber yellow, exceed- ingly glorious and pretty to looke on ; several other sorts of paper, some written, other printed ; prints of landskips, their idols, saints, pagods, of most ugly serpentine monstrous and hideous shapes, to which they paid devotion ; pictures of men and countries rarely printed on a sort of gum'd calico transparent as glasse ; flowers, trees, beasts, birds, etc., ex- cellently wrought in a sort of sieve silk very naturall." 415 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS In 1676, he says that Lord Wotton's "furniture is very particular for Indian cabinets, porcelane, and other solid and noble moveables." We have already seen how early and in what quantities all kinds of Oriental wares reached the American colonies. A carved ebony cabinet is shown on the frontispiece. It belonged to Houqua, a mandarin of China, and is now owned by Mrs. Caleb T. Smith of Smithtown, L. I. The two ebony chairs and table on the opposite page, and the ebony chair and set of lacquer tables facing page 424, also belong to Mrs. Smith and have the same origin. It is well known that fashion in China is not very mutable and there- fore that the styles here depicted are most likely the same as those that prevailed during the period we have been ex- amining. The ball-and-claw feet of the table and the high- backed chairs with turned legs may well have been proto- types of early eighteenth-century furniture. The carved heads on the armchair (facing page 424) and the squat bulging legs with claw feet are curiously familiar. It can be readily understood how the interiors of rooms would be affected when porcelains had to be displayed to the best decorative advantage. The chimney-piece suffered considerable modifications. Daviler, in his Cours d' archi- tecture (1691), says: "The height of the cornice (of the chimney-pieces) should be raised six feet in order that the vases with which they are ornamented may not be knocked down." Marot's designs are most instructive on this point. Some show high cornices and door-tops loaded with bowls and vases, and the walls have tiers of small brackets be- tween the decorative panels, each holding a piece of china. An over-mantel, nearly sixteen feet in height, is adorned THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS with eleven carved images and two hundred and seventy-five cups, vases and bowls arranged symmetrically; the varied sizes and shapes produce a splendid effect. The adjoining wall-panel is painted with four subjects in tier that are clearly recognizable as Chinese, a temple, some figures MAHOGANY CHAIRS Owned by Mrs. Wainwright, Hartford, Conn. See page 463. and some kind of dragon being the mast characteristic. Marot's willingness to adopt Oriental subjects for interior decoration shows what public taste was beginning to de- mand. His successors found this new impulse sweeping everything before it. From the accession of William III. till the death of Queen Anne, the ties between England and the Low Coun- tries were very close. After William's death, Marlbor- 47 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ough's campaign enabled thousands of English officers to become acquainted with Flemish art and fashions, and made them hostile to everything French. The "Queen Anne" style is thus essentially Anglo-Dutch, with China as a dominant note. In 1711, Addison thus describes a lady's "library": " The very sound of a Lady's Library gave me a great Curiosity to see it ; and as it was some time before the Lady came to me, I had an opportunity of turning over a great many of her Books which were ranged together in very beautiful Order. At the End of her Folios (which were very finely bound and gilt) were great jars of China, placed one above another in a very noble piece of Architecture. The Quartos were separated from the Octavos by a Pile of smaller Vessels which rose in a delightful Pyramid. The Octavos were bounded by Ten dishes of all Shapes, Colours and Sizes, which were so disposed on a wooden Frame, that they looked like one continued Pillar indented with the finest Strokes of Sculpture, and stained with the great- est variety of Dyes. That Part of the Library which was designed for the Reception of Plays and pamphlets and other loose Papers, was enclosed in a kind of Square con- sisting of one of the prettiest grotesque Works that I ever saw, and made up of Scaramouches, Lions, Monkies, Man- darines, Trees, Shells, and a thousand other odd Figures in China Ware. In the midst of the Room was a little Japan Table with a quire of gilt Paper upon it, and on the Paper a Silver SnufF-box made in the shape of a little Book. I found there were several Counterfeit Books upon the upper Shelves, which were carved in wood, and several only to fill up the number." Cabinet-makers of that day bowed gracefully to the THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS prevailing taste and imitated Chinese and Japanese work in a class of furniture with lac-work panels and rich gilt metal mounts. This "black" furniture ornamented in gold-dust with raised Chinese figure designs was in great demand. It found its way to this side of the Atlantic, and sometimes appears in the inventories. In 1724, Defoe writes that china is piled on the top of cabinets, secretaries and every chimney-piece to the tops of the ceilings, on shelves set up to hold it. The carved objects in ivory, ebony, teak and other woods, the metal wares, the pictures on silk and paper, the fans, and, above all, the porcelains ornamented with scenes of temple, palace and cottage architecture, and interior decorations, opened an entirely new vista of art and orna- mental design. Sir William Chambers is generally credited with the responsibility for this Chinese fad. This, however, is an entirely erroneous impression, for the fashion had taken deep root long before he published the sketches and measurements he had taken in Canton. Indeed, he inti- mates that he is partly induced to give them to the world as a corrective. In his preface he says : " It was not my design to publish them, nor would they now appear, were it not in compliance with the desire of several lovers of the arts, who thought them worthy of the perusal of the pub- lick, and that they might be of use in putting a stop to the extraordinary fancies that daily appear under the name of Chinese, though most of them are mere inventions, the rest copies from the lame representations found on porce- lain and paper-hangings." Chippendale, whose work had been published four years previously, is one of the offenders to whom he al- 4'9 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS MAHOGANY CHAIR Originally owned by Cornelia Hairing Jones, now by Mrs. John Bleecker Miller, New York. Sec page 460. ludes. In the very year in which he pub- lished the above, two books appeared, by Thomas Johnson and by Edwards and Darly, that fully illustrate the extrava- gances on which he animadverts. Among the decorative devices are temple, bridge, summer- house, hermitage, alcove,or- chestra, water-summer- house, oval landscape, water- piece, fishing with birds, landscape with archers, fish- ing with nets, dragon boats, pleasure boats, birds, beasts, grand bed, palanquins, arm- chair, canopy, philosopher, mandarin and soldier, man- darin and fakir, procession, tea-drinking, flowers, etc. A still earlier publication of this school was William Halfpenny's New Designs for Chinese Temples, Triumphal Arches, Garden-Seats, Palings, etc. (London, 1750-1752.) The author was a carpenter and architect and he was as- sisted by his son. Extravagant fancy could hardly excel their designs. Describing a " Chinese alcove seat " front- ing four ways, they suggest that " above the crown of the cove may be a room wherein musicians may be secreted and play soft music to the agreeable surprise of strangers; the performers going in by a subterranean passage." A richly carved " Chinese settee" of the Chippendale school faces page 430. It belonged to Governor Wentworth and is still owned by his descendants, in the Ladd House, Portsmouth, N. H. See also page 369. 410 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Besides the Chinese craze, a kind of spurious Gothic revival affected decorative art to some extent towards the middle of the century. No review of the period would be complete without some attention being paid to this move- ment. The Gothic style had fallen into ill-repute. In 1697, John Evelyn calls it "a certain fantastical and licen- cious manner of building which we have since called Modern (or Gothic rather) conjestions of heavy, dark, melan- choly and monkish piles without any just proportion, use or beauty. ... So when we meet with the greatest indus- try and expensive carving, full offref and lamentable Imagry a judicious spectator is distracted and quite confounded. . . . Not that there is not something of solid and odly artificial too, after a sort : but then the universal and unreasonable thickness of the walls, clumsy buttresses, towers, sharp- pointed arches, doors and other apertures without propor- tion ; nonsense insertions of various marbles impertinently placed ; turrets and pinnacles thickset with Munkies and chimeras and abundance of busy work and other incon- gruities dissipate and break the angles of the sight and so confound it that one cannot consider it with any steadiness. . . . Vast and gigantic buildings indeed but not worthy the name of architecture." This opinion was shared by most people, and the only thing about Gothic architecture that was valued seems to have been its ruins. Some of the nobility are even said to have dismantled their castles purposely ; and the old furni- ture was utterly despised. The formal Dutch gardens also began to give way to a new style about this time, and ruins came in handy. In 1728, Batty Langley published The Principles of Gardening. One plate shows "an ave- nue, in perspective, terminated with the ruins of an ancient THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS building after the Roman manner;" and eight other plates show " views of ruins after the old Roman manner for the termination of walks, avenues, etc." Some of these are of Classic and others of nondescript Gothic architecture. "Such walks that end in disagreeable objects" are to be adorned with these ruins which " may either be painted upon canvas, or actually built in that manner with brick, and covered with plastering in imitation of stone." Ruins were freely used as decorative accessories by the contempor- ary French masters of design, and the English carvers were adopting them in their work. Chippendale makes great use of ruins as well as the other details of rococo ornament. The gardens of the day supplied the designers with other suggestions besides floral devices and ruins. One of Lang- ley's plates shows "a fountain and cascade after the grand manner at Versailles." He adds : " When figures of shell- work are erected in the midst of fountains, we receive a double pleasure of a fountain and cascade also by the waters agreeably murmuring down the rocky shells." It is this rock-and-shell work that is so characteristic of Louis Quinze work ; and of which Chippendale liberally avails himself. In 1742, Langley brings out Ancient Architecture. It is " restored and improved by a great variety of grand and useful designs entirely new in the Gothic Mode for the ornamenting of buildings and gardens exceeding everything that's extant." The author's list of the " Encouragers " includes eighty-one of the nobility, two bishops, nine judges, two ladies of title, sixteen gentlemen, three carpen- ters, one smith and one mason. Horace Walpole's name appears on the list: he is usually credited with being re- sponsible for the Gothic revival, but he did not buy Straw- berry Hill till six years after this date, and not till 1750 421 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS does he announce : " I am going to build a little Gothic castle." The truth is that he merely infused new life into the fashion, for, in 1756, Ware says: "The Gothic is dis- tinguished from the antique architecture by its ornaments being whimsical and its profiles incorrect. The inventors CHIPPENDALE CHAIR In the home of Mr. Charles R. Waters, Salem, Mas*. See page 46*. of it probably thought they exceeded the Grecian method, and some of late have seemed, by their fondness for Gothic edifices, to be of the same opinion ; but this was but a ca- price, and, to the credit of our taste, is going out of fash- ion again as hastily as it came in. ... The error of the late taste has been in attempting to bring the Gothic into use in smaller buildings, in which it can never look well." The influential list of Langley's " Encouragers " shows THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the fashionable vogue of the so-called Gothic in 1742. Mrs. Delany's letters also show that Walpole was follow- ing rather than introducing a style. In 1754, she writes: " I am working stools in worsted chenille for the Gothic cell." Two years later, in describing Lady Oxford's house, she mentions a great Gothic hall, and adds: "The chapel is to be new built in the same taste ; th'e alterations Lady Oxford made in this place cost above 40,000 pounds, and her apartment is the prettiest thing I ever saw, consisting of a skylight antechamber or vestibule, adorned in the Gothic way. The rooms that encompass it are a library, a dressing-room, a room fitted up with china and Japan of the rarest kinds, and a Gothic room full of charming pic- tures, and embellished with everything that can make it look gay and pleasant : it is lighted by a window some- thing of the Venetian kind, but prettier, and the whole breadth of one side of the room." Again, in 1758, she writes: "My closet is just hung with crimson paper, a small pattern that looks like velvet; as soon as dry, I shall put up my pictures ; and I am going to make a wreath to go round the circular window in the chapel, of oak branches, vines and corn ; the benches for the servants are fixed, the chairs for the upper part of the chapel are a whim of mine, but I am not sure till I see a pattern chair that I shall like it ; it is to be in the shape and ornamented like a Gothic arch." Walpole was one of the few who recognized that the "Gothic" of his day was not the real thing. In 1790, the Gentleman 's Magazine says: " Through the inability of his architects, particularly of Langley (who, though esteemed capital in his day, knew nothing of the art of constructing modern Gothic], his 424 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ideas were never properly executed. Mr. Wai pole often complained they were rather Moorish than Gothic; how- ever he could not at that day procure better assistance. He was always, however, among the first to depreciate his own architecture." It would seem that the English cabinet-makers of this period had fallen into the very reprehensible practice of making furniture without any reference to the interior decoration of the houses. Chinese, Gothic and French Renaissance schemes of decoration had played havoc with Classic ideals, and the sacred Five Orders were in danger of losing their authority even in England. In 1740, Langley calls attention to this in The City and Country Builder s ami Workmen's Treasury of Designs : " The great pleasure that builders and workmen of all kinds (those called Cabinet-Makers, I think, only excepted), have of late years taken in the study of architecture has induced me to the compiling of this work. And indeed I am very sorry that cabinet-makers should have been supine herein; because of all small architectural works, none is more ornamental to buildings than theirs. " The evil genius that so presides over cabinet-makers as to direct them to persevere in such a pertinacious and stupid manner that the rules of architecture, from whence all beautiful proportions are deduced, are unworthy of their regard, I am at a loss to discover ; except Murcea, the God- dess of Sloth, acts that part and has thus influenced them to conceal their dronish, low-life, incapacities and prompt them, with the fox in the fable, to pronounce grapes sour that ripen out of their reach. " Cabinet-makers originally were no more than Spurious Indocible Chips, expelled by joiners for the superfluity of 4*5 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS their sap, and who, by instilling stupid notions and prejudice to architecture into the minds of youth educated under them has been the cause that at this time 'tis a very great diffi- culty to find one in fifty of them that can make a book- case, etc., indispensably true after any one of the Five Orders without being obliged to a joiner for to set out the work and make his templets to work by. " But if these gentlemen persist much longer thus to de- spise the study of this noble art, the very basis and some of their trade, which now to many joiners is well understood, they will soon find the bad consequence of so doing and have time enough on their hands to repent of their folly. And more especially since that our nobility and gentry delight themselves now more than ever in the study of architecture which enables them to distinguish good work and work- men from assuming pretenders." He gives more than four hundred designs, including buffets, cisterns, chimney-pieces, pavements, frets, clocks, frames for marble tables " after the French manner," marble and stone tables, for grottos, arbors in gardens, pedestals for sun-dials and busts, a chest of drawers, medal case, cabinet of drawers and a dressing-table all " enriched after the French manner." The dressing-table is also draped : this, as well as the table-frames, are most interesting as being frankly taken from the French and showing much of the carved orna- mentation that appears still further developed in Chippen- dale's book fourteen years later. Following these, come "eight designs of book-cases, which, if executed by a good joiner, and with beautiful materials, will have good effects, or even if by a cabinet- maker, provided that he understands how to proportion and work the Five Orders, which at this time, to the shame 416 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of that trade be it spoken, there is not one in a hundred that ever employed a moment's thought therein, or knows the Tuscan from the Doric, or the Corinthian from the Composite Order, and more especially if the Doric freeze MAHOGANY CHAIRS Originally belonging to Philip Van Rensselaer, now owned by Mrs. Edward Rankin at Cherry Hill, Afcany, N. V. See page 46). hath its triglyphs and mutules omitted. In short the ul- timate knowledge of these sort of workmen is generally seen to finish with a monstrous Cove, or an Astragal, crowned with a Cima Reversa, in an open pediment of stupid height. " When a Gentleman applies himself with a good design of a book-case, etc., made by an able architect, to most of 4*7 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the masters in this trade, they instantly condemn it and allege that 'tis not possible to make cabinet-works look well that are proportioned by the Rules of Architecture ; because, they say, the members will be too large and heavy, etc., whereas the real truth is that they do not understand how to proportion and work the members of those designs and therefore advise the unwary to accept of such Stuff as their poor crazy capacities will enable them to make, and wherein 'tis always seen that the magnitudes of their Coves and Cima Reversas (their darling finishing) are much larger members than any members of a regular cornice (even of the Tuscan Order) of the same height, wherefore 'tis evident that all their assertions of this kind are used for nothing more than to conceal an infinite fund of stubborn ignorance which cannot be parallelled by any other set of mortals in the world." No examination of the influences that affected English work during the early part of the eighteenth century would be adequate unless it took into account the contemporary French school of design. The goldsmiths, artists and ar- chitects under the Regent and Louis XV. neglected Classi- cal authority and frankly adopted Chinese models in their designs, as well as Arabesques with ape-forms and Moral de- vices. Watteau designed furniture and did not disdain Chinese panels. It must be remembered that he spent the year 1719 in England. J. Pillement, who did so much Chinese work, found it worth while to bring out A New Book of Chinese Ornaments in London in 1755. Nearly every decorative artist of the day made some use of the Chinese. However, the masters of rocaille orna- mentation were most strongly to influence Chippendale, since England already had had her own Chinese craze. A 428 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS most important leader of this school was J. A. Meissonier, who was designer of orffrvrerie to the king. Facility, power and entire lack of restraint characterised his designs. In 1754, Cochin, the engraver, published a satirical "sup- plication to goldsmiths, chisellers, carvers of woodwork for apartments, and others, by a society of architects." In this, the goldsmiths are begged, " when executing an arti- AN ARMCHAIR AND TWO SHERATON CHAIRS Belonging to the Fletcher family. From the collection of the Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Mass. Mr. E. R. Lemon. See page 462. Owned bv choke, or a head of celery in its natural size on some piece of carved work, to be good enough not to place beside it a hare as big as one's linger, a life-size lark, and a pheasant one-fourth or one-fifth of its natural size ; children of the same size as a vine-leaf; or figures of supposed natural size supported by a decorative flower that could scarcely bear a little bird without bending; trees with trunks slimmer than one of their own leaves, and many other equally sensible things of the same kind. We should also be infinitely obliged to them if they would be good enough not to alter THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the uses of objects but to remember, for instance, that a chandelier should be straight and perpendicular, in order to carry the light, and not twisted as if somebody had wrenched it ; and that a socket-rim should be concave to receive the running wax and not convex to shed it back upon the chandelier ; and a multitude of other no less un- reasonable particulars that would take too long to men- tion. Similarly, carvers of the interior decorations of rooms are begged to be obliging enough, when executing their trophies, not to make a scythe smaller than an hour-glass, a hat or Basque-drum larger than a bass-viol, a man's head smaller than a rose, nor a sickle as large as a rake." In their supposed reply to this supplication, the follow- ers of the new design say in part : ". . It was necessary to find another kind of architecture in which every worker could distinguish himself and make the public acquainted with a way of becoming skillful that should be within everybody's reach ; nevertheless, accepted prejudices were not to be rudely shocked by the sudden production of novelties too remote from the reigning taste, thereby run- ning the risk of hissing. At first the famous Oppenord served us with great zeal. . . He made lavish use of our favourite ornaments and brought them into good credit. Even now he is useful to us, and there are some of us who take him for a model. . . We found a firmer support in the talents of the great Meissonier. It is true that the latter had studied in Italy, and consequently was not one of us, but as he had wisely preferred the taste of Borromini to the wearisome taste of the antique, he had thereby ap- proached us; for Borromini rendered the same service to Italy that we have to France, by introducing there an ar- chitecture gay and independent of all those rules that of old 430 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS were called good taste. Meissonier commenced to destroy all the straight lines that were used of old ; he turned and made the cornices bulge in every way ; he curved them above and below, before and behind, gave forms to all, even to the mouldings that seemed least susceptible of them ; he invented contrasts; that is to say, he banished symmetry, and made no two sides of the panels alike. On the contrary, these two sides seemed to be trying which could get farthest away, and the most strangely, from the straight line that till then they had been subject to." It is difficult for us to echo the irony ; much less in- dignation of the critic of this artist who exercised so great an influence on the decorative art of the eighteenth century. The charge of having been lacking in simplicity, of carry- ing to extreme limits curved lines, scrolls, shell-work and all that fantastic architecture of a period that had taken a dislike to everything that was dry and angular, does not trouble us, who, on the contrary, think that these artists carried spirit and grace very far. The designers of this school paid great attention to shell-work, just as those of the sixteenth century were particularly fond of architec- tural arrangements (and it was the latter taste that still dominated English design) and just as those of the follow- ing reign were fascinated by the garland and the quiver. The taste of the Regency is as attractive to the present generation as that of the Empire is chilling. Meissonier's lines are essentially voluptuous and almost as essentially feminine. Japanese art goes much further in the direction of contrasts and lack of equilibrium, and we do not con- demn it. The rocaille work is an orgy of all kinds of flowing lines, curves, cascades, shells, endive leaves and even clouds and smoke. Other decorators with less invention 43* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS followed Meissonier, such as Michel-Rene, Stoldz and Chevillon. They also used the forms drawn from the shell, cabbage-leaf and prawn, but they added even more vague and flowing forms such as fountains, ostrich plumes, etc. La Joue is even a past master in the art of introduc- ing into a decorative panel a cascade that sometimes falls, no one knows whence, and breaks into pearled foam. Everything is an excuse for cascades ; neighing horses prancing in the bath, a dragon crawling against the base of a column and spouting water from open jaws, a hunted stag vomiting a stream of water into the round and grooved basin beside which he has taken refuge. We shall shortly see the tremendous influence that the new school of French design exercised on Chippendale, whose book appeared in the very year in which Cochin's criticism was written. Before leaving Meissonier, how- ever, attention should be called to the intimate relation- ship he insists on between interior decorations of apart- ments and their furniture. Take, for example, one of his plates, Projet de Porte d' Appartement fait pour Mme. la Baronne de Brezenva/, on page 47 of his Oeuvre. Here we have a chair on each side of the door, besides a table with graceful cabriole legs and another chair in the room beyond. This furniture not only corresponds in its con- tours to those of the general decorative scheme, but the details of the carving on the framework are identical with those used on the walls. Of English cabinet-makers, the name that overshadows all others is that of Thomas Chippendale. Many of his successors gained a renown that has endured, but his name is popularly used as a generic term for almost all the furniture that was in vogue for more than half a century. It is 43* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS strange that scarcely anything is known of one to whom such great influence and importance are now generally at- tributed. The very date of the book that brought Chip- pendale into notice is variously given, though there should be no question about this. His preface is dated March, CHIPPENDALE CHAIR AND HEPPELWHITE CARD TABLE Owned by Miss 'I'm Eyck, Albany, N. Y. Sec page 462. 1754, and in April, 1754, the Gentleman's Magazine an- nounces, among the new books on mechanics, The Gen- tleman s and Cabinet-Maker s Directory, by Thomas Chip- pendale, ^2-8-0. The third and last edition published by him appeared in 1762. In all probability, the author died soon after this. The only facts reported about him are that he was born in Worcestershire, went to London and found em- ployment as a joiner. There, in the reign of George I., THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS he was a successful carver and cabinet-maker. Some critics hold that he was already at work in 1720. If he was eminent in his craft during the reign of George I. (/'. e., before i 727), he can scarcely have been very active later than 1765, or more than forty years afterward. It is not therefore unreasonable to suppose that he was born about 1695 and died about 1765, thus reaching man's natural term of life. During the second half of the century, there were cer- tainly two Chippendales, and probably several of the family at work. In 1826, George Smith, who was up- holsterer to the king, issued his Cabinet-Maker s Guide. In this he speaks of " the elder Mr. Chippendale" and adds: " Mr. Thomas Chippendale (lately deceased) and known only amongst a few, possessed a very great degree of taste with great ability as a draughtsman and designer." Thus we have specific evidence that there were at least two Chippendales, and that one, comparatively obscure, died shortly before 1826. The latter, although an able draughtsman and designer, is very unlikely to be the same individual that had published, seventy years before, a book that was plainly the work of a man already well estab- lished in business. The more reasonable conclusion is that at least two Chippendales were engaged in designing as well as making furniture. The lack of detailed information about Chippendale would argue that public interest in him was not very keen, and that the impression produced by his work on his con- temporaries and immediate successors was not profound. If his renown had been great, we should expect to find other workmen recommending themselves at home, and more especially on going to the colonies, as having been 434 CO w Efl . * W ,-J tt w 5 5 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS with him, and as being able to make his well-known fur- niture, so greatly in demand. We should also anticipate finding that furniture that was distinct in type from all that had gone before would bear the name of the famous de- signer, and that others would recognize his authority un- questioningly, and confessedly follow him. When we search for evidence on these points, we reach very curious results. Sheraton (1791) says in his preface : CHIPPENDALE AND SHKRATON CHAIRS See page 461. " I have seen one (book of design) which seems to have been published before Chippendale's. I infer this from the antique appearance of the furniture, for there is no date to it; but the title informs us that it was composed by a society of Cabinet-makers in London. " "Chippendale's book seems to be next in order to this, but the former is without comparison to it, either as to size or real merit. Chippendale's book has, it is true, given us the proportions of the Five Orders, and lines for two or three cases, which is all it pretends to relative to rules for drawing; and, as for the designs, themselves, they are now wholly antiquated and laid aside, though possessed 435 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of great merit, according to the times in which they were executed. . . . " After Chippendale's work, there appeared, in the year sixty-five, a book of designs for chairs only, though it is called The Cabinet-Maker s real Friend and Companion, as well as the Chairmaker's. . . . "The succeeding publication to this seems to be Ince and Mayhew's Book of Designs in Cabinet and Chair Work, with three plates containing some examples of fo- liage ornaments, intended for the young designer to copy from, but which can be of no service to any learner now, as they are such kind of ornaments as are wholly laid aside in the cabinet-branch, according to the present taste. The designs in cabinets and chairs are, of course, of the same cast, and therefore have suffered the same fate; yet, in jus- tice to the work, it may be said to have been a book of merit in its day, though much inferior to Chippendale's, which was a real original, as well as more extensive and masterly in its designs. . . . " In the year 1788 was published the Cabinet-Maker s and Upholsterer's Guide. But notwithstanding the late date of Heppelwhite's book, if we compare some of the designs, particularly the chairs, with the newest taste, we shall find that this work has already caught the decline, and perhaps, in a little time, will suddenly die in the disorder." From the above testimony, which certainly is not hos- tile to Chippendale, we gather that, forty years after its ap- pearance, his book was entirely neglected, notwithstanding the real talent displayed. We also gather that Sheraton does not regard Chippendale as a great innovator who revolutionized the furniture of his day and introduced a radically new style. Moreover, he considers the furniture 43 6 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS in a certain book to be more antiquated than Chippen- dale's, and thence argues that it must, therefore, have been published before his. The fact is that the book referred to came out six years later than Chippendale's, and its de- signs are like the latter in general form. If, however, Sheraton is correct in saying that it does represent furniture in use before Chippendale published his work, we may safely conclude that it was only in the ornamental details that the furniture of the day was affected by the latter. George Smith published Designs for Household Furniture in i 808. In this, he bewails the fact that first-class artists do not (as they do in France) provide designs for the cabi- net-maker and upholsterer. He adds : " Very great en- couragement has been given of late by our Nobility and Gentry to various artists employed in cabinet-work, the good effects of which will, I doubt not, soon be felt; for as the beauty of the Antique consists in the purity of de- sign, and what was pleasing centuries ago continues to be equally so now, so I do not despair of seeing a style of fur- niture produced in this country which shall be equally agreeable centuries hence." To Mr. Smith, whose unlovely productions were being bought by the Prince Regent, the nobility and gentry, it would have been a great surprise to learn that " Chippendale " styles, which he deemed buried beyond resurrection, would be equally pleasing a century after his own were de- servedly forgotten. It is remarkable that Chippendale might never have existed so far as Mr. Smith's generation was concerned. Eighteen years later, he finds that he him- self has become antiquated, but takes comfort from the fact that perfection has at last been attained ! Describ- ing with some accuracy the sequence of styles in Eng- 437 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS lish furniture since the close of the carved-oak period, he says: " At this period (Louis XIV.) the whole system seems to have given place to a style completely Arabesque, al- though blended with much grandeur peculiar to this taste, and brought to great perfection by the artists then em- ployed in its manufacture. The importation of it into England changed the whole feature of design as it related to household furniture. This taste continued almost un- changed through the reign of George II. and the earlier part of George III. The elder Mr. Chippendale was, I believe, the first author who favoured the public with a work consisting of designs drawn from this school, with great merit to himself, however defective the taste of the time might be. To this work succeeded that of Mr. Ince in the same style. From this period to the time of Messrs. R. and J. Adam, the same species of design con- tinued, with little or no alteration, until the researches of these scientific gentlemen in architecture and ornament were made public. A complete revolution in the taste of design immediately followed : the heavy panelled wall, the deeply coffered ceiling, although they offered an imposing and grand effect, gave way to the introduction of a light Arabesque style and an ornament highly beautiful. But the period for the introduction of not only a chaste style in architecture, but likewise of ornament (and which extended to our domestic moveables) was reserved for the late Mr. James Wyatt, whose classic designs will carry his name to posterity with unimpaired approbation. Here it would ap- pear almost unnecessary for invention to have gone farther, but perfection, it appears, was reserved for this present period." 43 g THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Apart from his book, which brought him into tem- porary prominence, Chippendale seems to have been an obscurely prosperous tradesman who catered to the tastes of DOUBLE CORNER CHAIR Owned by Mr. Walter Hmcr, WrthrrsficW, Conn. See page 460. th^ day. His biographer in the exhaustive Dictionary of National Biography can rind little more to say or him than that he flourished circa 1760. He was not the only suc- cessful member of his craft in London during the rirst half of the eighteenth century, if we may believe the following advertisement in a New York paper in 1771 : 439 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS " To-morrow will be sold at public vendue at the Mer- chants' Coffee house at twelve o'clock by John Applegate, a very neat set of carved mahogany chairs, one carved and gilt sideboard table, and a Chinese hanging bookcase with several other things. N. B. The back of the chairs is done after the pattern of some of the Queen's ; a sketch of which chair will be shown at the time of the sale. The chairs and other things were made by a person in the Jersies who served his time and afterwards was eleven years foreman to the great and eminent cabinet-maker, William Hallet, Esq.; that bought the tine estate of the Duke of Shandos, called Cannon's, in Middlesex; was afterwards a master for about twenty years in London and hath been two years in the Jersies. He will receive any orders f, c- cu 5 U < r of < ? o $ 3- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS without exception is mahogany, as being the next suitable for such appartments." Sheraton's symbolism is always amusing : he might be called the Maeterlinck of cabinet- makers. With regard to the dome, he writes : " I am of the opinion that the notion of employing domes for the WORK-TABLE Owned by the Pickering family, in the Pickering Hoiue, Salem, Mai*. See page 481. roofs of grand buildings was first suggested by the appear- ance of the hemisphere surrounding our earth or horizon, forming a canopy or roof to the globe ; which, if it were so, domes had their origin from a truly sublime and mag- nificent idea. The use of domes for the tops of beds is ot much later date than for buildings ; but it is certain, whoever he was who first employed domes for the tops ot beds, must be considered as a person of enlarged ideas, as no other top or roof for a genteel bed can equal them ; 481 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS therefore we see them generally used for state beds, where both grandeur and bold effect are essentially requisite." Sheraton's beds, some of which will be described in the last chapter, are very curious and complicated arrange- ments of upholstery. They include alcove beds, French beds, state beds, beds with domes and canopies, and sola beds. His sofas are very handsome, and among them we rind the new "Turkey sofa" and the "Chaise Longue," the use of which, he tells us, is " to rest or loll upon after dinner." A good specimen appears on page 479. He is also fond of designing writing-desks, dressing- tables, and work-tables for ladies, and equips them with many ingenious mechanical contrivances. The work-table is invariably furnished with a bag suspended to a frame that can be drawn forward. This he calls the " Pouch Table." Sheraton's chairs are highly valued to-day. They usually have straight, tapering legs and square backs. The chair to the left on page 473 (the other is a " Fancy " chair) and that on page 475 are good examples. Two work-tables appear on pages 481 and 483. Each has some of the Sheraton marks. The "kidney-shaped," which Sheraton adopted from the French, determines the period of the one owned by Mrs. Henry P. Archer. The other example belongs to Mr. John Pickering of Salem, Mass. "In the chair branch," Sheraton says, "it requires a particular turn in the handling of the slopes, to make them agreeable and easy. It is very remarkable, the difference of some chairs of precisely the same pattern, when executed by different chair-makers ; arising chiefly from the want of taste concerning the beauty of an outline, of which we judge by the eye, more than the rigid rules of geometry." Some of Sheraton's late designs for chairs were those THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS he named " Herculaneums," of course in the antique style ; hall chairs made of mahogany "with turned seats and the crest or arms of the family painted on the back "; and "conversation chairs," upon which the "Incroyable" of the period sat with the back of the chair between his legs, WORK-TABLE Kidnry-ihaped work-table owned by Mr*. Henry P. Archer, Charleston, S. C. See page 481. resting his arms upon the top rail, which was upholstered comfortably. " The manner of conversing amongst some of the highest circles of company," says Sheraton, " on some occasions, is copied from the French by lounging on a chair. It should be observed that they were made extra- ordinary long between back and front, for the purpose of space for the fashionable posture; and also that they are THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS narrow in the front and back, as an accommodation to this mode of conversing." "The conversation chairs are used in library or draw- ing-rooms. The parties who converse with each other sit with their legs across the seat, and rest their arms on the top rail, which for this purpose is made about three inches and a half wide, stuffed and covered." Two characteristic Sheraton chairs are reproduced on pages 473 anc ^ 475* The first chair, to the left of the screen letter-case, belongs to Miss Anne Van Cortlandt, Croton-on-the-Hudson. The second belongs to the Colon- ial Dames, Baltimore, Md. It is of mahogany inlaid with satin-wood with the bell-flower on the leg. The sideboard facing page 458 is of the Sheraton period. It is inlaid with cord and tassels, flowers and ribbon in green, red and yellow woods. The knife-boxes have silver ball-and-claw feet, locks and handles. THE FURNITURE FOREiFATHERS CARVED OAK SIDEBOARD Originally owned by Mr. William Colgate, New York; now by Miss Jessie Colby, New York, N. Y. See page 536. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS By ESTHER SINGLETON WITH CRITICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF PLATES BY RUSSELL STURGIS ILLUSTRATED PART GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1913 COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO NOVEMBER, 1901 CONTENTS MM FASHION AT THE BEGINNING OF THE REVOLUTION 487-492 Contrast between the North and South, 488 ; Fashion in An- napolis, 488-9; Maryland hospitality, 489-90; Wealth and luxury in Annapolis, 490 ; English Fashions and English Fur- niture, 492; Quick importations of Fashion, 4923. CHARLESTON IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY . 493-496 Josiah Quincy on Charleston, 4934 ; Home of Miles Brew- ton, 494-5 ; General Washington in Charleston, 495-6. VIRGINIA HOMES IN THE LATE CENTURY FURNITURE OF MOUNT VERNON 496-500 500-509 GENERAL WASHINGTON IN NEW YORK AND PHILA- DELPHIA ...... 509-516 Extracts from General Washington's Diary, 50910; Genera! Washington's instructions for furnishing his Philadelphia house, 51214; Thomas Twining's description of the Presidential Home, 514; General Washington's gift to Read, 516. THOMAS JEFFERSON'S HOME . . . 516-522 Monticello and its Furniture, 516-18; Jefferson's reverence for relics associated with the United States, 518-21; Jeffer- son's interest in music, 521-2. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS .... 522-528 Musical Glasses, 422-23; improved pianos and their makers, 524-8. CONTENTS CLOCKS, SECRETARIES AND WORK-TABLES . 528533 Musical clocks and clocks with automata, 52830; Joseph Bonaparte's gift to Stephen Girard, 530; Bonfanti's novel- ties, 531-2 ; Lady Blessington's Work-table, 533. SIDEBOARDS AND DESKS .... 534537 FASHIONABLE FURNITURE AFTER THE REVOLUTION 538-540 GENERAL WASHINGTON IN THE NORTH BOSTON DURING THE REVOLUTION STOCK OF A NEW ENGLAND CABINET-MAKER SALEM AFTER THE REVOLUTION Home of Elias H. Derby, 548-53 ; Cleopatra's Barge, 554-5. PHILADELPHIA DURING THE REVOLUTION . 556564 The Mischianza, 556-9 ; Homes of Robert Morris, 559-62; Home of William Bingham, 562-4. HOME OF JOSEPH BONAPARTE . . . 564568 General Lafayette at Point Breeze, 5646 ; examples of Em- pire Furniture, 566-8. 540-542 543-545 548-555 I.2T2I List of Illustrations WITH CRITICAL NOTES ON MANY OF THE PLATES BY RUSSELL STURGIS ALL THE NOTES FURNISHED BY MK. tTVIGIt ARE FOLLOWED BY HIS SIGNATURE. FRONTISPIECE; CARVED OAK SIDEBOARD FACING This handsome specimen is of rich, dark oak elaborately carved, the central panels of the two doors being appropriate designs of fish and birds. Above the doors are two draw- en, decorated with grotesque heads, which are hollowed out to form handles. This side- board suggests the old livery cupboard (see pages 36 and 107) used for the display of plate and for delivery or service. Upon it stand some valuable examples of family silver brought from England by the Colgates toward the end of the eighteenth century. E. S. CARVED EBONY TABLE . . . FACING The set of furniture to which this valuable table belongs has already been described on page 416 and in the first note to the illustrations in Part VI. The table is of unusual dimensions. The carving on the base consists of graceful leaves and flowers in high relief and the rich border suggests lace. Upon the table stand many rare ornaments bought in China during Mr. Caleb T. Smith's residence there from 1 8 $0101870. Among them is a carved ivory ball, made of seven balk carved one within the other. This hangs from a standard of carved ebony that was made especially to exhibit this treasure to advantage. E. S. FRENCH CHAIR ....... Armchair of the modern sort with cushioned back and seat, and separately cushioned arms, the whole belonging to that type which in France under the Regency and under Louis XV. were called ccnfortablet with an attempted use of the English term. The piece in question is very delicately worked with refined carving forming the mouldings at the edge, and the larger surfaces veneered with richly veined woods. R. Sturgis. MARYLAND CHINA CABINET . . FACING Corner cupboard with glass front, an unusual piece of the kind, as light and graceful as those in Part V. are massive and in a sense architectural. This is a piece of the delicate work of Heppelwhite's time, or copying his school very closely The inlays and the deli- cate mouldings which form the edges of the door panels below and in the glazed doors above form similar edges and also the sash ban all these being made of the delicately veined wood are perfect of their kind. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY DESK ...... Chest of drawers with writing-desk above. This combination of large drawers raised well above the floor and of a desk above too high for the ordinary writer sitting on an ordinary chair was, as we have found, very common at earlier epochs. The present piece is of the beginning of the nineteenth century and shows much of that indifference to decora- tive effect that satisfaction with surfaces of polished mahogany as the sole eye-pleasing FACE iii 487 489 490 491 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FACE element in the composition which was so characteristic of the years from 1815 to 1860. It is only when the workman reaches the legs of the piece that he allows himself a little divergence into ornamentation-, and that ornamentation is of the most obvious and simple character. R. Sturgis. FRENCH SOFA AND CHAIR ..... 493 Two pieces belonging to a set that was brought from France by Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. The woodwork is lacquered and decorated with Chinese figures. The feet of the sofa terminate in brass claws. E. S. DRAWING ROOM .... FACING 491 This room contains excellent examples of furniture that was fashionable about the time of the Revolution. The chairs and sofas are of the Sheraton and Heppelwhite models, with the exception of two carved armchairs that belonged to Louis Philippe. The house and this room are fully described on pages 494-5. E. S. MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD ..... 498 Sideboard of the closing years of the eighteenth century. One of those effective pieces in which the severer taste of the time embodied especially in the Louts Seize work of France went to give perfect utility, great beauty of surface, sparing and well applied orna- ment and generally harmonious composition. This is one of the most effective sideboards of the time. The reeded surface in the middle below represents a revolving or "disap- pearing 1 ' door which is slid sidewise, and packs itself away behind a lining of thin wood- work. R. Sturgis. CARVED CHAIR, CARVED MIRROR AND TABLE FACING 498 The chair, carved with a delicate openwork pattern of leaves and flowers, is said to have come from India; the carved ebony mirror, originally in the Emperor's Summer Palace at Pekin, may be compared with other examples of Chinese carving in Part VI. and in the frontispiece to this chapter; the table is interesting on account of the great number of South American woods of which it is constructed and with which it is inlaid. Upon it stand some handsome examples of Chinese porcelain and carving, including a box of chess- men. E. S. MIRROR, CHAIR, SPINNING-WHEEL AND CANDEL- ABRA ..... FACING 499 The mirror is described on page 499; the chair, which is of Gothic design, belongs to the period of the Gothic revival under Pugin about 1820 to 1830. The seat is uphols- tered in bright worsted work, somewhat reminiscent of the old Turkey-work. The bronze and gilt candelabra are described on pages 499-500. The spinning-wheel is a simple one. E. S. ELEANOR CUSTIS'S HARPSICHORD AND TAMBOUR FRAME ....... <;oi Harpsichord which, like the spinets seen in earlier parts of this work, has in its case and the supporting members no architectural treatment, no carving, no inlay, no decoration of the usual sorts. Elsewhere there has been consideration of this very peculiar phenomenon, namely, the complete abstinence of the designers of these important instruments from all sumptuousity of effect. The appearance of the piano changed it all suddenly. The piano stool shown in the same plate belongs rather to the epoch of the elaborate piano facing 516 and the sofa facing 510. The tambour frame, an excellent example of that forgotten but certainly useful and agreeable piece of furniture, is of about the same date as the harpsichord and the difference in treatment is only another exemplification of what has been said and repeated in these notes, namely, that the clavichords of different kinds were combined with frames so much more simple than other contemporary pieces. R. Sturgis. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS fAOI CHAIR FROM MOUNT VERNON AND PAINTED ROSE- WOOD CARD TABLE ..... 505 Card table in which painting of the representative tort, with flower* more or less realistic in character, has been used exactly as the piece on page 557. The Greek anthemions at the four comers of the table when opened are also, probably, painted and not inlaid as they would have been forty yean earlier for this table is probably of the early yean of the n in t tenth century. A very beautiful drawing-room chair with the unusual feature of casters for all four legs, and which has been finished in what is now called "enamel" paint, white or cream- coloured, is earlier than the table. The use of the simple fluting and the spiral bead at the edges is very judicious and effective. R. Sturgis. WASHINGTON'S BEDROOM, MOUNT VERNON . FACING 508 Room at Mount Vernon in which the entire simplicity of the eighteenth-century pro- gramme of house furnishing is presented to us in an interesting way. Washington passed for a wealthy land-holder and his position as President and as past president would neces- sarily have caused him to live as sumptuously as any of his neighbors or contemporaries in more distant States. Here, however, in a good bedroom, there is no pretence made of any elaborateness of decoration or furniture as having ever existed. The carpet of course is modern, and although the pieces of furniture be of Washington's time they do not neces- sarily belong to the room in which they are now placed ; but the room is shown as the plain thing that it must have been even when Washington was spending his few yean of retirement at his ancestral home. The mantelpiece is one of the most interesting things in the room; the stone or slate facing below and the wooden frame shelf and frieze between are all characteristic and ex- tremely appropriate. The great chest of drawers with bookcase is of the type which has been shown in richer examples. The trunk mail or leather travelling trunks, the chair, and the round stand are of Washington's earlier days when he was still in command of the army or even before that, but the fauituil is of his post-preudential time, a piece of the closing yean of the century. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY SOFA .... FACING 509 Sofa in whkh the elaborate style of carving well shown in the piano facing $ 1 6 exists in even greater richness, but without quite the same intelligent disposition of the parts. It is, however, a matter of extreme difficulty to design aright the wooden outline to whkh such a frame as this is limited. It coven and conceals the solid structure of the sofa and some part of it may even belong to that structure, but the important pan played by the textile material which coven seat, arms and back leaves to the designer of the woodwork so very little opportunity that it must be an able man who reaches great success in the treatment of hit design. R. Sturgis. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S DESK . . . . 511 This is an example of the heavy and clumsy furniture that supplanted the Sheraton styles, and the turned balusten at the top and the ckutu of the bell-flower, large and coarse in de- sign, inlaid in satin-wood contribute the only decoration. The roll top is composed of narrow strips of wood glued on canvas. This work Sheraton calls " tambour." The sideboard on page 498 has a tambour shutter to close the arched opening. E. S. CHAIR FROM WASHINGTON'S PRESIDENTIAL MAN- SION . . . . . . . 513 Armchair of Lcmii Sent design and covered with a piece of silk brocade of the period. This a a characteristic and well preserved specimen ; not otherwise were made the chain which furnished the smaller Trianon or the mansion* of the nobility at Versailles. R. Sturgis. MUSICAL GLASSES .... FACING 914 Harmonica in whkh the necessarily plain box, the lower part of which is, in the best ex- amples, hollow and resonant, is made as effective as possible to the workman as a piece of furniture by the mounting upon two columns and a front piece suggestive of a lyre. Such pieces were somewhat in vogue in France from 1 770 to the close of the century, and the LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS MB popular word was that they were the invention of Benjamin Franklin. It seems, how- ever, that the musical glasses originated by Franklin were played with the ringer only, ana by means of a delicate rubbing which caused the saucers with water in them to vibrate with a more or less shrill sound as the amount of water was increased. A later development involved the use of larger and deeper glasses which were played upon by little hammers of cork. R. Sturgb. CHAIR GIVEN BY WASHINGTON TO READ . . 515 Armchair of the close of the eighteenth century, the back formed of that curious combina- tion of lines and curves which stood for a Greek lyre. It is finished in white or ivory white. R. Sturgis. PIANOFORTE ..... FACING 515 Piano of an early form and exemplifying perfectly the florid style of 1820 and following years. This style we have occasion to touch upon in connection with high-post bedsteads in Parts V. and VI. and in the sofa facing page 510 and other pieces in the present Part VII. Nowhere, however, does the sculpture seem as perfect as here. The gilded metal caps at the junction of these legs with the piano itself and the metal rosettes of two pat- terns in the frieze above are suggestions taken from the French Empire style ; so much re- mains, but it does seem as if the tich sculpture in hard, dark coloured, highly polished wood had come from a style earlier than that of the Empire. It is as if traditions had been preserved in England and perhaps even more carefully preserved in the Atlantic States of America, leaning upon which the workmen of the early nineteenth century were able to strike out this rather daring line for themselves. R. Sturgis. THOMAS JEFFERSON'S DESK . . . . 519 Writing-desk with the hinged and revolving front piece forming a continuation of the steep slope above ; the inkstands finding safety in one of the upper drawers, which, when opened, is seen to contain racks for pens and the like, as well as square compartments for the ink-bottles This arrangement of providing the desired slope is common in the porta- ble writing-desks of the period that is to say, in the square-cornered brass-bound mahog- any or mahogany veneered boxes which gentlemen used habitually from 1800 to 1850, and in which their important papers were often kept. Such a portable desk was always furnished with firm handles dropping into sockets, so as to be well out of the way, and the owner might take it on a sea voyage with him or into the country, feeling that he had all his precious belongings under his hand. Here the same form is applied to a more sta- tionary piece of furniture which in itself contains no ornamental feature except the mould- ed and reeded legs. R. Sturgis. WEST PARLOUR, MOUNT VERNON . FACING 520 Room at Mount Vernon furnished with a carpet woven for the room itself with the arms of the United States. This is a medallion carpet rather good in general design, the pro- portion of the parts being well kept, but the barbarous heraldry of the early nineteenth century was opposed to anything like great success in colour combination. One thing is noticeable the escutcheon borne on the breast of the eagle has simply the chief azure and the field party per pale argent and gules, there being then two unusual features, one alto- gether welcome and the other of doubtful propriety. In the first place the chief should not have the stars ; they belong in the flag, but not in the escutcheon of the United States, as that was adopted by Act tf Congress, and in this the present example is correct. On the other hand, the field below, the chief instead of thirteen pieces (or vertical stripes) has here seventeen, and the silver or white stripes are in the greater number ; in this the heraldic marshalling before us is incorrect. The ivory finished fauteuil of very beautiful Louis Seize design is of the second half of the eighteenth century, and of course not of the sixteenth, as its printed inscription sets forth. R. Sturgis. LADY'S WRITING-DESK . . . FACING 521 This desk is somewhat similar in form to the letter-case (see pages 719 and 473). This is constructed of rosewood, and is beautifully inlaid with ivory. It is furnished with a clock and a musical box. This was imported from Belgium early in the nineteenth cen- tury. E. S. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS MM PIANOFORTE ....... 525 Piano of the earliest type, the frame having the tame severe simplicity which has been noted in connection with harpsichords and spinets the instruments which were the forerunners of the piano. It remains a puzzle this severe simplicity, this abstinence from all attempt at elaborateness" of design characteristic of the earlier clavichords. As soon, however, as the piano was introduced, the very great weight of the necessary mechanism pointed the way to a different treatment of the frame, and the result appears in the six- legged design with legs, moreover, much heavier and stronger shown in the hardly later piano facing page 516. R. Sturgis. SECRETARY ........ 529 Escritoire of the upright pattern which, as a recent French novelist has said, is found now* adays only in country hotels ; having, however, the somewhat unusual feature of a Urge musk -box for its crowning member. It is undoubtedly with some reference to the artistic character of this last-named refinement that the uppermost member of the composition is so elaborate with its late Ionic columns and gilded metal appliques. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD . . . FACING 532 Sideboard of about 1820 with the simple Georgian style in its full force. The pieces of this epoch cannot compare for grace with those of thirty yean earlier, but they are ra- tional and comely and enable the owner to furnish and decorate a room in entire accord- ance with the life of a family of cultivated and intelligent persons. The mirror frame, which b of about the same date of the sideboard, shows the richer work of the time. For some reason not explained these frames intended to be gilt (as they most commonly were) have always been allowed to retain a richness of form which we can almost say was de- nied to every other utensil or piece of furniture from 1790 to 1850. R. Sturgis. LADY BLESSINGTON'S WORK-TABLE . . -533 Attention has been called in the text to the popularity of the lady's work-table. This example was specially designed for Lady Blessington. When the top, which is eigh- teen inches in diameter, is opened, it shows a well surrounded by small compartments. No work-table was considered complete without the bag, or pouch, or well, which was intended for both use and ornament. This piece of furniture is richly inlaid. . S. MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD, KNIFE-BOXES AND CEL- LARET ...... 535 Sideboard of the later years of the eighteenth century ; an elaborate piece with three cup- boards, two deep drawers for holding bottles erect, and seven other drawers of different sizes. The effort to combine so many parts in one piece of furniture has resulted in a form less entirely satisfying to the artistic sense than the simpler ones shown in Parts III. and IV. The obvious utility of the whole and the severe simplicity of its design saves it, of course, from anything approaching ugliness. Such a piece is handsomer when put to full use with all the three members of its top filled with their appropriate pieces, as in- deed they are shown in the present picture. The knife-boxes are very good in design and it it a pity that one of them was not shown closed that they might be judged of com- pletely. Small chest, probably a wine-cooler, set beneath the sideboard, but altogether apart from it R. Sturgis. DESK AND CHAIR .... . . 537 Chair and writing-table of the early nineteenth century. The writing-table is of that delicate and simple form which is most fitting to a drawing-room or the comer of a dining- room which is used for other purposes than the family meals. The top is hinged at one edge and Ufa up with a falling brace and a ratchet so as to be adjustable at different angles; and link sliding shelves at *wo ends serve for the safe placing of ink-stands, and, it appears, for cups of tea or mugs of liquid refreshment. This piece of furniture U of the most graceful and attractive character. The brass knobs are probably of the epoch. R. Sturgis. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE "BANJO CLOCK" AND CLOCK WITH CHERRY CASK FACING 533 Two clocks, the one a wall clock intended to be secured high up in a stair hall or similar exposed situation, the other a tall clock like several others which we have seen in other parts of the present work. The wall clock is of the best form, an extremely intelligent design, allowing for the swing of the pendulum, and its whole shape expressing not only the essence of the thing in that it must be suspended by hooks in the back and supported on nothing beneath it, but also assuming a sufficiently graceful outline and showing a general composition far above the average of merit. The standing clock also is one of the best examples, the use of the classical columns is really exemplary; it is seldom that these architectural members are introduced into furniture with so much good taste and so good a result. R. Sturgis. CURLED MAPLE DESK . . . . .541 Chest of drawers with writing-desk and bookcase, a piece made sumptuous by beautiful veneer, probably of curl maple. The judicious use of this rippled golden surface with its semi-translucent lustre its restriction to the sunken parts, drawer fronts and panels, is as noticeable as its inherent beauty. It was a good feeling, too, which made the piece so severe, so free from moulded and carved ornamentation, depending altogether upon the contrast of the darker and lighter wood and the beauty of the grain. R. Sturgis. CHAIRS OF FRENCH MAKE ..... 545 Chair and armchair in which a rude carving fills the principal slat of the back. The range of subject is shown by comparison of the two; that on the right being a Bacchus and that on the left, a very simple and humble maiden watering her flowers. Another chair of the same set has a Pan an ^gi-Pan playing on what seems to be meant for a modern flute. It would be hard to date these pieces with accuracy or to establish their provenience. They seem to be the work of a man of independence who was trying to de- sign something which was not made by his competitors. R. Sturgis. CONSOLE TABLE ..... FACING 548 Side table in Empire Style with an unusual display of metal appliques, which are gener- ally effective and well placed. The candelabra and centrepiece, with dancing Cupids car- rying a corbeille, are of good French work, the candelabra older than the centrepiece, which is probably contemporary with the table upon which it stands. The upright in the design of the candelabra is composed of three terminal figures, or, more properly, of satyrs or heads resting upon gaines adorned with festoons. This, in gilt bronze, is an ex- tremely effective ornamentation, and makes the chief part of the design, artistically speak- ing, an especially fine and unusual piece of metal work. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY SOFA ...... 549 Sofa covered with hair cloth, the carved wooden flanking-piece made up of arm and leg conjoined at either end having that same unmeaning character very common in the Eng- lish and Anglo-American work of the reign of George III. The world of decoration of art, applied to purpose of daily life as well as the other neighbouring world of fine art pure and simple, was in its decline at this time on the slope of the decline which did not reach its lowest depth until the middle of the nineteenth century. R. Sturgis. DANIEL WEBSTER'S DESK . . . FACING 549 Chest of drawers with writing-desk ; a piece of the well-known type so often represented in this work, but one of a singular severity and simple grace. The effect is obtained al- most wholly by beauty of the wood, the front of the drawers being delicately veneered, and by the brass handles and scutcheons which fortunately have been preserved. The propor- tions, however, are unusually good and give the piece special charm. R. Sturgis. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PACE CONSOLE TABLE . . . . . -553 A table, uch u in the early yean of the nineteenth century wai made to stand between the windows of a drawing room and usually beneath a " pier glass," the mirror between the uprights of the table continuing the reflected surface nearly to the floor. Such pieces, often called pier tables, allow of a certain dignity, and that fact is sought in the present case by the very massive-seeming round columns, probably veneered and fitted with gilt metal bases and capitals. A gilt metal applique fills the centre of the front rail. This is a good specimen of the simpler furniture of the Style Em fire. R. Sturgis. CABINET ...... FACING 554 This is an example of native carving, the work of an amateur who amused himself in his leisure with carving chairs, tables, mantelpieces, etc., etc. This piece is further en- riched with porcelain panels and brass hinges. . S. CHAIR AND TABLE .... FACING 555 Table with painted top, an excellent specimen of the painted work of the earlier yean of the nineteenth century. The pseudo-Greek border is pretty in design, though it does not well frame the painting which fills the medallion. The chair is an unusually well designed instance of the four-backed type. R. Sturgis. FANCY CHAIR . . . . . . - 557 Chair of the later Georgian period, with fine and solid rush scat, the frame highly dec- orated with painting. A chair orfers no large surface upon which a picture may be painted except at the inner or principal side of the back ; and this is hidden by the person of the occupant and is in danger of injury. And yet at the time (1815 to 1830) when the painting of little landscape pictures was thought good for door-panels and table-tops, and for the edges of carefully bound books beneath the gilding of the leaves, a slight tendency in the same direction naturally took shape in the decoration of drawing-room chairs. This vestige of the admirable art of the eighteenth century, centred in France and extending thence over Europe, brought with it some really admirable compositions in the spirit of the English landscape painters of the time. The slight leaf painting upon the legs of the chair is a natural and proper " echo " of the color decoration above. R. Sturgis. MAHOGANY AND GILT MIRROR . . . 559 Mirror frame of the earlier yean of the nineteenth century. The student will note the intelligence of the design the systematic way in which the breaks of the outer border of the frame breaks which in architecture are called ancons and lugs, suffice in the present instance to cover and excuse the spirited bits of free pierced carving, which forms a branch with oak leaves and acorns, seeming to hang down on each side. The design is spoiled by the elaborate lettering which has been added in later times. R. Sturgis. MARBLE TABLK AND CHAIRS OF THE EARLY NINE- TEENTH CENTURY . . . FACING 560 Small centre table of marble beautifully veined. The set of tea-pot, cream-pot, sugar-pot and two cups and saucen are probably of the royal factory of Sevres and of about 1810. The buildings represented in the medallions painted upon these pieces might all be identi- fied with a little trouble, for the custom of the times was to represent actual scenes and objects as the motive for these adornments a style of decoration certainly not character- istic of ceramic ware but identified with the work of this great establishment. R. Sturgis. SECRETARY ..... . 561 This piece may be compared with Governor Wentworth's desk on page 369. This is of rich mahogany. The legs are very simple as also are the brass handles, but the arrange- ment of the interior is quite elaborate. Heir we find a number of pigeon-holes, drawen LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PACK and secret drawers above the writing-slab, which is somewhat nearer the floor than usual in such pieces. The upper portion, which is enclosed with doors, contains many con- venient drawers and pigeon-holes and partitions evidently for the use of large ledgers. The cornice is ornamented with a gilded eagle and burning torches also gilded. . S. MAHOGANY CHAIR . . . . . 563 Drawing-room chair of the severe pseudo-classical style which was developed from the French classical revival under Louis XIV., but carried further and to its decadence under the first Napoleon. The Englishmen working for the simple English dining-room or draw- ing-room rejected wrought ornamentation, colour and gilding, and thought that they were doing something noble and altogether worthy in seeking alone the polished surface of ma- hogany combined with what they thought were classical forms. The result is not ugly merely because the piece shows well enough the purpose for which it is intended, and pro- vides a comfortable seat without the disfigurement of ill-applied ornamentation. R. Sturgis. EMPIRE CHAIR ...... 565 Armchair in the " Empire Style " and probably of French make. This is a characteristic specimen ; seldom in America is to be found so unmistakeably Imperial a design. The attempted classical character of the hollowed back is as important as the purely decorative parts. R. Sturgis THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Part VII CARVED EBONY TABLE Owned by Mrs. Caleb T. Smith, Smithtoiun, L. 1. See page 338. r re THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS PART VII Domestic and Imported Furniture FROM 1776 TO 1830 T the outbreak of the Revolution, the home of a wealthy American lost nothing in com- parison with that of an Englishman in sim- ilar circumstances. Imported and home- made furniture of the Chippendale school was all the rage, and the extent to which the latest foreign fashions were welcomed may be gathered from the protests of the day. Serious attempts were made to curtail importations which were said to be ruining na- tive industry. In the North, simplicity was more marked than in the South ; but, even in New England, fashion and elegance were found in many households, as we have al- ready seen. There, however, magnificence sometimes aroused unfavourable comment. In 1774, John Adams notes: "John Lowell, at Newburyport, has built himself a house like the palace of a nobleman, and lives in great 47 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS splendour." Mr. Adams was one of those who were hostile to anything of that kind. In 1778, commenting upon the splendour of French life, he says : " I cannot help suspecting that the more elegance, the less virtue, in all times and countries. Yet I fear that even my own dear country wants the power and opportunity more than the inclination to be elegant, soft and luxuri- ous. . . . Luxury has as many and as bewitching charms on your side of the ocean as on this ; and luxury wherever she goes, effaces from human nature the image of the Divinity. If I had power, I would forever banish and exclude from America all gold, silver, precious stones, alabaster, marble, silk, velvet and lace." The difference between the North and South impressed every traveller. It was striking. The life of the South- ern planter was one of ease and elegance; and conditions differed slightly in Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina. The centres of fashion were Annapolis, Williamsburg and Charleston, gay and pleasure-loving towns. The capital of Maryland reached its height of splendour a few years before the Revolution, and this did not diminish until sev- eral years after the war had ceased. The presence of many Englishmen on official missions, with their retinues and families, brought fashion, affluence and gaiety to the colo- nial capital. The houses were renowned for their costly and beautiful furniture, their well-arranged and cultivated grounds, and their lavish hospitality. Eddis, an English traveller, who wrote his experiences in 1769-1777, re- marks : " Whatever you have heard relative to the rigid Puritanical principles and economical habits of our Ameri- can brethren, is by no means true when applied to the in- habitants of the Southern provinces. Liberality of senti- 488 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ment, and genuine hospitality are everywhere prevalent ; and I am persuaded they too frequently mistake profuseness for generosity, and impair their health and their fortunes by splendour of appearance and magnificence of entertain- FRENCH CHAIR Owned by Mr. Robert Colby, New York, N. Y. See page 538. ment." He mentions, particularly, among the beautiful villas in the vicinity of Annapolis, Rousby Hall in Calvert County, about seventy miles from the town, as being " as well-known to the weary, indigent traveller as to the afflu- ent guest," and adds : " In a country where hospitality is the distinguishing feature, the benevolent owner has estab- 49 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS lished a preeminence, which places his character in an ex- alted point of view." The Abbe Robin, who accompanied Count Rocham- beau as chaplain to America, is another witness of the con- trast between North and South. In 1781, he writes in his Nouveau Voyage dans r Amerique Septe ntriona le : " As we advance towards the South, we find a very sensible difference in the manners and customs of the peo- ple. In Connecticut the houses are placed on the public roads at small intervals, and barely large enough to accom- modate a single family, and are furnished in the most plain and simple manner ; but here are spacious, isolated habita- tions, consisting of several edifices, built in the centre of a plantation, and so remote from the public road as to be lost to the view of travellers. These plantations are culti- vated by negroes. . . . The furniture of the houses here is of the most costly wood and the rarest marble, enriched and decorated by artists ; they have light and elegant car- riages, which are drawn by fine horses ; the coachmen are slaves and are richly dressed. There appears to be more wealth and luxury in Annapolis than in any other city which I have visited in this country. The extravagance of the women here surpasses that of our own provinces; a French hairdresser is a man of great importance ; one lady here pays to her coiffeur a salary of a thousand crowns. This little city, which is at the mouth of the Severn river, contains several handsome edifices. The state-house is the finest in the country ; its front is ornamented with columns, and the building surmounted by a dome. There is also a theatre here. Annapolis is a place of considerable shipping. The climate is the most delightful in the world." A corner cupboard from Maryland, probably the work 490 MARYLAND CHINA CABINET Otrned by Mrs. George Ben Johnston, Richmond, fa. Set page 491. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of a native cabinet-maker, faces page 490. It is of ma- hogany inlaid with satin-wood, a species of the bell-flower appearing on the legs. The panels of the doors are formed of some light mottled wood, which also frames the glass MAHOGANY DESK Owned by President Madison ; now by Mr*. George Ben Johnston, Richmond, Virginia. See page 511. panes. The urns ornamenting the top are bronze and gilt. This curious three-cornered china cabinet, or cupboard, is owned by Mrs. George Ben Johnston, Richmond, Va., and is filled with handsome china and glass of the period. When we find a writer impressed with conditions of 49 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS elegance, we naturally hesitate to accept his estimate until we know whether his experience has qualified him to judge. When, therefore, we find the Duke de la Roche- foucauld-Liancourt speaking with approval of a typical Southern home, we are satisfied that the travellers already quoted did not greatly exaggerate. Of Whitehall \ the home of Governor Sharp, the Duke says in his Voyage dans les Etats-Unis (1795-97), that this was "a most delightful retreat about seven miles distant (from Annapolis) ; his house is on a large scale, the design is excellent, and the apartments well fitted up and perfectly convenient." Else- where he says : " In a country which has belonged to England for a long time, of which the most numerous and nearest con- nections are yet with England, and which carries on with England almost all of its commerce, the manners of the people must necessarily resemble, in a great degree, those of England. As for American manners particularly, those relative to living are the same as in the provinces of Eng- land. As to the dress, the English fashions are as faith- fully copied as the sending of merchandise from England and the tradition of tailors and mantua-makers will admit of. The distribution of the apartments in their houses is like that of England, the furniture is English, the town carriages are either English or in the English taste ; and it is no small merit among the fashionable world to have a coach newly arrived from London and of the newest fashion." Eddis also writes : "The quick importation of fashions from the mother country is really astonishing. I am almost inclined to be- lieve that a new fashion is adopted earlier by the polished 49* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and affluent American, than by many opulent persons in the great metropolis ; nor are opportunities wanting to dis- play superior elegance. We have varied amusements and numerous parties, which afford to the young, the gay, and the ambitious, an extensive Held to contend in the race of vain and idle competition. In short, very little difference FRENCH SOFA AND CHAIR Owned by Mr*. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charleston, S. C. See page 538. is, in reality, observable in the manners of the wealthy colonist and the wealthy Briton. Good and bad habits prevail on both sides the Atlantic." We not only find unprejudiced foreign travellers extol- ing the wealth, hospitality and elegances of living, but visitors from the Northern States never failed to be im- pressed with what they saw and the treatment they re- ceived. Occasionally they record their experiences. For example, Josiah Quincy, of Massachusetts, who visited Charleston in 1773, writes: "This town makes a most beautiful appearance as you come up to it, and in many aspects a magnificent one. Although I have not been here twenty hours, I have traversed the most populous parts 493 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of it. I can only say in general, that in grandeur, splen- dour of building, decorations, equipages, numbers, com- merce, shipping, and indeed in almost everything it far sur- passes all I ever saw or ever expected to see in America." On March 8th he was entertained at a house that is still standing, the drawing-room of which appears facing this page. He writes: "March 8 (1773). Dined with a large company at Miles Brewton's, Esq., a gentleman of very large fortune; a superb house said to have cost him ^8,000 sterling. A most elegant table, three courses, etc., etc. At Mr. Brew- ton's sideboard was very magnificent plate. A very fine bird kept familiarly playing about the room under our chairs and the table, picking up the crumbs and perching on the window and sideboard." This fine brick house on King Street, with its generous doorway and double flight of marble steps, was built by the above mentioned Miles Brewton, an Englishman who came to Charleston early in the eighteenth century. In 1775, he left Charleston for England intending to leave his fam- ily there and return to America, as he was an ardent Revo- lutionist. The vessel was wrecked and not a passenger saved. The house became the property of his married daughter, Rebecca (Mrs. Jacob Motte), who dwelt here with her daughters until the British entered the city. Sir Henry Clinton and his officers occupied it in 1781 82, and Mrs. Motte retired to her plantation on the Congaree, near Columbia. The home of Miles Brewton, now known as the Prin- gle House, is owned by his descendant, Miss Susan Pringle. It is an excellent example of a typical Charleston home of the eighteenth century. Upon the walls of the drawing- 494 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS room, facing page 494, is a portrait of Miles Brewton by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The large mirror between the win- dows dates from an early period, and has never been in- flicted with a new glass. The frame is richly carved and gilt. The windows are draped in the old-fashioned style with curtains of daffodil-coloured damask that have hung in the same spot since the time of the Revolution. Much of the furniture in this enormous room is of the Heppel- white and Sheraton period. A stuffed Heppelwhite arm- chair stands directly in front of the mirror. It, like the others of its type in the same room, is covered with crim- son damask, which was so fashionable in its day. One of j this set decorated with fringe has already appeared on page 45 1 . The armchair on its left, which is one of another set, is covered with yellow damask ; while others are up- holstered with flowered material like the sofa that is cosily placed near the open fire. Other sofas in the room are covered with yellow damask. The two carved chairs stand- ing on either side of the table, which, like all the rest of the furniture, is of mahogany, belonged to Louis Philippe. The room is of beautiful proportions, and the woodwork is particularly fine. The marble mantelpiece is very ornate and handsome; but, perhaps the most noticeable feature of the room is the superb crystal chandelier, consisting of twenty-four sconces, each furnished with a glass shade more than a foot in height. Fortunately, it has never been al- tered for gas or electricity, and the candles still shed their soft glow upon the room, and cause the enormous giron- delles in chains and pendants to sparkle with prismatic hues. Only a portion of this candelabrum appears, as it is built somewhat in the form of a pyramid. A much more notable visitor to Charleston was Gen- 495 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS eral Washington, who was entertained in a house on Church Street, near Tradd, owned by Judge Heyward, and which was " superbly furnished for the occasion." Two extracts from General Washington's Dia?y will be sufficient to show what his impressions were : May 5, 1790. " Dined with a very large company at the Governor's and in the evening went to a Concert at the Exchange at which there were at least four hundred ladies, the number and appearance of which exceeded any- thing of the kind I had ever seen." May 7, 1790. "Charleston contains about 1,600 dwelling-houses. ... It lies low with unpaved streets (ex- cept the footways) of sand. There are a number of very good houses of Brick and wood, but most of the latter. The Inhabitants are wealthy gay and hospitable; appear happy and satisfied with the General Government." Washington also speaks of Captain Alston as a gentle- man of large fortune whose " house which is large, new, and elegantly furnished, stands on a sand-hill high for the Country, and his Rice fields below." It would seem that some of the Virginian houses were splendid while others were neglected and falling into de- cay. The Duke de la Rochefoucauld- Liancourt says that the Virginians spend more than their income. " You find, therefore, very frequently a table well served and covered with plate in a room where half the windows have been broken for years past, and will probably be so ten years longer. But few houses are in tolerable state of repair." The Marquis de Chastellux also testifies : " The Vir- ginians have the reputation, and with reason, of living nobly in their homes and of being hospitable; they give 496 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS strangers not only a willing, but a liberal reception. This arises, on one hand, from their having no large towns where they may assemble, by which means they are little acquainted with society except from the visits they make ; and, on the other, their lands and their negroes furnishing them with every article of consumption and the necessary service, the renowned hospitality costs them very little. Their houses are spacious and ornamented, but their apart- ments are not commodious ; they make no ceremony or putting three or four persons into the same room ; nor do these make any objection to their being thus heaped to- gether ; for being in general ignorant of the comfort of reading and writing, they want nothing in their whole house but a bed, a dining-room, and a drawing-room for company. The chief magnificence of the Virginians con- sists in furniture, linen and plate ; in which they resemble our ancestors, who had neither cabinets nor wardrobes in their castles, but contented themselves with a well-stored cellar and a handsome buffet." The Marquis visited We stover and highly praised it. " We travelled six and twenty miles without halting, in very hot weather, but by a very agreeable road, with mag- nificent houses in view at every instant ; for the banks of the James River form the garden of Virginia. That of Mrs. Byrd, to which I was going, surpasses them all in the magnificence of the buildings, the beauty of its situation, and the pleasures of society." "... Mr. Mead's house is by no means so handsome as IVestaver, but it is extremely well fitted up within, and stands on a charming situation ; for it is directly opposite to Mrs. Byrd's, which with its surrounding appendages, has the appearance of a small town and forms a most delight- 497 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ful prospect. Mr. Mead's garden, like that of Westover, is in the nature of a terrace on the bank of the river." In 1779, another traveller, Anburey, spent a few days with Colonel Randolph at Tuckahoe, and says that, the house seems to have been built for the sole purpose of hos- pitality, and it is therefore worth describing. MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD Owned by the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. See page 536. " It is in the form of an H; and has the appearance of two houses joined by a large saloon ; each wing has two stories, and four large rooms on a floor ; in one the family reside, and the other is reserved solely for visitors ; the saloon that unites them is of considerable magnitude, and on each side are doors; the ceiling is lofty, and to these they prin- cipally retire in the summer, being but little incommoded by the sun, and by the doors of each of the houses and those of the saloon being open, there is a constant circula- tion of air; they are furnished with four sophas, two on 49 8 MIRROR, CHAIR, SPINNING-WHEEL AND BRONZE AND GILT CANDELABRA Owned by Dr. and Mrs. William L. Royall, Richmond, Va, See page 499. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS each side, besides chairs, and in the centre there is gener- ally a chandelier ; these saloons answer the two purposes of a cool retreat from the scorching and sultry heat of the climate, and of an occasional ball-room. The outhouses are attached at some distance, that the house may be open to the air on all sides." Behoir is of special interest, on account of the ties be- tween its owner and the master of Mount Vernon. The former was William Fairfax, whose daughter became the wife of Lawrence Washington. Young George Washington spent much of his time at Behoir and after he became the proprietor of Mount Vernon* the happy relations still con- tinued with his neighbours. The contents of Behoir were sold by auction in 1 774, on which occasion Washington bought articles of furniture to the value of ^169-1 2-6, and has left a list of them in his own handwriting. A typical convex mirror of the period is shown in the illustration facing page 500, showing a corner of a room in the home of Mrs. William L. Royall, Richmond, Va. This mirror, which is one of a pair, is exceedingly hand- some. The carving of the dolphins and the burning torch is well executed. The entire frame and the sconces are gilt, and a band of black just below the large balls lends relief. These mirrors were the property of the Coles fam- ily of Virginia, and were long in the house of John Ruth- erfoord, Governor of Virginia, who married Emily Coles, and were inherited by their granddaughter, Mrs. Royall, the present owner. The Gothic chair in the same picture belonged to the Rutherfoords; the spinning-wheel was owned by Mrs. Tay- lor, the sister of Chief-Justice Marshall of Virginia, and descended to her grandson, Dr. William L. Royall ; while 499 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the candelabra of bronze and gold, representing Victory holding sconces in the shape of trumpets, were imported into the country by Andrew Stevenson, minister to the Court of Saint James, and descended by inheritance to Mrs. Royall. The only other similar pair in the country are at the White House, in Washington. Behoir was of brick and two stories high, with four rooms on the ground floor and live on the second, and serv- ants' hall and cellar below. It was almost entirely fur- nished with valuable mahogany articles. The " Dining-Room " contained a mahogany five-foot sideboard table ; one pair mahogany square card tables ; an oval bottle cistern on a frame ; a " sconce glass gilt in Burnished Gold" ; twelve mahogany chairs; three crim- son morine drapery window curtains ; a large Wilton Per- sian carpet; and a "scallopt mahogany voider," a knife tray, two dish trays, a " large mahogany cut rim tea tray," tongs, shovel, dogs and fender, comprised the list of small articles. In the parlour was a mahogany table (dining); a "mahog- any spider leg table"; "a folding fire screen lined with yellow"; two mahogany armchairs covered with figured hair ; a chimney-glass ; two Saxon green plain drapery curtains ; and dogs, tongs, shovel and fender. In Mrs. Fairfax's Chamber : a mahogany chest of drawers ; a bed- stead and curtains ; window curtains ; four chairs ; a dressing table ; and hearth furniture. In Colonel Fairfax's Room : a mahogany settee bedstead with Saxon green covers ; a mahogany desk ; a mahogany shaving-table ; four chairs and covers ; a mahogany Pembroke table ; dogs, shovel, tongs and fender. Of all the colonial houses now standing, Mount Vernon is the most interesting, on account of its associations. I A 5 oo THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS was built in 1743, by Lawrence Washington, when he married Miss Fairfax. Soon after his death in 1751, Mount Kernon passed by inheritance to his half-brother, George Washington, and here the latter brought his bride ELEANOR CUSTIS*S HARPSICHORD AND TAMBOUR FRAME Now at Mount fernon, Va. See page 502. in 1759. Six years after Washington came into possession of Mount Vernon, he evidently thought his furniture needed repairing. In 1757, he wrote to Richard Washington: "Be pleased, over and above what I have wrote for in a letter of the i 3th of April, to send me i doz. strong chairs, of about i 5 shillings apiece, the bottoms exactly made by the enclosed dimensions, and of three different colours to suit the paper of three of the bed-chambers also wrote for in my last. I must acquaint you, sir, with the reason of the SOI THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS request. I have one dozen chairs that were made in this country ; neat, but too weak for common sitting. I there- fore propose to take the bottoms out of those and put them into those now ordered, while the bottoms which you send will do for the former, and furnish the chambers. For this reason the workmen must be very exact, neither making the bottoms larger nor smaller than the dimen- sions, otherwise the change can't be made. Be kind enough to give directions that these chairs, equally with the others and the tables, be carefully packed and stowed. Without this caution, they are liable to infinite damage." In 1759, he again writes to London for "2 more chair bottoms, and i more Window Curtain and Cornice." He also sent for busts of Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Charles XII. of Sweden and the King of Prussia, "not to exceed fifteen inches in height, nor ten in width," " 2 other busts of Prince Eugene and the Duke of Marlbor- ough, somewhat smaller, 2 Wild Beasts, not to exceed twelve inches in height, nor eighteen in length. Sundry ornaments for chimney-piece." In 1761, he sends to London, to Mr. Plinius, harpsi- chord-maker, in South Audley Street, Grosvenor Square, for a good instrument. He also gave a harpsichord to Eleanor Custis, his stepdaughter, for a wedding-present. This interesting instrument, which appears on page 501, has again found its place at Mount Vernon, and stands in the room known as " Miss Custis's Music Room." The mahogany stool in front of the .harpsichord is somewhat clumsy, and the carved dolphins forming the legs contrib- ute its one interesting feature. This also belonged to Miss Custis, as did the tambour frame. Upon this is a piece of her unfinished embroidery. 501 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS When Washington arrived in New York, he first took up his residence in the house provided by Congress. This was No. 3 Cherry Street and Franklin Square, and the rooms were large and numerous. Mr. Osgood had been requested by a Resolution to put the house and the furni- ture thereof into proper condition for the residence and use of the President of the United States. According to an eye-witness, the furniture was extremely plain, but in keeping and well disposed, and arranged so as to give prom- ise of substantial comfort. Mrs. Washington had sent by sea from Mount Vernon many ornaments and other articles, including pictures, vases, etc., that they liked to have, on account of associations. The rooms of Mount Vernon were full of souvenirs and offerings by many admirers. These included not only pictures and busts, but various relics, such as the key of the Bastille (presented by Lafayette in 1 789), swords and other arms, and even furniture. Among others, Samuel Vaughan, an English admirer, sent to Washington in 1785, a magnificent marble mantelpiece, specially made in Italy, and three handsome porcelain vases. The mantelpiece still stands in the " Banquet Hall." Another interesting object is a carpet that now covers the rloor of the West parlour in Mount Vernon. This carpet was made for Washington by order of Louis XVI., at the Gobelins manufactory, and is shown facing page 520. It afterwards came into the possession of the Hon. Jasper Yeates, of Lancaster, Pa. It remained on his parlour floor during his lifetime, and until about the middle of the present century, when his daughters had possession of the house. When the establishment was broken up, the carpet was offered for sale. This time it was pur- chased by his great-granddaughter, Mrs. Sarah Y. Whelen, of THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Philadelphia, and by her presented to the Mount Vernon Association. It will be noticed that this carpet contains the heraldic arms of the new Federal Government, being sown with stars and bearing a central medallion of the eagle holding an olive branch and the arrows in its two claws, while be- low and above the bird are the stars and stripes. In front of the mantelpiece stands a chair of the Louis Seize type that was presented to General Washington by Lafayette. On either side of it are two excellent examples of " Chip- pendale" chairs, mahogany, of course, and in reality devel- opments of the old four-back chair that persistently outlives all fashions and styles. (See page 87.) The mantelpiece, ceiling and wall-panels of this room date from 1743, and above the mantelpiece is carved the Washington coat-of- arms. George Washington's initials and his crest are cast in the iron firebacks. The painting of the panel inserted into the mantelpiece is said to represent Admiral Vernon's fleet at Cartagena, and was sent to Lawrence Washington as a present from Admiral Vernon when he learned that the estate was named for him. Lawrence Washington owned 2,500 acres, but General Washington increased the property to nearly 8,000. He also enlarged the house, which is built of stone and brick, with a framework of oak. Mount Vernon, although in no sense palatial, was com- fortable throughout. The "New Roc A " was furnished handsomely. There were two sideboaroo here, adorned with six mahogany knife-cases, China images, and a China flower-pot; two candle-stands, two fire-screens, two stools, two large looking-glasses and twenty-seven mahogany chairs comprised the wooden furniture. The window- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS curtains were valuable, as were also "two elegant lustres." Two silver-plated lamps contributed additional light, the floor was covered with a good mat, and among the orna- ments were rive China jars. The hearth-furniture was com- plete, and pictures and prints worth $973 adorned the walls. CHAIR FROM MOUNT VERNON AND PAINTKI) ROSEWOOD CARD- TABLE FROM PRESTWOUI.D Now owned by the Valentine Museum, Richmond, Va. See page 51;. The "Front Parlour" contained an expensive sofa and eleven mahogany chairs. The rest of the furniture con- sisted of a rich looking-glass and a tea-table. A handsome carpet and window-curtains gave an air of comfort, and the logs rested on bright andirons. Three lamps, two with mirrors, were not only for light, but were probably as ornamental as the five China flower-pots. There were many pictures on the walls. 505 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS A looking-glass, a tea-table, a settee, ten Windsor chairs, a carpet, window-curtains, andirons, tongs and fen- der and pictures made the "little Parlour" comfortable. There were two dining-tables and a tea-table in the " Dining-Room," a mahogany sideboard, two knife-cases and a large case, an oval looking-glass and ten mahogany chairs. Here we rind a carpet and window-curtains and the usual hearth furniture and pictures. In the "Bedroom," there is, of course, a bed, bedstead and mattress, a looking-glass, a small table, four mahogany or walnut chairs, window curtains and blinds, a carpet, andirons, etc., and one large picture. In the "Passage," there are fourteen mahogany chairs, four images over the door, a spy-glass, a thermometer and pictures. In the "Closet," we find a fire-screen, and "a machine to scrape shoes on"; and on the Verandah or "Piazza" there are thirty Windsor chairs. A great number of prints are hung along the staircase, and a looking-glass is found in the passage on the second floor. Passing into the " Front Room," we find the carpet and window-curtains and open fire that render every room so warm and comfortable, a bed, bedstead, and curtains, a dressing-table, a large looking-glass, a wash-basin and pitcher, and six mahogany chairs. Prints decorate the walls. In the "Second Room," the bed, bedstead and curtains and window-curtains are first noticeable ; the rest of the furniture consists of a looking-glass, a dressing-table, wash- basin and pitcher, an armchair and four chairs, a carpet, and andirons, etc. A portrait of General Lafayette hangs in this room. 506 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The " Third Room " has, of course, its carpet, window- curtains and andirons, and a very fine bedstead, bed and curtains, a chest of drawers, six mahogany chairs, a look- ing-glass and wash-basin and pitcher. We also find prints on the walls. A bed, bedstead and curtains, carpet and window-cur- tains, five mahogany chairs, a pine dressing-table, a large looking-glass, a close chair, wash-basin and pitcher, and- irons and prints furnish the " Fourth Room." In the " Small Room," we find a bed and bedstead, a dressing-table, a washstand, a dressing-glass and three Windsor chairs. In the " Room which Mrs. Washington now keeps," there are a bed, bedsteads and mattress, an oval looking- glass, a fender, andirons, etc., a table, three chairs, and a carpet; and in " Mrs. Washington's old Room" we note a bed, bedstead and curtains, a glass, a dressing-table, a writing-table and a writing-chair, an easy-chair, two ma- hogany chairs, a chest of drawers, a time-piece, and pictures. The "Study" contains quite an odd assortment of fur- niture and articles, consisting of a bureau, a tambour secre- tary, a walnut table, two pine writing-tables, a writing- desk and apparatus, a circular chair, an armchair, a dress- ing-table, an oval looking-glass, eleven spy-glasses, a case of surveying instruments, a globe, two brass candlesticks, seven swords and blades, four canes, seven guns, 44 Ibs. 1 5 oz. of plate worth $900, plated ware worth $424, and many other articles. The most noticeable feature of the furniture of Mount Vemon is the great number of chairs in the house, and the number of prints and pictures. Altogether there were 139 chairs worth $658.50. The pictures and prints were 507 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS valued at $2,008.25. The total value of the furniture at Mount Vernon equalled $3,420. As the rooms in Mount Vernon are not by any means large, they must have been very crowded with the articles mentioned above. Where the clothing was kept is a mystery, as there are no presses or wardrobes in the inventory, and there are no closets in the houvse. Martha Washington's trunk, similar to the cylin- drical one facing page 224, is in the Newark Historical Society. The size of the trunks makes us wonder, also, how the people of the period carried their silks and satins, wigs and furbelows from place to place. A picture of one side of Washington's bedroom has al- ready appeared as the frontispiece to our second chapter ; the other side of the same room is shown facing this page. Here we find a comfortable armchair of the Louis Seize period ; a small candlestand with " snake feet " and revolv- ing top ; a very early chair of the Chippendale period, as is evidenced by the simple square back and plain jar- shaped unperforated splat; a good mahogany library book- case of the Chippendale school ; a trunk that accompanied Washington on his campaigns ; and a pair of simple brass andirons. All of these pieces were used by Washington. Two chair cushions embroidered by Mrs. Washington are also preserved here. After Washington's death in 1799, the house remained intact for some years, but Mrs. Washington bequeathed the furniture to her four grand-children. Hence the house- hold articles and relics were widely scattered ; many pieces of furniture and other treasures have, fortunately, found their way back, some by gift and some by purchase, since the " Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union " was organized in 1856. The house with 200 acres was 508 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS bought by this society in 1858 from Mr. John A. Wash- ington, Jr., and his heirs. The house is now a museum of old furniture and relics, but there are comparatively few of the Washington posses- sions here. Among the original pieces of furniture, we may note: a Heppelwhite sideboard and an iron tireback with the Fairfax coat-of-arms bought from Behoir, in the " Din- ing-Room"; clock and vases, silver bracket lamps, rose- wood flower-stands, a looking-glass, and an ornament for the dining-table in the " Banquet Hall " ; a corner wash- hand stand in " Mrs. Washington's Room " ; and a num- ber of chairs that are scattered throughout the house. A globe, curtain cornices, and several prints and engravings that were originally in Mount Vemon have also been re- turned. Washington was very particular about his household appointments, and was very receptive to the newest fash- ions. Soon after his arrival in New York, he had his silver plate melted down and reproduced in what were considered more elegant and harmonious forms. This was a very common practice; we have seen the same thing done a century before this (see page 43). The President occupied the house in Cherry Street only nine months, as it was not sufficiently convenient. His new house was on Broadway near Bowling Green : for this he paid what was regarded as the extremely high rent of $2,500 per annum. Entries in Washington's Diary show the minute care he took in household matters. " Monday, Feb. i , 1 790. Agreed on Saturday last to take Mr. McCombs's house, lately occupied by the Minis- ter of France, for one year from and after the tirst day of May next ; and would go into it immediately, if Mr. Otto, 509 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the present possessor, could be accommodated ; and this day sent my Secretary to examine the rooms to see how my furniture could be adapted to the respective apartments." " Wednesday, 3d. Visited the apartments in the house of Mr. McCombs made a disposition of the rooms- fixed on some furniture of the Minister's (which was to be sold, and was well adapted to particular public rooms) and directed additional stables to be built." " Saturday, i 3th. Walked in the forenoon to the house to which I am about to remove. Gave directions for the arrangement of the furniture, etc., and had some of it put up." "Tuesday, i6th. Rode to my intended habitation, and gave some directions respecting the arrangement of the furniture." " Saturday, 2oth. Set seriously about removing my furniture to my new house. Two of the gentlemen of the family had their beds taken there, and would sleep there to-night." " Tuesday, 23rd. After dinner, Mrs. Washington, my- self and children removed, and lodged at our new habita- tion." " Wednesday, 24th. Employed in arranging matters about the house and fixing matters." "Thursday, 25th. Engaged as yesterday." One of the pieces of furniture that Washington bought from the French Minister was a bureau which was after- wards an object of special bequest. In his will we read : "To my companion in arms and old and intimate friend, Dr. Craik, I give my beaureau (or as cabinet-makers call it, tambour secretary), and the circular chair, an appendage of my study." 510 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Whether the large mahogany desk that appears on this page is the one referred to above, we do not know ; but it is certain that Washington used this from 1789 to 1797. GEORGE WASHINGTON S DESK. Now owned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. See this page. It is clumsy but very commodious, and the only pretence to ornament is the turned balusters at the top and the bell- rlower, which is unusually large and ungraceful, framing the lower drawers. This is inlaid in satin-wood. Above the lower drawers are two metal handles, which, when 5" THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS pulled forward, draw out a slab for writing, and the cylin- drical top rolls upward out of sight, like the ordinary office desk of to-day. This piece of furniture is now owned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. When the seat of government removed from New York to Philadelphia, the President leased the house that had successively been occupied by Richard Penn, General Howe, Benedict Arnold, Holkar, the French consul, and Robert Morris. In his directions to his secretary, Washing- ton writes : " Mr. and Mrs. Morris have insisted upon leaving the two large looking-glasses which are in their best rooms because they have no place, they say, proper to remove them to, and because they are unwilling to hazard the tak- ing of them down. You will, therefore, let them have in- stead, the choice of mine : the large ones I purchased of the French minister they do not incline to take, but will be glad of some of the others. They will also leave a large glass lamp in the entry or hall, and will take one or more of my glass lamps in lieu of it. ... Mrs. Morris has a mangle * (I think it is called) for ironing clothes, which, -\s it is fixed in the place where it is commonly used, she proposes to leave and take mine. To this, I have no objection, provided mine is equally good and conveni- ent ; but if I should obtain any advantages besides that of its being up and ready for use, I am not inclined to receive it. * It is interesting to note that seven years before this, a mangle had been a novelty to Washington. An entry in his Diary (September 3, 1787) reads: " Phila. In Convention . visited a machine at Dr. Franklin's (called a mangle) for pressing in place of ironing clothes from the wash which machine from the facility with which it despatches business is well calculated for tablecloths, and such articles as have not pleats and irregular foldings, and would be very useful in all large families/' He evidently bought one soon. 511 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS " I have no particular direction to give respecting the appropriation of the furniture. By means of the how win- dows the hack rooms will hecome the largest, and, of course, will receive the furniture of the largest dining- and drawing-rooms, and in that case, though there are no clos- c H AIR FROM WASHINGTON'S PRESIDENTIAL MANSION, PHILADELPHIA Now owned by the Historical Society of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. See page 514-15. ets in them, there are some in the steward's room, directly opposite, which are not inconvenient. There is a small room adjoining the kitchen, that might, if it is not essen- tial for other purposes, he appropriated for the Sevres china, and other things of that sort, which are not in common use. Mrs. Morris, who is a notahle lady in family arrange- ments, can give you much information on all the conveni- ences ahout the house and buildings, and I dare say would THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS rather consider it a compliment to be consulted in those matters, than a trouble to give her opinion of them. " I approve, at least till inconvenience or danger shall appear, of the large table ornaments remaining on the side- board, and of the pagodas standing in the smallest drawing- room. Had I delivered my sentiments from here respect- ing this fixture, that is the apartment I should have named for it. Whether the green, which you have, or a new yellow curtain, should be appropriated to the staircase above the hall, may depend on your getting an exact match, in colour, and so forth of the latter. For the sake of appearances one. would not in instances of this kind, regard a small additional expense." An account of a visit to this house is given by Thomas Twining, who writes : " At one o'clock to-day I called at General Washing- ton's w r ith the picture and letter I had for him. He lived in a small red brick house on the left side of High Street, not much higher up than Fourth Street. There was noth- ing in the exterior of the house that denoted the rank of its possessor. Next door was a hair-dresser. Having stated my object to a servant who came to the door, I was conducted up a neat but rather narrow staircase car- peted in the middle, and was shown into a middling- sized, well-furnished drawing-room on the left of the passage. Nearly opposite the door was the fireplace, with a wood fire in it. The floor was carpeted. On the left of the fireplace was a sofa which sloped across the room. There were no pictures on the walls, no ornaments on the chimney-piece. Two windows on the right of the entrance looked into the street." On page 5 1 3 appears a chair that was in the Presi- MUSICAL GLASSES IN MAHOGANY FRAME Owntd by Mn. John Tajto* Ptrrin t Baltimore, MJ. Set fage THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS dential Mansion in Philadelphia. It is a good example of the Louis Seize period. It is painted white and gilt, while the upholstering is of white brocade sprinkled with flowers of bright hue. This valuable chair is now owned CHAIR GIVEN BY GEORGE WASHINGTON TO READ Owned by hit descendant, Mr. H. Pumpelly Read, Albany, N. Y. See page 516. by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia Another chair owned by Washington is seen on page 505. This is of the Heppelwhite school. What the wood is we cannot tell, for it is painted white. The seat is orange plush. The chair was originally in Mount Vernon, but is now owned by the Valentine Museum, Richmond, Va. ss THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Other specimens of furniture from Mount Vernon appear on page 119 and page 123. Washington was not only fond of furnishing his own home, but sometimes gave presents of furniture to his friends. On page 5 i 5 is represented a chair that he gave to George Read, a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- dence, and which is now owned by the latter's descendant, Mr. H. Pumpelly Read of Albany, N. Y. It is in the Sheraton style with fluted legs and the lyre-back, which was so popular in the Louis Seize period and so frequently used by Sheraton. This has been restored according to tradition, and is painted white picked out with gold. Scarcely second in interest to Mount Vernon is Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, though its remoteness makes it practically inaccessible to the patriotic tourist. All the distinguished foreigners who came to this country and recorded their impressions have left glowing accounts of the house, its beautiful situation among the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its hospitable owner. Levasseur, who ac- companied Lafayette on his visit there in 1825, thus de- scribes the mansion : " The hospitality of Mr. Jefferson is proverbial, his house is constantly open, not only to numerous visitors from the neighbourhood, but also to all the foreign travellers who were attracted by curiosity or the very natural desire of seeing and conversing with the sage of Monticello. The dwelling is built in the figure of an irregular octagon, with porticoes at the east and west, and peristyles on the north and south. Its extent comprising the peristyles and porti- coes is about i i o feet by 90 ; the exterior is in the Doric order, and surmounted by balustrades. The incerior of the house is ornamented in the different orders of architecture, THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS except the composite ; the vestibule is Doric ; the dining- room, Doric; the drawing-room, Corinthian; and the dome, Attic. The chambers are ornamented in the differ- ent forms of these orders in true proportion as given by Palladio. Throughout this delightful dwelling are to be found proofs of the good taste of the proprietor, and of his enlightened love for the arts. His parlour is ornamented by a beautiful collection of paintings, among which we remarked with pleasure an Ascension by Poussin, a hoiy family by Raphael ; a flagellation of Christ by Rubens, and a crucifixion by Guido. In the dining-room were four beautiful busts of Washington, Franklin, Lafayette and Paul Jones. There were also some other fine pieces of sculpture in different parts of the house. The library, without being extensive, is well selected ; but what espe- cially excites the curiosity of visitors is the rich museum situated at the entrance of the house. This extensive and excellent collection consists of offensive and defensive arms, dresses, ornaments, and utensils of different savage tribes of North America." We have no means of forming an exact idea of the contents of each of the rooms in Monticello, because, in his will, Jefferson departed from the usual custom : " In consequence of the variety and indescribableness of the ar- ticles of property within the house of Monticello, and the difficulty of inventorying and appraising them separately and specifically, and its inutility, 1 dispense with having them inventoried and appraised." In 1815, however, Jef- ferson had drawn up a list of his taxable property in Albe- marle County. At that date the household furniture con- sisted of: "4 clocks, i bureau or secretary (mahogany), 2 book cases do., 4 chests of drawers, do., i side board with S7 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS doors and drawers (mahogany), 8 separate parts of dining table do., i 3 tea and card tables, do., 6 sophas with gold leaf, 36 chairs (mahogany), 44 do. gold leaf, 1 1 pr. win- dow curtains foreign, 16 portraits in oil, i do. crayon, 64 pictures, prints and engravings, with frames more than i 2 in., 39 do. under 12 in. with gilt frames, 3 looking glasses 5 ft. long, i 3 do. 4 ft. and not 5 ft., i do. 3 ft. and not 4 ft., 2 do. 2 ft. and not 3 ft., i harpischord, 2 silver watches, 2 silver coffee pots, 3 plated urns and coffee pots, 1 3 plated candlesticks, 4 cut glass decanters, i o silver cups." The mahogany bureau or secretary mentioned above appears on page 519. It now belongs to Miss Eva Mar- shall Thomas of Richmond, Va., arid was purchased at the Monticello sale by Governor Gilmer. Colonel John Rus- sell Jones from Albemarle, Va., was also a bidder. At the sale of Governor Gilmer's effects, Colonel Jones was enabled to gain possession of it, and through him it descended to Miss Thomas. It is interesting to find that Jefferson's keen intellect recognized that objects associated with the genesis of the United States were likely to become intensely interesting on that account, and that he regarded such a reverential attitude of mind as entirely proper, as the following corre- spondence published in the Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society proves. He writes to his grand-daughter, Ellen W. Coolidge, from Monticello, November 14,1825: " I received a letter from a friend in Philadelphia lately, asking information of the house, and room of the house there, in which the Declaration of Independence was written, with a view to future celebrations of the 4th of July in it; another enquir- 518 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ing whether a paper given to the Philosophical Society there, as a rough draught of that Declaration was genuinely so. A society is formed there lately for an annual celebra- tion of the advent of Penn to that place. It was held in his antient mansion, and the chair in which he actually sate when at his writing table was presented by a lady THOMAS JEFFERSON'S DESK Owned by MU* Eva Marshall Thomas, Richmond, Va. See page 518. owning it, and was occupied by the president of the cele- bration. Two other chairs were given them, made of the elm under the shade of which Penn had made his first treaty with the Indians. If these things acquire a super- stitious value because of their connection with particular persons, surely a connection with the great Charter of our Independence may give a value to what has been associated with that ; and such was the idea of the enquirers after the room in which it was written. Now I happen still to possess the writing-box on which it was written. It was made from 59 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS a drawing of my own by Ben. Randall, a cabinet-maker in whose house I took my first lodgings on my arrival in Phila- delphia in May, 1777, and I have used it ever since. It claims no merit of particular beauty. It is plain, neat convenient, and, taking no more room on the writing- table than a moderate 4to volume, it yet displays itself suf- ficiently for any writing. Mr. Coolidge must do me tht favour of accepting this. Its imaginary value will increast with years, and if he lives to my age, or another half-cen- tury, he may see it carried in the procession of our nation '* birthday, as relics of the Saints are in those of the Church. I will send it thro' Col. Peyton, and hope with better for- tune than that for which it is to be a substitute." Mr. Joseph Coolidge's reply was as follows : " The desk arrived safely, furnished with a precious document which adds very greatly to its value ; for the same hand which, half a century ago, traced upon it the words which have gone abroad upon the earth, now attests its authenticity and consigns it to myself. When I think of the desk ' in connection with the great charter of our in- dependence,' I feel a sentiment almost of awe, and ap- proach it with respect ; but when I remember that it has served you fifty years, been the faithful depository of your cherished thoughts, that upon it have been written your letters to illustrious and excellent men, good plans for the advancement of civil and religious liberty and of art and science, that it has, in fact, been the companion oi your studies and the instrument of diffusing their results that it has been a witness of a philosophy which calumny * This desk was presented to the United States by the heirs of Mr. Joseph Coolidg- (See Proceedings in the Senate and House of Representatives, April 23, 1880, on th: Occasion of the Presentation of Thomas Jefferson's writing-desk.) 520 WEST PARLOUR, MOUNT VERNON Ste fagt joj. LADY'S WRITING-DESK Owned by Charles B. Tiernan, Esq., Baltimore, Md. See pages 532-3. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS could not subdue, and of an enthusiasm which eighty winters have not chilled, I would fain consider it as no longer inanimate and mute, but as something to be interro- gated and caressed." Another desk belonging to one of the makers of American history appears on page 491. This is a simple mahogany desk originally owned by President Madison and now the property of Mrs. George Ben Johnston, Richmond, Va. .... It is well known how fond of music Thomas Jefferson was. He not only played the violin, but he seems to have been alive to all the new inventions. While visiting Philadelphia in 1 800, Thomas Jeffer- son writes to his daughter : " A very ingenious, modest and poor young man in Philadelphia, has invented one of the prettiest improvements in the pianoforte that I have seen, and it has tempted me to engage one for Monticello. His strings are perpendicular, and he contrives within that height to give his strings the same length as in a grand pianoforte, and fixes the three unisons to the same screw. It scarcely gets out of tune at all, and then, for the most part, the three unisons are tuned at once." This must have been similar to the keyed harp which J. A. Guttwaldt, 75 Maiden Lane, advertises in the Even- ing Posf, in 1818, as "a musical instrument that perfectly equals the harp in sound, and far surpasses it in point of easy treatment, as it is played like the piano, by means of keys, and consequently has all the advantages of brilliant modulation ; the only one in the United States." This instrument was, undoubtedly, the piano-harp, which is some- times erroneously called harpsichord. Jefferson's interest in music never abated. We find his THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS grand-daughter, Ellen W. Coolidge, writing to him from Boston on December 26, 1825: "I have written a long letter and in great part by candle-light, but I cannot close without saying that the brandy, etc., will be shipped in about a week along with a piano built for Virginia in this town, a very beautiful piece of workmanship, and doing, I think, great credit to the young mechanic whom we employed, and whose zeal was much stimulated by the knowledge that his work would pas's under your eye. The tones of the instrument are fine, and its interior structure compares most advantageously with that of the English-built pianos, having, we think, a decided superiority. The manufac- turer believes that it will be to his advantage to have it known that he was employed in such a work for you, or what amounts to the same thing, for one of your family, living under your roof. Willard, the clock-maker, is, as I mentioned before, very solicitous to have the making oi the time-piece for the University, has already begun it (upon bis own responsibility and knowing the circumstances of the case, as we have taken care to mislead or deceive him in nothing), and wishes to be informed exactly as to the dimensions of the room in which the clock is -to stand." Thomas Jefferson replies from Monticello, May 1 9, 1826: "The pianoforte is also in place, and Mrs. Carey happening here has exhibited to us its full powers, which are indeed great. Nobody slept the ist night, nor is the tumult yet over on this the 3rd day of its emplacement." In 1824, we find in the New York Evening Post an advertisement that a Mr. Cartwright will perform on the " Musical Glasses' at 63 Liberty Street, and that the selec- tions will be " English, Scotch and Irish melodies." This 511 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS brings to our notice an interesting instrument that was very popular in the early part of the nineteenth century. It is known by the name of Harmonicon as well as that of Musical Glasses. A very handsome specimen of this appears facing page 514. The twenty-four glasses are shaped like ordinary finger- bowls, except that they are fastened into: the sounding-board by means of short stems. Each glass contains on the front the letter of the note it gives when the wet finger is ap- plied to it. The glasses are placed in four rows of six glasses each. This curious instrument also forms an interesting piece of furniture. Its frame and case are mahogany. The arrangement of its two back pillars suggests the console table. The box containing the glasses rests upon these and is supported in the front by a lyre terminating in beau- tifully carved eagles' heads. The strings on the lyre are inlaid brass. The fanciful shaped base stands upon lions' claws, while beneath the pillars the ball and acanthus leaf occur. This Harmonicon was originally owned by Mrs. John Prosser of Gloucester County, Va., who bought it about eighty years ago. It became the property of her daughter, Mrs. John Tabb of White Marsh, Va., and de- scended through her son, Dr. John Prosser Tabb, to his daughter, Mrs. John Tayloe Perrin of Baltimore. It was played for the entertainment of Gen. Robert E. Lee when he visited White Marsh in 1866. These instruments are quite rare, though occasionally they are seen in museums devoted to musical curiosities. A similar instrument is owned by Mr. Henry Kellogg of Lutherville, Md., and another by Mr. E. G. Butler of Dabney, N. C. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS What we particularly notice regarding musical instru- ments at the period under review is the continued popu- larity of the harpsichord and the introduction and popularity of its successor, the pianoforte. The latter is a much older instrument than is commonly supposed. Its origin is usually attributed to Cristofori, a harpsichord-maker of Padua, and the date of its appearance, 1709. The name, however, is traced to 1598. Until 1760, all pianos were made in the wing-shape, which we now call " grands," but in that year, Zumpe, a German maker, introduced the "square." It was also about 1760 that twelve skil- ful German workmen went to London, became associated with the Broadwoods, and have since been known as " the twelve apostles " of piano-making. One of them was John Geib, the inventor of the " grass-hopper action," whose sons became conspicuous in New York. William Southall of Dublin patented a " cabinet " or " upright " in 1807; but in 1 794 the same maker, "with the addition of treble keys," gave the piano six octaves from F to F. " Pianos with additional keys " are frequently advertised in the New York newspapers from this time onward. In 1797, " Michael Canschut, Forte Piano-maker," has " just finished an elegant well-toned Grand Forte piano with ad- ditional keys and double-bridged sounding board the first of the kind ever made in this city." This was probably Mr. Southall's patent. The London makers soon begin to send instruments to America, and it is not long before branch houses or new manufactories are established in various parts of the United States. One of these dealers was John Jacob Astor, who began to import pianos to this country about 1763. In 1783, he sailed for Baltimore, with some flutes, but fell in with a fur dealer, which chance led him 5*4 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS into the fur business. He exported furs and imported pianos until furs absorbed all of his energies. He was succeeded about 1802 by John and Michael PafF. Another early maker was Charles Albrecht, who made pianos in Philadelphia before 1789, the date upon the ex- HIANOFORTE Made by Charles Albrecht, Philadelphia, 1789 ; in the collection of the Historical Society of Philadel- phia, Pa. See below. ample owned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and represented on this page. The case is perfectly simple and of no special interest. It will be seen that this has only four octaves and four keys, and the fact that it has no pedals shows that it is an exceedingly primi- tive instrument. In 1801, J. Hewitt, 59 Maiden Lane, sells "grand pianofortes, uprights and longways, with additional keys, 5*5 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS square ditto with or without additional keys"; and he also has " organs, violins, violoncellos, bows, kits, flutes, clar- inets, hoboys, horns, bassoons, carillons, and Roman strings, etc." In 1802, music and musical instruments could be pur- chased from George Gilfert, 1 77 Broadway, and in the same year John and Michael Paff, i 27 Broadway, adver- tise "50 square patent to F, with additional keys to F F; 2 grand pianofortes, a harpsichord, and an upright grand pianoforte"; and in 1806 they advertise "two very elegant Satten Wood pianofortes." Gibson and Davis, 58 Warren Street, also sold pianofortes for a great many years from 1803. D. Mazzinghi, i i Murray Street, advertises in 1803 " pianofortes from London, made by Astor, Bell, and de- menti." In 1816, John PafF has some pianofortes from London, costing from $200 to $300. For grand upright pianos, in 1817, you could "inquire at Mr. Phyfe's Cabinet Ware- House, Fulton Street " ; and, in the same year, John and Adam Geib & Co. advertise a " superb musical clock man- ufactured in Paris, which plays a large variety of the best music, set on six barrels, and is united with a first-rate time-piece. It is perhaps superior to anything of the kind imported into the United States; being valued at thirteen hundred dollars ; and is offered for sale at that price, or will be exhibited to any Lady or Gentleman who will hon- our the above firm with a call at their Piano Forte ware- house and wholesale and retail music store, No. 23 Maiden Lane." The two Geibs just mentioned were among the most important of the early pianoforte-makers in New York. They were the sons of John Geib, already spoken of on 5*6 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS page 524. We find them in New York, at 23 Maiden Lane, selling pianos made by Geib, Broadwood, Astor, and dementi. The name Geib appears early in the New York newspapers. John Geib and Son (1807) "respect- fully inform the public and the lovers of the arts that they have just constructed a Forte Piano on a new plan, it hav- ing 4 pedals: ist, the Harp; 2d, the Bassoon; 3d, the Full Chorus : 4th, the Swell, to which they invite the cu- rious and ingenious, hoping it will meet their approbation." In 1821, J. H. and W. Geib have for sale "a large and handsome assortment of Piano Fortes of the latest fashion, and of superior tone and workmanship, among which are many made by Clementi and Co. and Astor and Co. of London." These were for sale at their wholesale and retail store, 23 Maiden Lane. In 1822, A. & W. Geib have removed from 23 Mai- den Lane to their manufactory, Greenwich, in Barton Street; and in 1823, A. & W. Geib " have reopened their store, 23 Maiden Lane, where they offer an extensive as- sortment of pianofortes of their own manufacture, also some by Clementi and Broadwood." They have an exe- cutor's sale in the same year of articles belonging to the estate of John Geib, consisting of two elegant superior toned Clementi's pianos, one do., round end pillar and claw ; one do. doz. rosewood do. and two square and com- mon do." In 1825 A. and W. Geib have at their "piano- forte warehouse, 23 Maiden Lane," " two very elegant rosewood pianofortes just from the manufactory." This firm disappears from the New York directories in 1828, when William removes "up-town" to Eleventh Street. Therefore, the very handsome pianoforte that faces page 516, bearing the inscription: "New Patent, A. and 5*7 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS W. Geib, 23 Maiden Lane, New York," must have been made between the years 1823 and 1828, and may indeed have been one of the rosewood pianos advertised in 1825. This must have been in its day a very excellent instrument. It is now a very beautiful piece of furniture. The case is made of extremely handsome rosewood and is ornamented w ith two bands of ornate brasswork. The name-plate is sur- rounded by a cluster of daisies and morning-glories painted with that green metallic colouring that at this period was used so universally to decorate the backs of the " Fancy Chair." On either side of these flowers is a latticework, each square of which is carved and is decorated in the centre with a golden dot. Behind the latticework is a piece of sapphire velvet. A thin gold thread is painted above this decoration and again appears on the outside at the rounded ends where it forms a square. Below the two bands of metal and above the legs, three drawers will be noticed. The little draw- ers at the ends are furnished with one handsome brass knob, and each is lined with red velvet. The central drawer has two knobs. Above each of the legs a very elaborate medallion forms not only a decoration, but is evidently a necessity for hiding the screw or pin by which the leg is held to the body of the instrument. Such ornaments are invariably seen on the legs of the high-post bedsteads. The six legs of this piano are turned and carved with the acanthus in high relief, and above the carving an ornate band of delicately chiselled brass contributes an additional ornament. In the centre and a little to the left is the pedal, and it is interesting to compare this with the pedals on the harpsichord represented on page 501. The piano on page 525 has no pedals. We have already seen that musical and chiming-clocks THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS SECRETARY GIVEN BY JOSEPH BONAPARTE TO STEPHEN GIRARD Now in Girard College, Philadelphia. See page 530. were in vogue before the Revolution (see pages 3034). In 1776, we rind an advertisement that " Mervin Perry re- peating and plain Clock and Watchmaker from London, where he has improved himself under the most eminent and S9 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS capital artists in those branches, has opened shop in Han- over Square at the Sign of the Dial. He mends and re- pairs musical, repeating, quarterly, chime, silent pull and common weight clocks." Clocks with automata are sometimes imported. For example : George J. Warner, 10 Liberty Street, in 1795, has " two musical chamber clocks, with moving figures, which play four tunes each on two setts of elegantly well-toned bells, and show the hour, minute, and day of the week." Musical clocks with figures, and cuckoo clocks, could be had at Kerner and ParFs, 245 Water Street (1796); Ed- ward Meeks, Jr., 1 14 Maiden Lane, " has eight-day jclocks and chiming time-pieces" (1796). In i 8 i 5 1 6, Stolenwerck and Brothers have for sale at 157 Broadway "a superb musical cabinet or Panharmoni- con combined with a secretary and clock. The music, which goes by weights in the manner of a clock, consists of a selection of the finest pieces by the most celebrated composers, and is perfect. On opening the door of the Secretary a beautiful colonnade of alabaster pillars with gilded capitals and bases is displayed. The whole is about 7 feet high, surmounted with a marble figure of Urania leaning on a globe, round which a zone revolves and indi- cates the hours. It was made at Berlin in Prussia, and cost $1,500." This must have been somewhat similar to the secretary shown on page 529, a present from Joseph Bonaparte to Stephen Girard, and now in Girard College, Philadelphia. This is of satin wood ornamented with ormoulu. The col- umns are of marble with brass capitals. In the centre of the arch, a clock is placed, and the secretary is equipped 530 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS with a fine musical box. A similar piece of furniture is owned by Theodore B. Woolsey, Esq., New York. Occasionally a valuable and rare specimen finds its way across the Atlantic. In 1801, David F. Launay, watch- maker, No. 9 Warren Street, has "a high finished clock which decorated the library of the late King of France, made by Charles Bertrand of the Royal Academy ; its original price, 5,000 livres; to be sold for 500 dollars"; and in 1817, Rurfier & Co., importers of French Dry Goods, 142 Broadway, advertise, "bronze clock work, a large mon- ument, in Bronze and Gilt ornaments, erected to the hon- our of the brave who fell in the ever memorable Battle of Waterloo, June the i8th, 1815," and "Statue of the Em- peror Napoleon in imitation of that placed at the top of the column, erected at the Place Vendome in Paris, on a marble pedestal, ornamented with gilt and of a fine execu- tion." However, it must not be imagined that the tall clock has disappeared. Facing page 540 is represented one with a case of cherry neatly inlaid. This was made in Connec- ticut about i 800, and is now owned by Mr. Walter Hos- mer, Wethersfield, Conn. On the same plate is a variety of clock that has become very common. It is frequently called the "banjo clock." This specimen, which belongs to Mrs. Wainwright, Hartford, Conn., is about three feet long. The square base in which, of course, the pendulum swings, is about twelve inches square. The pictures that decorate the front are painted on glass, and the framework is gilt. Joseph Bonfanti, 305 Broadway, advertises in 1823, " German clocks some plain with music and some with moving figures," and French clocks " some with music and S3* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS will play different tunes," also " ladies' musical work- boxes and musical snuff-boxes." All sorts of novelties could be purchased at Joseph Bonfanti's shop, and in 1824 he constantly endeavours to attract customers by verses proclaiming his wares. For example : " Large elegant time-pieces playing sweet tunes, And cherry stones too that hold ten dozen spoons, And clocks that chime sweetly on nine little bells, And boxes so neat ornamented with shells. *l* *t T " His drawing-room ornaments whiter than plaster, A beautiful stuff which is called alabaster ; For beauty and elegance nothing surpasses, Arranged on the chimney-piece in front of the glasses. 5JC JjC JjC 41 Here ladies may buy musical work-boxes gay, Which while they sit working will prettily play ; Superb magic lanterns and tea-trays japanned, Hair lockets, steel watch chains, quills, wafers and sand" We have noted the many kinds of furniture specially designed by Sheraton for ladies, and naturally the Ameri- can papers from about 1 8 1 o onward frequently advertise work-tables, letter-cases, work-boxes, etc., and these are often furnished with musical boxes, such as Bonfanti de- scribes, and clocks. The work-table, with its drawers, its compartments for small articles and its pouch, was found in every household. We have given two examples on pages 4,81 and 4.83. The letter-case was a desk that partook ,^mewhat of the form of a screen and could be conven- iently moved in front of the fire. One, now in Mount Vernon, appears on page i 19 and another on page 473. A lady's desk, very similar in shape, facing page 524, belongs to Charles B. Tiernan, Esq., Baltimore, Md., and was im- 53* MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD Owned by Mrj. Charles S. FaircbiU, Cazenovia, N. Y. See page jj6. "BANJO CLOCK" Owned by Mrs. Wainu'right, Hartford, Conn. Sff page 531. CLOCK WITH CHERRY CASE Owned by Mr. Walter Hosmer, Wethersfield, Conn. See page 531. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ported from Europe for his mother. The drawers are delicately inlaid with ivory in conventional garlands and are furnished with very small ivory knobs. The ornamental head of the desk contains a musical box and clock. The work-table shown on this page is interesting as a piece of furniture and on account of its history. It was designed for the charming Lady Blessington, by her admirer, Count d'Orsay, and stood in the drawing-room at Gore House for several years, be- fore misfortune visited it. When Lady Blessington fled to France, the sheriff seized the furniture and held a sale at Gore House. This work-table was purchased by Mr. Featherstonhaugh, who brought it to America. It is now owned by his son, Mr. George W. Feather- stonhaugh, in Schenectady, N. Y. The table is of a peculiar, vase-shaped form, and is but thirty inches high. It is eigh- teen inches across the top, which opens back upon a hinge, revealing a well surrounded by nine small compartments for small articles. The exterior is of hard polished wood, in- laid all over with wreaths of roses and forget-me-nots and birds. The colours of the leaves and petals of the flowers, as well as the feathers of the birds, are executed in variously coloured woods. The beautiful and delicate marquetry, as well as the graceful design, render this a most valuable and curious piece of cabinet-work. S33 LADY BLESSINGTON S TABLE WORK- Owned by Mr. George W. Featherston- haugh, Schenectady, N. V. See this page. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS During the Revolution, New York being in the hands of the British, the city retained its character as a busy mart, though, of course, importations of furniture were not as extensive as in times of peace. The New York news- papers contain frequent notices of auctions of household goods by returning officers and other officials and gentry. In 1780, the following advertisement appeared in the New York Gazette, and is typical of many : " All the elegant, useful and ornamental house furniture of a gentleman going to England, viz., a variety of plate, china and glass, mahogany chairs, tables, desks, bureaus, sideboard and cellaret, mahogany bedsteads, with rich dam- ask harrateen and copper-plate furniture and window cur- tains to match, very best feather beds and bedding, elegant carpets, looking-glasses, cases of knives and forks, table linen, fuzee and bayonet, silver-mounted pistols, handsome swords, perspective glasses, a prime violin of the softest tone, an iron chest, Madeira and claret wine, arrack, a number of books, brass andirons, and all kinds of kitchen furniture." The above mention of sideboard and cellaret reminds us that the sideboard was just coming into fashion, taking the place of the plain sideboard-table. Examples of Hep- pelwhite and Sheraton sideboards have been given in the last chapter, and on page 535 is another specimen from the Gansevoort home, Whitehall, which was the headquarters of the British Governor in Albany. The knife-boxes, with the knives, standing upon it and the cellaret below, are of the same date and belong to it. These articles are now owned by Mr. Leonard Ten Eyck, Albany, N. Y. Sideboards are frequently advertised in New York, the wine-cooler or cellaret often receives special mention. In 534 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS 1808, "Egyptian wine-coolers" are introduced. This was " an entirely new patent cooler, very elegantly press'd with To 'V ^fe! MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD, KNIFE-BOXES AND CELLARET, FROM WHITE- HALL, THE GANSEVOORT HOME Ownrd by Mr. Ix-onard Ten Eyck. See page 534. superb figures, and undoubtedly the very best thing ever used for the purpose. It is made of the finest clay un- glaz'd, is of a salmon colour, and a handsome ornament to any dining-table." us THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The specimen facing page 532 is a fine example of native workmanship. It was made in New York in 1807 for the alcove in which it stands. This piece of furniture, as well as the house, Lorenzo, built at Cazenovia, New York, by John Lincklaen in 1807, is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Fairchild. It is of mahogany. The capitals of the pillars and the claw feet are well carved and the ring handles are original. The mirror above it and the candle- sticks, china and chairs all belong to the same period. In 1823, we find advertisements of " elegant sideboards inlaid with rosewood," " highly polished marble slabs for sideboards from Italy," and " plain and inlaid carved col- umn and claw feet sideboards." The latter description evidently fits Mrs. Fairchild's piece, which thus continued a fashionable model for many years. Still another variety appears on page 498. This speci- men, owned by the American Antiquarian Society of Wor- cester, Mass., is of mahogany with semi-circular front. The ever popular bell-flower is carved above the legs, and the lower opening beneath the arch is enclosed with a tambour slide. Knobs are placed upon the drawers and doors, but a brass escutcheon with ring handle still fur- nishes the tambour slide, which is made of separate strips. Another handsome sideboard of elaborately carved oak appears as the frontispiece. This belongs to Miss Jessie Colby of New York, and has been in the Colgate family for more than half a century. A desk and bookcase made of curled maple appears on page 541. This is an old family piece, and is now the property of Mr. Charles S. Fairchild of New York. It is a good specimen of native work and was made about 1812. Another variety of desk faces page 550. This belonged to 536 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Daniel Webster and is now in the collection of the Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Mass, and is owned by Mr. E. R. Lemon. It is of mahogany and satin wood with a narrow inlay of satin wood and ebony at the base, representing a cord. The ring handles are of simple form. UKSK. AND CHAIR Owned by Miw Anne Van Cortlandt, Croton on-the-Hudson, New York. See below. A desk of historical interest is shown on this page. De Witt Clinton is said to have died while sitting at it. By it stands a chair somewhat similar to those facing page i i 8. The pattern of this chair is exactly similar to one owned by the Worshipful Company of Parrish Clerks in London, dating from about 1750. These pieces belong to Miss Anne Van Cortlandt, Croton-on-the-Hudson, N. Y. 537 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS In addition to the fashionable furniture of the day that was imported from England and France, there were always additional special importations of objects due to individual taste, especially when the revived interest in antiques be- gan to be generally felt. Oriental goods came in in a steady stream. Among our illustrations of individual importa- tions are the carved ebony table facing page 487, that be- longed to Houqua, a mandarin of China, and now owned by Mrs. Caleb T. Smith, Smithtown, L. I. (see page 416); a French chair made of fancy wood trimmed with brass and ornamented with porcelain plaques, and upholstered in pale blue satin, owned by Mr. Robert Colby, New York ; a sofa and chair imported by C. C. Pinckney, and owned by Mrs. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charleston, S. C. (see page 493) ; a carved Indian chair, a table made of South American woods, and a carved ebony mir- ror from the Summer Palace, Pekin, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Small, of Charleston, S. C. (see facing page 498). Bronze candelabra appear facing page 500; and a console table on page 553. The latter was bought in London at a sale of the Russian Ambassador's effects, by John Hubbard of Boston, grandfather of the present owner. How well New York kept abreast of European fashions in furniture early in the nineteenth century can best be shown by the newspaper announcements. In i 802, Chris- tian, Cabinet-maker, 73 Broad Street, thanks the public for patronage, and says, " the several years of experience he has had as a workman in some of the first shops of Europe and America, enable him to supply those who may favour him with their custom, with furniture of the first taste and workmanship." THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Two choice articles of furniture come to auction in 1808: "a set of Pillar-and-cla\v dining-tahles in five re- moves made of uncommonly fine San Domingo mahogany, with brass castors, springs and fasteners complete;" and "a first-rate pedestal and sideboard on castors made of solid mahogany of superior quality." The above articles, the advertisement tells us, " were made in this city to a partic- ular order," and assures us that the mahogany was seasoned five years before being made up. Among chairs and sofas, we notice : " A handsome set of drawing room chairs with a suitable sofa and curtains ; fancy and Windsor chairs (1802) ; chairs with rattan bottoms ( 1 806); green Windsor and plain and figured (1808) ; conversation, curled maple, painted, ornamented, landscape, sewing and rocking chairs ( 1817) ; mahogany with hair sittings ; rosewood and fancy painted (1819); reclining, cane and rush seat and fancy gilt (1822); bamboo, rocking and sewing; fancy book and round front rush and cane seat ; bamboo, round front, rosewood ; Grecian back, cane and rush seat, gilt bamboo ; hair stuffed, fancy rush and cane seat ; imitation rosewood cane seats; elegant mahogany chairs eagle pattern; plain with panelled back; Trafalgar with landscapes (1823); mahogany covered with rich crimson satin damask ; square and round front fancy gilt, fancy chairs richly gilt with real gold and bronze ; white and gold cane seats ( 1824) ; rose- wood covered with yellow plush (1825); yellow bamboo (1826); mahogany with plain and figured hair seating < i 826 ). Grecian sofas, and couches of new and elegant pat- terns ( i 820) ; ten Grecian sofas of warranted workmanship (1822) ; Blair's patent elastic spring sofas (1822); a Grecian sofa with scroll ends, a set superb curled maple chairs with 5J9 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS cane seats and Grecian posts and settee to match and polished on the varnish ; five new pattern couches and sofas (1823); sixty pattern spring and hair seat Grecian sofas (1823); Grecian sofas, some of which are inlaid with rose and satin wood ; four plain hair stuffed sofas ; three banded-back and scroll-end sofas; a sofa covered with crimson (1823) ; six scroll-end sofas covered with red damask inlaid with rose- wood gilt and bronzed feet ; two crimson do., six hair seating, pannel-back and scroll-end sofas ; ten elegant black hair seating sofas ; two superb settees with elegant damask cushions, pillows, etc., and twelve cane seat white and gold chairs to match (1824); Windsor settees; "rosewood sofa covered with yellow plush and twelve chairs to match, made by order of a Spanish gentleman (1825)." It will be noticed that new fashions are now prevailing, especially the " Fancy " and " Trafalgar " chairs, and the Egyptian and Classic forms of the Empire style. These will all be described in the following chapter. The tables, beds, bu- reaus, bookcases and other articles of furniture occur in equally multitudinous varieties, but lack of space forbids any attempt at further enumeration. Two chairs belonging to a full set imported from France, and now in the home of Mr. Charles R. Waters, Salem, appear on page 545. The back of each is carved in a different pattern, the wood being entirely cut away from the figures. A handsomely carved sofa owned by Dr. Herman V. Mynderse, of Schenectady, N. Y., faces page 510. The scroll ends have the form of dolphins, and the feet terminate in the lion's claw. This is upholstered in horse- hair. As we have seen how the South impressed a Northern 540 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS CURLED MAPLE l>l K Made near Cuenovia about 1811 ; owned by Mr. Charles S. Fail-child, New York. See page 536. traveller at this period, it may be interesting to see how the North impressed a Southern visitor. On October 21, 1789, General Washington writes of Connecticut, in his Diary: "There is a great equality in the People of this 541 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS State. Few or no opulent men and no poor great sim- ilitude in their buildings the general fashion of which is a Chimney (always of Stone or Brick), and door in the middle, with a staircase fronting the latter, running up by the side of the latter [former?] two flush stories, with a very good show of sash and glass windows the size gen- erally is from 30 to 50 feet in length, and from 20 to 30 in width, exclusive of a back shed, which seems to be added as the family increases." On October 22, he writes from Brookfield, Mass.: " The fashion of the houses are more diversified than in Connecticut, though many are built in their style." On November 3, the note in his Diary is as follows: " Portsmouth (N. H.) contains about 5,000 inhabitants. There are some good houses (among which Colonel Lang- don's may be esteemed the first,) but in general they are indifferent, and almost entirely of wood. On wondering at this, as the country is full of stone and good clay for bricks, I was told that on account of the fogs and damp, they deemed them wholesomer, and for that reason pre- ferred wood buildings." It will be noticed that Washington was struck with the general uniformity of pecuniary conditions in the North. The luxurious home was, in fact, the exception. Many important people in New England rose into promi- nence from very modest circumstances. As an example, the Hon. Charles Rich, of Vermont (Member of Con- gress) began house-keeping in 1791, possessed of no other property than i cow, i pair 2-year old steers, 6 sheep, i bed, and a few articles of household furniture, which, all to- gether, were valued at $66.00, and about 45 acres of land. While " at the mill," he wrote, " I constructed a number THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of articles of furniture, which have been in daily use from that time, to the present." He died in 1824. At the outbreak of the Revolution, many Bostonians shut up their houses and removed their furniture to places of safety, as was the case in Philadelphia and elsewhere. On August 5, 1775, Abigail Adams writes to John Adams : " If alarming half-a-dozen places at the same time is an act of generalship, Howe may boast of his late conduct. We have never, since the evacuation of Boston, been under apprehensions of an invasion equal to what we suffered last week. All Boston was in confusion, packing up and cart- ing out of town household furniture, military stores, goods, etc. Not less than a thousand teams were employed on Friday and Saturday ; and, to their shame be it told, not a small trunk would they carry under eight dollars ; and many of them, I am told, asked a hundred dollars a load ; for carting a hogshead of molasses eight miles, thirty dol- lars. O, human nature ! or, rather, O, inhuman nature ! what art thou ? The report of the fleet's being seen off Cape Ann, Friday night, gave me the alarm, and, though pretty weak, I set about packing up my things, and on Sat- urday moved a load." Some of the fugitives were fortunate enough to let their houses to British officers before affairs became too serious. One of these was James Lovell, who in 1775 writes to Mr. Oliver Wendell, at Salem, as follows : " My D r Neighbour: " Just after I wrote you last Doct r Morris Physician of the Army an Elderlv Gentleman took the House, and was / so complaisantly pressing to come in that I work d all night from yesterday Noon, and admitted him at 10 this morn- ing. He wishes to have the Furniture committed to his 54] THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Care, nay is willing to pay for it, and makes the strongest Promises of the extremest Care. I think what I have left is better there than carry'd to JefFries's, my House or the Store. I think giving the use a much greater security against Abuse than letting, I therefore told Him that I would leave as p r Mem dum for the present, for which he is greatly thankful, but that I should attend y r Order respecting all or any Part. As to that ' He shall be very thankful for present use, as it will give opp to provide if y r Commands make it necessary.' " Your Desk and Case shall have the same Care as if the Papers were his own or I may remove it at my pleasure, if free access is too troublesome to me. " Monday Voulks was out a-Fishing and I entirely for- got Jacob so that my own School Runners performed the whole ; and I assure you without breaking 6d. value of any sort. I had the House swept from Garret to Cellar. . . . I have given the Gentleman an Inventory. He promises i o fold Recompense for Damage, appears mightily pleased with appearances and the Landlord, prays for you to come in upon the present Tenant quitting." He con- tinues : " I have packed every Thing of China Glass in small assorted Packages which are then to be put into lock't Chests in my Cellar. I can give you a specimen : No. 4. Indian. \ Box Cake Pans and illumination molds, both reserved for our coming Day of American Jubilee." It is refreshing to find a patriot so confident of the suc- cess of the American arms as to store Bengal lights for the final jubilations. The British officers naturally took possession of the best quarters they could find, and they were not very care- ful in their usage of the household goods of the absent 544 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS owners. John Hancock complains of this in a letter to Captain Smith, November 14, 1781: " Inclosed you have the dimensions of the Bed Cham- bers for each of which I want Wilton Carpet ; do let them be neat. The British Officers who possessed my CHAIRS OF FRENCH MAKE In the home of Mr. duties R. Waters, Salem, Mas*. See page 540. house totally defaced and removed all my carpet and i must submit." The wars of the Revolution were responsible for enor mous destruction of furniture, but other causes sometime,, operated also. Chief Justice Sewall, writing from Marblehead, Jan- uary 27, 1780, says he is literally buried in snow : " You cannot conceive how much we are distressed for wood. 545 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The poorer people go begging continually for every stick they use, and many of the better sort are under a necessity of keeping but one fire ; some I know who have burnt chairs, hogsheads, barrels, chests of drawers, etc., etc." Of course, imported English furniture was scarce in New England while the fighting lasted. On the conclu- sion of the war, however, we are somewhat surprised to find that English was not excluded in favour of French furniture entirely when the native wares were not consid- ered sufficiently fashionable. We have already seen that the cabinet-makers in the region between Boston and Newburyport made all the furniture in ordinary use there, and that they kept modest stocks. Before 1800, however, we find much longer lists of goods finished and unfinished on hand at the owner's death. One of the richest mem- bers of this craft was Samuel Phippen of Salem, who died in 1798, leaving an estate of $7,888.77. His inventory shows the very varied assortment of wares that were then being produced by the native makers, and, therefore, it is worth reproducing. No. i : 48 birch chairs at 8oc., a number of chair bows, etc. 250, $38.65. No. 2. 6 mahogany chairs at $1.10, 24 birch chairs at 8oc., $25.80; 26 bow back chairs, not painted, at 75C., six dining chairs, at 8oc., $24.30 ; one round birch chair, 8oc. ; 5 common and I trundle bedstead, $6.00. No. 3 : 36 plain dining chairs, at 8oc., $28.80; one easy chair, $1.00; one necessary, $1.00, $2.00; 2 large birch chairs, at 5oc., $1.00 ; one pine case with drawers. Shop, three unfinished desks, $3.00; one birch desk, brassed, $5.00; 2 unfinished bedsteads, $1.00; 2 cot frames, $1.50; maple boards, $5.00; 20 chairs, cot frames, 4 ordinary bedposts, 1 1 old chairs and several pieces ma- hogany, $3.40. 546 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Front Store: 2 walnut cases with drawers, $10.00; 2 walnut desks, $10.00; i plain mahogany desk, $6.00; 4 birch desks, $16.00; i cedar desk, $7.00; 5 cabin tables, $7.50; I birch table, $2.00; i round table, $2.00; 2 breakfast tables, $1.25; i chest, $1.00; 10 birch chairs, $11.00; i round table, $1.10; 4 fan back chairs, $4.00; 10 bow backed green chairs, $8.00; 8 green dining chairs, $7.20. Front Chamber: 3 birch desks, $12.00; 2 birch desks, $12.00; 4 cedar desks, $28.00; i plain mahogany, $6.00; 3 mahogany stands, $2.00; 8 birch stands, $2.50; 2 mahogany stand tables, $8.00; 27 birch chairs, $33.75; 4 trundle bedsteads, $3.50. Back Store Chamber: 34 bow back chairs, $25.50; i mahog- any stand table, $4.00. Back Store : 4 swelled mahogany desks, $60.00 ; i mahogany table, $6.00; 2 mahogany card tables, $10.00; 3 birch tables, $4.00; 2 birch stand tables, $4.00; 14 green bow back chairs, $i i. 20 ; 24 bow back chairs, not painted, $i 8.00 ; 20 dining chairs, $18.00; I blue chair, $.50. No. 4: i bedstead, 3 chests, i table, 5 old chairs, $16.40. No. 5 : i cedar post bedstead, $4.00 ; i case with drawers, $7.00; i bureau, $4.00; 12 mahogany chairs, at $1.50, $18.00; 2 birch card tables, $2.50; i small stand, $1.00; i looking glass, $3.00. No. 6: i swelled mahogany desk, not completed, $18.00; 6 birch chairs, at $1.25, $7.50; 7 dining chairs, $6.50; i blue chair, $1.00 $7.50. No. 7 : i mahogany, desk and bookcase, $23.00; i black wal- nut case with drawers, $1.25; i mahogany desk without brasses, $18.00; 2 tables, $6.00. No. 8: 6 birch chairs, $3.00; 2 bedsteads, sacking bottoms, $5.00; i cot, sacking bottom, $1.00. No. 9 : i desk and bookcase, $15.00; i mahogany side table, $1.75; 2 tea trays, $1.00; i waiter, $.15; 4 arm and 3 dining chairs, $2.45. No. 10: i clock, $3.00; i maple case with drawers, $1.50 $4.50; i small stand, a table and tea-board, $1.75; i pine table, $47 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS folding, boards, etc. ; horse to dry clothes, i looking glass, 400. $2.40. No. ii : Chair bows, etc., $24.75. The merchant marine of Salem vastly increased after the Revolution. In 1786, the Grand Yurk was the first New England ship to double the Cape for Canton, and in i 790 the Astrea was the first to bring home a cargo of tea in an American bottom. In 1805, Salem had forty-eight vessels that rounded the Cape. After the war of 1 8 1 2, forty-two Indiamen had sailed, and sixteen returned by 1 8 1 6. In 1817, there were fifty-three ; and in 1821, fifty- eight ships of that port in the India trade. There were, therefore, many wealthy Salem merchants. One of the richest at the beginning of the nineteenth century was Mr. Elias H. Derby, who left an estate of about $200,000 in 1805. His possessions will give an idea of a luxurious home of that period. Gaining admission by the Lower Entry, the visitor found himself in a commodious hall furnished with a din- ing and a breakfast table, nine chairs covered with hair- cloth and a child's chair. Two strips of carpeting, and a "door-carpet" were on the floor, and six pictures on the walls. In a small closet were some cutlery, china and glass. This was lighted by a large entry lamp, worth thirty-five dollars, and communicated with four rooms. The principal objects in the Oval room were fifteen chairs, two large dining tables, a floor-cloth and a pair 'of girandoles. Another room contained a mahogany table with spare leaves, another small mahogany table, an arm- chair covered with horsehair, other chairs and a pair of large looking-glasses. Six gilded cornices with cords, gave 54* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS a finish to the window curtains. A brass tender was in front of the fire. Among the ornaments were four Chin- ese and three British images ; and the other articles listed are two knife-cases, a complete set of Paris china I valued at $230.00) and a plate-warmer, a painted and a tin cooler, and a camera obscura. The Southeast Parlour was furnished with a large mahogany, a Pembroke and a card-table ; a sideboard, gar- MAHOGANY SOFA Owned by the Rev. Ezra Ripley (1777-1841), afterwards by Nathaniel Hawthorne; now in the rooms of the Concord Antiquarian Society, Concord, Mass. See page 553. nished with two knife-cases containing eight silver spoons, two carving knives and forks and eight dozen other knives and forks. The floor was covered with a Brussels carpet and a " Door Carpet." The fireplace was supplied with brass andirons, shovel and tongs, and a hearth-brush and pair of bellows. There were eight mahogany chairs worth two dollars each, two " lolling " and two Windsor chairs with arms. Two crickets, five tea-waiters and one ma- hogany stand were also in this room. At the windows were five curtains and cornices. A closet contained china worth 371 .00. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The Northwest Parlour contained two card-tables and one stand-table, a settee with horsehair covering, eight chairs and two armchairs, a looking-glass and two crick- ets. The hearth was garnished with an iron back, brass andirons, a shovel and pair of tongs, and a brush and pair of bellows. The windows were adorned with four cur- tains and cornices ; and the walls with a picture of Mayor Pearson, one called The Woodman^ and two on copper. A Brussels carpet was on the floor. Going up the carpeted stairs, the middle North, the Northeast, Northwest and Southwest chambers were reached. The former was used as a store-room, contain- ing two bed-chairs, a bed-carpet, two boxes of glass, one of door-locks, and "Entry-Wilton carpet," a case of bot- tles, a box of composition ornaments, a leather portmanteau, a small tea-chest and caddy. The Southwest Chamber con- tained a four-post bedstead with bedding and furnishings, nine chairs, a chest of drawers, a table, and a looking-glass. The hearth was supplied with shovel, tongs, andirons and a pair of bellows; and the floor with a Scotch carpet. The Northwest Chamber had a mahogany commode, a washhand-stand and basin, a dressing-glass, a looking- glass, mahogany chairs and one easy-chair. Five pictures were on the walls, and three white china flower-pots were additional ornaments. The windows were shaded by four white cotton curtains ; and on the hearth were brass and- irons, shovel, tongs and hearth-brush. The floor was covered with a Brussels carpet. The most valuable object in the room was the handsome mahogany four-post bed- stead ($130.00), with curtains and bedding. Two rose blankets, one flannel blanket, a damask tablecloth and eigh- teen napkins were kept in this room. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The furniture of the Northeast Chamber comprised a four-post mahogany bedstead with its furnishings, a bu- reau, a chest of drawers, a washhand-stand, a trunk, six chamber and two rocking-chairs. Besides a kidderminster, there was also a bedside carpet. The fireplace had an iron back, a fine brass fender, and steel shovel and tongs. The Southeast Chamber contained a fine four-post bedstead with green curtains and bedding ($133.00), two green chairs, and eight mahogany chairs with silk bot- toms, a valuable easy-chair and covering, a bureau, a chest- upon-chest of drawers, a stand-table and an expensive look- ing-glass. Other objects that added to the comfort and elegance of this apartment were a Brussels carpet, two crickets, two flower-pots, brass andirons, bellows and steel shovel, tongs and fender. Closets to this chamber con- tained an oval looking-glass, two trunks containing flannel and rose blankets, a bedstead and bedding, a glass lamp, two bottle-stands, sixteen labels for decanters, and silver plate to the value of $1,195.54. In the Southwest Upper Chamber was a curtained bed with bedding. The Northeast Upper Chamber contained two bed- steads and bedding of moderate value, two small carpets, a looking-glass, a desk and bookcase, a table, a washhand- stand and six chairs covered with haircloth. The Northwest Upper Chamber had its floor covered with a Wilton carpet and two strips of the same. Eight pictures hung on the walls, and brass andirons were on the hearth. The other movables comprised a looking-glass, a dressing-glass, a washhand-stand basin and bottle, a bureau, six chairs with covers and one curtained mahogany bedstead and bedding. 55' THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The Middle South Chamber contained a round tea- table, a chamber table and drawers, a basket, a dressing- glass, a looking-glass, four chairs covered with hair-cloth, a bedstead with bedding and a bedside carpet. The Southwest Upper Chamber had six green Windsor chairs, two semicircular tables, bedding and coverings, two mahogany bookcases containing about 770 volumes, four trunks, eight pictures, two globes, and steel tongs and shovel. In the Lantern and Garret were various articles, in- cluding a telescope, spinning-wheel, trunk, box of marble, two picture-frames, a table, set of china, three Venetian window blinds, and two mahogany bird-cages. Over the Lower Entry was the Chamber Entry. This was furnished with six chamber chairs, two armchairs, and an eight-day clock. Two "Door-carpets" and thirty-one yards of " entry and stair-carpeting " covered floor and stairs. The walls were adorned with twelve pictures. A trunk and a Sedan-chair were also kept here. A closet also contained some plated ware. In the Upper Entry was a trunk containing a lot of household stuff, including eight counterpanes, a suit of six damask window curtains (valued at $200.00), ditto purple and white, ditto blue and white, two red and white sofa coverings, eight yellow chair-bottom covers, six patch ditto, eight white Marseilles ditto. Two bundles of bed-trim- mings, one suit of harrateen bed curtains, twenty-four yards of stair carpet for the upper story, and one old Wil- ton carpet completed the list. The Eastern Entry was used as a kind of study ; it contained a desk and bookcase with ninetv-nine miscella- J neous volumes and a Bible, two chairs, a wire fire-fender, and an "entry carpet." 55* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The kitchen was furnished, among other objects, with six Windsor chairs, two folding-tables, and a mahogany case. There were two cellars well stored, one being stocked with Cape, Constantia, Madeira and Catalonia wine. CONSOLE TABLE Owned by Mr. Robert A. Bolt, Boston, Man. See page 538. It will be noticed that Mr. Derby owned a " settee with horsehair covering," and that many of his chairs were also upholstered in this material. A sofa or a settee of a kind that might have been among his furniture appears on page 549. The frame is of mahogany, and the scroll arms rest upon carved pineapples. The covering is black horsehair. This sofa belonged to the Rev. Ezra Ripley (1777-1841) and was afterwards owned by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is now in the rooms of the Concord An- tiquarian Society, Concord, Mass. 553 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The wealth and luxury of the citizens of Salem became the talk of the world, in i 8 1 7, by the cruise of Cleopatra s Barge, which is said to have been the first private yacht ever owned by an American, and which in luxurious ap- pointments remained unsurpassed till a comparatively recent date. This boat was of 200 tons burden, and was built and commanded by Captain George Crowninshield, who in partnership with his brothers had amassed a large for- tune during the war of 1812 by the successful cruise of their privateer, the America. He sailed from Salem in March, 1817, intending to go round the world. After touching at Fayal, he visited the chief Spanish and Italian ports, attracting a great deal of attention, and entertaining and being entertained by many European notabilities. His sole travelling companion, to whom he was greatly attached, fell ill at Malta ; he therefore immediately sailed for home, and arrived at Salem in November. There his friend suc- cumbed, and Captain George died of the shock fifteen minutes later. The fame of Cleopatra's Barge filled all the newspapers of the day ; and everybody was talking of her unparalleled richness and elegance. The Salem Gazette of January 14, 1817, contains a notice of the yacht, from which the fol- lowing is taken : " You descend into a magnificent saloon about 20 feet long and 1 9 broad, finished on all sides with polished ma- hogany, inlaid with other ornamental wood. The settees of the saloon are of splendid workmanship ; the backs are shaped like the ancient lyre, and the seats are covered with crimson silk-velvet, bordered with a very wide edging of gold lace. Two splendid mirrors, standing at either end, and a magnificent chandelier, suspended in the centre of 554 CAB IN FT Carved by Mr. John Lord Hayes; ownfd by Miss Hayfs, Cambridge, Mass. See page 556. THK FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS the saloon, give a richness of effect to it, not easily sur- passed." Other accounts supply the following additional details: "The chandelier cost $i 50.00. The sofas in the cabin were of mahogany and bird's-eye maple, and measured eleven feet in length. The lyres forming the back were strung with thick brass wire. The cost of these sofas amounted to $400.00. The beams of the ceiling in the saloon were edged with gold beading ; for the greater safety of the passengers when the yacht rolled, two ropes were strung along the walls : these were covered with red silk velvet twisted with gold cord. A luxurious Brussels car- pet was on the floor : the colours were orange and brown mixed with green. " On either side of the gilt-framed mirrors was a lamp and a gilded eagle. In the walls, columns with gilded capitals alternated with cupboards, through the glass doors of which gleamed costly china. Captain George took great pains in arranging this to the best advantage ; and also took great pride in his table-linen, glass, and rich silver plate. The latter included a splendid tea-urn, from twelve to fifteen inches in height, with a lamp underneath ; and a thick sugar-bowl and cream-jug to match. The bedroom was also luxuriously appointed ; the bed had rich variegated yellow hangings, full curtains and handsome fringe." Among the furniture of this yacht were three chairs, now owned by Mrs. Edward C. Pickering, of the Observatory, Cambridge, Mass., having descended to her through the Crowninshield family. One of these appears on page 557, it is of the variety known as the " Fancy Chair," with painted back, rush-bottom and gilded ball ornaments. sss THE FURNITURE OP OUR FOREFATHERS We have seen that cabinet-making was sometimes the occupation of amateurs, and we have drawn a little atten- tion to carvers that came here from abroad. A very fine example of amateur modern carving faces page 554. This is the work of Mr. John Lord Hayes, L.L. D., of Cam- bridge, Mass., whose house is filled with other productions of his that are equally remarkable, including mantel-pieces, chairs, frames for mirrors, etc. Mr. Hayes merely carved for pastime and slightingly alluded to it as his " knitting- work." These articles are now owned by his sons and daughters, in Cambridge, Mass. We have already seen that Philadelphia had many opu- lent citizens whose houses were furnished in accordance with the dictates of Fashion long before the Revolution. Du Simitiere gives a list of eighty-four families that kept equipages in 1772. There was quite a local aristocracy in which the Shippens, Willings and Binghams were promi- nent. When the city was occupied by the British, many of the citizens departed with their effects, while others stayed behind and entered into the gaieties of the British and German officers. The most famous festival of the period was an entertainment given in 1 778 by his officers to Lord Howe on his retiring from command. This has left some- what sombre memories by the fact that one of the princi- pal invited belles, Miss Margaret Shippen, afterwards mar- ried Benedict Arnold ; and that Major Andre had charge of the decorations and ornaments. This Tory pageant and ball was a strange medley called The Miscbianza, and took place at the Wharton House. There were Ladies of the Blended Rose and Ladies of the Burning Mountain, all with attendant Knights. Andre wrote a description of it for the Gentlemen s Magazine (1778). A short account of 556 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS this entertainment may be quoted from a contemporary de- scription, as it will serve as a picture of gala decorations during the Revolution. "FANCY" CHAIR, FROM "CLEOPATRA'S BARGE" Now owned by Mr. Edward C. Pickering, Observatory, Cambridge, Mass. See page 555. " Upon the opening of two folding doors, we entered a large Hall, in length about thirty, in breadth twenty feet, elegantly illuminated with spermaceti. The floor was cov- ered with green baize. On each side of the Hall were long tables with benches, covered also with green baize. Each of these tables was set off with a service of elegant china, and tea, coffee, and various kinds of cakes. The ceil- ings and sides of the Hall were adorned with paintings, 557 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and on each side were two large rooms ornamented in like manner. Over each chimney was painted a large cornu- copia full of flowers ; and over each door an empty cornu- copia inverted. As soon as tea and coffee were over, the knights, dulcineas, and most of the company went up stairs into a large entry elegantly painted, in which hung many mirrors, whose frames were covered with silk entwined and decorated with hows, roses, etc. Between each of these mirrors were three spermaceti candles in sconces, adorned with gauze, silk, etc. The rooms on each side of the entry were ornamented in the same manner. Over the staircase was an orchestra, in which was a band of music. When the company was come up, the dulcineas danced first with the knights, and then with the squires; and after them the rest of the company danced. In several of the rooms were tables with punch, sangaree, wine, cakes, etc. At half after ten o'clock, the windows were thrown open, and an elegant firework was exhibited. Towards the con- clusion the triumphal arch, next to the house, appeared magnificently illuminated, and Fame blew from her trumpet in letters of light, these words : " Tes Lauriers sont immortels." "After the firework the company returned, some to danc- ing, and others to a faro bank, which was opened by three German officers in one of the parlours. The company con- tinued dancing and playing till twelve o'clock, when we were called to supper, and two folding doors at the end of the Hall being thrown open, we entered a room 200 feet long. The floor was covered with painted canvas ; the roof and sides hung with paintings and ornamented with fifty large mirrors. From the roof hung twelve lustres, with twenty spermaceti candles in each. In this room THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS two tables reached from one end to the other. On each side were recesses with sideboards in which were all kinds of liquors. On the two tables were fifty large elegant pyramids, with jellies, syllabubs, cakes and sweetmeats. The supper was entirely cold, except several tureens of soup ; and consisted of chick- ens, lamb, buttered ham, Yorkshire pies, veal, variously prepared, puddings, etc. Twenty-four negro men attended the tables in white shirts with blue silk sashes, silk turbans, tin collars and bracelets. The company that sat down to supper were four hundred." The mirror shown on this page was one of those mentioned above. It is of mahogany with ornaments carved and gilt. The illustration gives no idea of its size, which is 7^ by 3 feet. One of the finest homes in Philadelphia was that of Robert Morris, the financier of the Revolution. The Prince de Broglie's narrative (1782) says: " M. de la Lu- zerne conducted me to the house of Mrs. Morris to take tea. She is the wife of the Financier of the United States. The house is simple, but neat and proper. The doors and tables are of superb mahogany, and polished. The locks and trimmings are of brass, charmingly bright. The porce- lain cups were arranged with great precision. The mis- tress of the house had an agreeable expression, and was dressed entirely in white. I got some excellent tea, and I think that I should still be drinking it, if the ambassador 559 MAHOGANY AND GILT MIRROR Uied at the fete of the Mis- chunrj, 1778; now owned by the Philadelphia Library Com- pany. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS had not charitably warned me, when I had taken the J twelfth cup, that I must put my spoon across my cup when- ever I wanted this species of torture by hot water to stop, since, said he to me, * It is almost as bad manners to refuse a cup of tea when it is offered to you, as it would be in- discreet for the mistress of the house to offer you more when the ceremony of the spoon has shown what your wishes are in this matter.' ' The Marquis de Chastellux also says that his house is " handsome, resembling perfectly the houses of London. He lives there without ostentation, but not without ex- pense ; for he spares nothing which can contribute to his happiness and that of Mrs. Morris, to whom he is much attached." The translator adds : " The house the Marquis speaks of, in which Mr. Morris lives, belonged formerly to Mr. Richard Penn. The Financier has made great additions to it, and is the first who has introduced the luxury of hot- houses and ice-houses on the continent. He has likewise purchased the elegant country-house formerly occupied by the traitor Arnold ; nor is his luxury to be outdone by any commercial voluptuary of London." Mr. Lowell, of Boston, and H. G. Otis visited Morris in 1783. Otis records in his description that they "dined with thirty persons in a style of voluptuous magnificence which I have never seen equalled." Manasseh Cutler mentions Morris's country-seat, The Hills, on the Schuylkill, in 1787. It was unfinished then, although Morris bought it in 1770. Later it was named Lemon Hill. During the Revolution, he lived on Front Street ; and, in 1785, bought some property on High Street with the ruins of the Penn house, which he rebuilt. This was considered the handsomest house in Philadelphia. It 560 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS was of brick and three stories high. When the Govern- ment removed to Philadelphia, he gave up the house. The city made it the official residence, and here Washing- ton lived. (See page 512.) In 1791, Morris lived on the SECRETARY Owned by Judge Joel Jone> of Philadelphia, now by hit ion, the Rev. John Sparhawk Jones, Phila- delphia. See page 567. corner of Sixth and Market Streets. In 1795, he bought a square bounded by Chestnut, Walnut, Seventh and Eighth Streets for ^ 10,000, and charged Major L' Enfant to build him a mansion. This was begun in 1795, and continued to 1800. It was never finished. This was known as 561 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS " Morris's Folly," and was built of brick with window and door ornamentations of pale blue stone. Morris's luxury excited much criticism; in 1796, Callender wrote: "A person is just now building, at an enormous expense, a pal- ace in Philadelphia. His bills have long been in the mar- ket at eighteen pence or a shilling per pound. This is the condition of our laws for the recovery of millions. At the same time the prison at Philadelphia is crowded with tenants, many of whom are indebted only in petty sums." Morris died in 1806. Facing page 458 and page 472 are shown two specimens of furniture that belonged to him, and it will be noticed that these are of styles that had not long been in fashion. Another very wealthy Philadelphian was William Bing- ham, who was senator from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Bingham was famous for her beauty, her influence and the elegance of her home. About 1784, Mr. and Mrs. Bingham went to Europe. She was presented at the Court of Louis XVI., went to The Hague, and attracted attention at the Court of George III. They remained five years in Europe, and studied the dwellings in London and Paris to find a model for their Philadelphia home. They chose the house of the Duke of Manchester. Their home, on Third Street, above Spruce, was considered superb. Open ironwork gates guarded the carriage-way and the garden of three acres was enclosed behind a low wall. The hall was noted for its broad marble stairway. Much of the furniture, in- cluding the carpets, was made in France. Wanzey gives the following description in 1 794 : " I dined this day with Mr. Bingham, to whom I had a letter of introduction. I found a magnificent house and 5 6z THK FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS gardens in the best English taste, with elegant and even superb furniture. The chairs ot the drawing-room were from Seddon's in London, ot the newest taste; the back in the form of a lyre, with festoons of crimson and yellow silk. MAHOGANY CHAIR From the Library of Napoleon I., at Malrruison ; given by Louis Philippe to the Marquis de Mar- igny, Nrw Orleans, La. See page 5678. The curtains of the room a festoon of the same. The carpet one of Moore's most expensive patterns. "The room was papered in the French taste, after the style of the Vatican at Rome. In the garden was a pro- fusion of lemon, orange and citron trees; and many aloes and other exotics." 563 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Mr. Bingham's ways did not accord with the ideas of Republican simplicity that were in favour with so many of his countrymen. To some of his guests, the ceremony ob- served at his receptions was even more objectionable than his display of wealth. Breck complains : " The forms at his house were not suited to our man- ners. I was often at his parties, at which each guest was announced ; first, at the entrance-door his name was called aloud, and taken up by a servant on the stairs, who passed it on to the man-in-waiting at the drawing-room door. In this drawing-room the furniture was superb Gobelin, and the folding-doors were covered with mirrors, which re- flected the figures of the company, so as to deceive an un- travelled countryman, who, having been paraded up the marble stairway amid the echoes of his name ofttimes made very ridiculous by the manner in which the servants pronounced it would enter the brilliant apartment and salute the looking-glasses instead of the master and mistress of the house and their guests." Philadelphia was especially happy in having citizens who could help the government financially in critical times. Examples of the furniture of Stephen Girard, who rendered such valuable services during the war of 1812, have already been given on page 454 and page 529. Two other specimens of his possessions face page 556. The table top is painted with brilliant colours ; the chair is mahogany, of about 1780. Joseph Bonaparte settled in Philadelphia about 1815, and after having lived in the city and at Lansdoivne, the home of the Binghams, he bought eighteen hundred acres on the Delaware River, near Bordentown, N. J. Here he built a magnificent house, known as Point Breeze, where he 564 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS dwelt for fourteen years. The house was brick covered with white plaster, and had a long sloping roof with high dormer windows and broad doorways flanked by wooden columns. The interior was beautifully adorned with deli- cately sculptured marble mantel-pieces, rich tapestries, rare EMPIRE CHAIR Owned by President Munroe ; now by Miss Elizabeth ByrJ Nicholas, Washington, D. C. See page 568. furniture and valuable paintings, some of which had been given to Joseph by Cardinal Fesch. The grounds were laid out by landscape gardeners brought from Europe. We can gain a glimpse of this handsome estate and of its host from Levasseur's Lafayette in America: / * " Gen. Lafayette went in a carriage with the governor and one of his aids without escort or parade to Borden- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS town, the residence of Joseph Bonaparte. The Ex-King appeared much affected by the visit of the nation's guest. He detained us to dinner, and introduced us to his family. Before dinner was served, Joseph withdrew in company with Lafayette to his cabinet, and remained there for more than an hour. After dinner, of which Madame de Musig- nano did the honours with much amiableness, we found the gardens and yards crowded with the inhabitants of the vi- cinity, who brought their children to receive the benedic- tion of the patriarch of liberty. Joseph himself with eagerness ordered the doors to be thrown open, and in an instant the apartments were rilled by the enthusiastic mul- titude. It was a truly striking picture to behold these good American villagers under the rich ceilings of such a mansion. Although their eyes were unaccustomed to all the splendours of a regal establishment, they stopped not to dwell upon the beautiful productions of the French and Italian schools, nor upon the bronzes and exquisite statuary of which these apartments are adorned with elegant profus- ion ; it was Lafayette alone that they wished to see, and after having seen him, they retired satisfied and as if inca- pable of noticing anything else. " Time tiew rapidly during this visit, and the Governor of New Jersey was obliged to remind the general that we had only time enough to reach Trenton before night. We immediately set out. Joseph and his family wished to ac- company the General a part of the way ; we divided the carriages which were prepared for us and slowly traversed the large and beautiful property, the peaceful possession of which appeared to me far preferable to that of the troub- led Kingdom of Spain." The handsome Empire console table facing page 548 5 66 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS is one of a pair that were in Joseph Bonaparte's house that we have just described. These tables were purchased by Judge Joseph Hopkinson of Philadelphia, son of Francis Hopkinson, the Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Judge Hopkinson was for many years a confidential friend of Bonaparte's and managed his estates for him whenever he was absent from America. He presented Judge Hop- kinson with a valuable painting of still life by Snyders that hangs over this table. The candelabra on the table be- longed also to Bonaparte. These relics are now the prop- erty of Mr. Oliver Hopkinson of Philadelphia, who also owns the articles that face page 560. The gray marble table was a present from Caroline Bonaparte to Judge Joseph Hopkinson, and the superb set of plum-coloured and gold Sevres standing upon it belonged to Joseph Bonaparte. The chair to the left of the table is of the form known as "the Trafalgar." The back is beautifully inlaid with brass. The chair on the right is of a style belonging to about 1825. Another piece of furniture associated with Joseph Bonaparte appears on page 529. The handsome mahogany secretary on page 561, is a Philadelphia piece adorned with brass escutcheons and the figure of an eagle and burning torches of brass. This be- longed to judge Joel Jones of Philadelphia, and is now owned by his son, the Rev. John Sparhawk Jones of that city. An example of a heavy and unattractive chair appears on page 563. It came from the library of Napoleon I. at Malmaison and was given by Louis Philippe to the Mar- quis de Marigny of New Orleans. It will be observed that the old jar-shaped splat, but very ugly in form, reappears beneath the slightly curved and cumbrous top-rail. This 567 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS model, which ivS of mahogany, survived many years, and similar examples, therefore, exist in large numbers. A better style occurs on page 565. This was one of a set consisting of two sofas, twelve chairs, and two ottomans. These were brought to this country by President Monroe from Paris. The wood was hard yellow picked out with gold, and the female figure and the scrollwork were bronze. The covering was sky blue satin with yellow cording around the cushions. This chair, now belonging to Miss Elizabeth Byrd Nicholas of Washington, D. C., was purchased by Judge Philip Norbonne Nicholas of Richmond, Va., from Mr. Monroe in Virginia after Mr. Monroe's return from Paris, where he used the set. The characteristics of Empire furniture will be described in the next chapter. (JS, f*&**~~~'~ l +t^*~ Kx^^^ VIII j^^i THE FURNITURE FOREFATHERS u ^ w - co THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS By ESTHER SINGLETON WITH CRITICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF PLATES By RUSSELL STURGIS ILLUSTRATED PART VIII GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1913 COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY DOUBLEDAY, PAGE Charleston cabinet- makers, 604 ; New York cabinet-makers, chair-makers and upholsterers, 604-5. CONTENTS PACK AN ENGLISHMAN ON AMERICAN CABINET-WORK 606-610 Price of woods, 606 ; cut glass ornaments 606 ; cabinet- shops and chair-making, 609. PHILADELPHIA CABINET-MAKERS . . 612-613 THE CABINET-MAKER'S BOOK OF PRICES . 613-621 SHAM ANTIQUE FURNITURE . . . 623626 Tricks of the trade, 623-4 ; necessary study for the amateur collector, 624-6. NAMES OF GREAT CABINET-MAKERS GENERIC 627-628 Prolific use of designs by contemporaries, 627 ; Sheraton's de- tails of construction, 628. IMPORTANCE OF UPHOLSTERY . . . 628-631 Furniture dependent upon draperies for effect, 628-9 > diffi- culties of cutting out and festooning, 629-31. MATERIALS USED FOR UPHOLSTERY 631-637 THE CHAIR ...... 637-641 Materials used for upholstery, 637 ; Chippendale's instruc- tions for covering his chairs, and their dimensions, 638; proportions of Heppelwhite's chairs and their correct cover- ings, 6389; Sheraton's chairs, 639; the " Fancy Chair" and its makers, 640-1 ; the "Trafalgar Chair," 641-2. THE HEPPELWHITE SOFA AND WINDOW STOOL 642-644 THE SHERATON SOFA ..... 644 THE BED ....... 645-654 Materials used for draperies, 645-6 ; Chippendale's Beds, 646-7 ; the Field-bed, 647-8 ; Heppelwhite's Beds, 648-50; Sheraton's Beds, 6502 ; the Empire Bed and the "English Bed," 652-3; the "French Bed," 653-4. EXAMPLES OF CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE . 654-655 List of Illustrations WITH CRITICAL NOTES ON MANY OF THE PLATES BY RUSSELL STURGIS ALL THE NOTES FURNISHED BY Ml. STURGIS ARE FOLLOWED BY HIS SIGNATURE. FRONTISPIECE SETTEE PACE FACING iii The settee, or double armchair, was a favourite design of the Chippendale school. The one represented here is of mahogany, bold, massive and handsome. It is the product of some English cabinet-maker who worked in the Chippendale school. The settee rests on six cabriole legs and the front three end in volutes instead of the ball-and-claw, as do those facing pages 434 and 438. The arms are carved and are raised to a comfortable height. The side rails are curved, as is also the top, which is ornamented with rosettes and leaves. The two splats are reminiscent of a somewhat bulky Chinese jar, but are lightened by a scrolling band gracefully twisted, and are decorated further with a cord and rosettes. The seat it stuffed and covered with beautiful printed velvet fastened with a row of brass nails, below which runs a delicate band of ornate carving in the form of flowers and leaves ter- minating in rosettes. E. S. PORCELAIN CABINET FACING 571 Shallow cabinet adorned with relatively large plaques of painted porcelain with the mount- ing* and frames of the panels and the large colonnettes which form the uprights probably in porcelain also, for such accessories were often made in the eighteenth century by firing and painting small cylinders and rings adorned with relief ornaments and then mount- ing them upon a stout iron rod like beads upon a string so that the appearance of a column of solid porcelain was not badly rendered. This piece in dark wood and with all its fittings and mountings of painted ceramic ware of tine quality is of necessity a most effective and brilliant piece. The painted decoration seems to be monochromatic. R. Sturgis. EMPIRE SOFA ....... This sofa, upholstered in a brocade of varied colours, is of fine proportions. The mounts ornamenting it are particularly handsome, notably the dolphin which follows gracefully the outline of the scrolled ends. In one of Sheraton's plates in his Cabinet Dictionary (Lon- don, 1 803 ) he makes use of the dolphin in almost this identical manner. The dolphin is of very frequent occurrence during the Louis Seize period. It was regarded by the ancients a. the king of fishes and is the symbol of maritime supremacy. The dolphin is used in ex- actly the same way on a sofa facing page 510, but here it is boldly carved. Dolphins also occur on t he mirror facing page 500. . S. LOUIS XVI. VlTRINE Bookcase in which the free use of gilded metal used in contrast with smooth and pol- ished dark wood is the only motive of adornment. Beyond that the severe simplicity of the parrs b what makes the piece attractive. Nor is such a combination of rather bril- liant colour with a simple general design at all inadequate for the purpose. The piece is of the refined and constrained character of design which came to America direct from France in the days of the active sympathy taken by the French in our English colonies. R. Sturgis. 573 FACING 574 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE LADY'S ESCRITOIRE .... FACING 575 Cabinet standing upon a table. A very smail piece of extreme delicacy and refinement of design, the whole of dark wood inlaid minutely with metal and fitted with metal mountings of probably gilt bronze. The piece ;s of that transition period at the beginning of the Style Louis Setsse, when the artists were still a little afraid of the severe straight lines which later were altogether approved and uniformly adopted. Here are the table legs of double curvature characteristic of the Sty/e Louis i u ^ CARVED OAK CABINET Owned by Mr. Henry Fitz-fVaters, Salem, Mass. See pages 586-7. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS rendered it much more acceptable than those imported. The introduction of their newly-invented hammers and dampers is acknowledged to be a great improvement, as also the means they have taken to prepare their wood to stand the effect of our climate, which imported instru- ments never do, but are sure to suffer not only from the PIANO Made by Georgius Astor, No. 16 Wyck Street, London, now in the Glen-Sander* house, Scotia, N. V. See page 581. agitation of the vessel but the saline quality of the seas. One great advantage to the purchaser is that Messrs. Dodds & Claus make it an invariable rule to repair any instrument that may prove defective in the workmanship if applied to within two years after delivery." Among the woods used during the last half of the seventeenth and first half of the eighteenth century, were oak for wainscotting, and cedar for doors ; but the doors about this time were also made of mahogany. Where the woodwork had to be painted or gilt, which was done extensively about this time, it was of deal ; even the carv- ings were painted or gilt, so that one wood was as good 585 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS as another for that purpose, but deal was the most econo- mical. Pear, cedar and lime were much used by the carvers of this period, as they were more suitable for the tender work required for flowers, etc. Grinling Gibbons used chiefly lime-tree ; oak for church panellings and mouldings ; and sometimes cedar in the architraves of large mansions; pear-wood or box-wood for medallion portraits. Elm was sometimes used for various necessary articles about the house, such as dressers, and also ash, beech, birch, and poplar of the three varieties white, black, and aspen sycamore was much used ; in fact, in some old houses in England the floors are of sycamore, and the wainscot of poplar. Walnut was extensively used both English and Italian effect being gained by contrast- ing the plain wood with " Burr " centres. Amboyna and rosewood were also used. Chestnut was, at an earlier date, used in the substantial parts of buildings, and, in old houses, is often mistaken even by good workmen for oak, which it so greatly resembles in colour and substance. Ebony mouldings were used by the Dutch cabinet-makers. Maple, yew, and cherry were also in use. Pear-tree was cut into boards, and occasionally took the place of oak, while veneers of pollard oak were used in centres of panels. Among the woods used in combination, we find one cabinet of oak and cedar inlaid with rosewood : this dates about 1620. Another, about 1690, is an example of the cabinet that used to be made when the heir came of age, on which occasion every kind of wood that grew on the estate was used in its construction. Therefore, we have pollard oak, thorn acacia, sycamore, walnut, rose- wood, burr walnut and pear wood. A carved oak cabinet of the fifteenth century, be- 586 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS longing to Mr. Henry Fitz- Waters, Salem, Mass., faces page 588. It is of the same period as the cupboard CARVED CHAIR FROM BOMBAY AND CARVED TEAK-WOOD STAND Owned by Mn. Thomas Small, Charleston, S.C. See page 590. facing page 238, though the workmanship is somewhat more elaborate. Before the tropical forests of the Old and the New World had been explored for the woods of beautiful grain and colour that delighted the worker in marquetry, the inlaying and veneering were principally done with native woods. Ebony, of course, was always known and prized. Palissandre, or violet-wood, from Guiana, was also used during the seventeenth century ; as also was rosewood for inlays. None of the European woods has the deep and warm tints of the tropical products, but their mark- ings are often very beautiful. The yew, which, with its 58? THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS other lines, blends a slight trace of pink or rose, and has a very rich appearance, was the wood used for the finest and most costly works. This wood was among the fur- niture of Louis XIV. The common veneering timber was walnut ; but as this has few of those variegations, technically called " curls," the works ornamented with it were somewhat deficient in beauty. The knotty parts of pollard oaks and pollard elms were much better adapted for the purpose of ornament, although the grain of both is open and apt to rise ; and so these were sometimes turned to account. The exotic woods used before i 830 were the following : Rosewood, principally from Brazil, in logs about eigh- teen inches wide. The more distinct the darker parts were from the purple-red ground, the more the wood was esteemed. The veneers of rosewood averaged nine to the inch. Kingwood, also from Brazil, is extremely hard. It shows black veins on a chocolate ground. Beef-wood, from New Holland, was principally used for forming borders to work in which the larger woods were employed. In colour it is pale red, and not so clouded as mahogany. Tulip-wood is very hard, and its hue is of a clouded red and yellow. It was principally used in bordering, and in small articles such as tea-caddies and ladies' work- tables. Zebra-wood, brown on a white ground clouded with black, was cheap, and was employed in larger work such as tables. Satin-wood, well known for its brilliant yellow colour with delicate glowing shades, was in high favour for a long 588 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS time. It was very fashionable in England during the last half of the eighteenth century. Cipriani and Angelica Kaufmann both painted medallions, cameo ornaments and borders on table tops and fronts, harpsichord cases, etc., made of satin-wood or coloured in the manner of the J'ernis Martin work. Satin-wood was very extensively used by Heppelwhite and Sheraton. At the end of our period, however, it was somewhat neglected : Amboyna- wood of various shades took its place for a time. Snake-wood, of a deep red colour with black shades, was principally used for bordering and small work. Hare-wood, with a light-brown ground and waves re- sembling satin-wood in arrangement, was also fashionable. Botany Bay oak, Coromandel wood, acker-wood, and Canary-wood were also in request. Purple-wood was in- troduced after 1800. Rarer cabinet timbers were part- ridge, leopard and porcupine woods. The inventories of the royal furniture during the reign of Louis XIV. mention the following varieties of wood : Grenoble walnut, Grenoble root, German wood, German root, polished walnut, mastic, English yew root, ebony, Palissandre (violet ebony), cedar, oak, fir, beech, blackened pear and olive. Mahogany is noticeably absent. Ebony, a heavy, hard wood, deep black in colour, grows in tropical countries. It was known to the Greeks and Romans, and is mentioned by Ezekiel as one of the Tyrian exports. It was used in Italy in the sixteenth cen- tury for costly furniture in combination with ivory incrus- tations. The Dutch merchants sent it to Holland in large quantities, after they settled in Ceylon (1630), and it be- came very popular in Europe in the seventeenth century. We have had evidence of its presence in the Dutch homes 589 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of New Amsterdam. The French obtained it from Mada- gascar, and from it derived the name ebenistes that they gave to their tine cabinet-makers. In addition to black, the most valuable kind of ebony, there are green and yellow varieties. A splendid example of ebony carving is the sofa facing page 640, belonging to Mrs. Caleb T. Smith's collection (see page 416). The back and seat are covered with crimson satin. The table facing page 592, comes from New Orleans. It is of the Louis XIV. period and is composed of ebony, marquetry, silver and bronze. This was a present from Louis Philippe to the Marquis de Marigny, a resident of New Orleans after the fall of Louis XVI. When Louis Philippe, in exile, was in New Orleans, he was the guest of de Marigny, and in after years, when he became King of France, the Marquis de Marigny visited him and re- ceived many presents, which are now divided among his relatives. On pages 603 and 625 are represented an ebony sofa and chairs that formed a set belonging to Stephen Girard, of Philadelphia. These are in the Sheraton style and belong to the early period of the nineteenth century. They are now preserved in Girard College, Philadelphia. The handsome carved chair on page 587 came from Bombay and is a fine specimen of Indian work : it is in- teresting to compare it with the carved teak-wood stand of Chinese work on the same page. The latter has a border of the fret-work of which Chippendale was so fond. The border of the marble slab is richly inlaid with brass. Upon this table stand a few pieces of the famous " Peacock China " made only for the Emperor. His monogram is upon each piece. These came from Pekin when it was 590 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS OLD SPANISH CABINET Owned by James Russell Lowell, and now by the Misses Burnett, Cambridge, Mass. See page 591, sacked in 1860. These valuable articles are owned by Mrs. Thomas Small, Charleston, S. C. In many reference books, the credit of introducing mahogany into cabinet-making is given to a Dr. Gibbons. The circumstantial story is as follows : Some planks were brought to Dr. Gibbons, of London, by his brother, a West Indian sea-captain. The doctor had more mahogany than he wanted for medicine, and thought he would have some of the wood used in a house 59' THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS that he was building in King Street, Covent Garden. The carpenters laid the wood aside as too hard. Mrs. Gibbons wanted a candle-box, and Dr. Gibbons gave the mahogany planks to a cabinet-maker named Wollaston for the pur- pose. The latter also complained that the wood was too hard for his tools ; but Dr. Gibbons persisted, and the candle-box was soon finished. Dr. Gibbons was so pleased with it that he ordered a bureau of mahogany. This was such a triumph that many connoisseurs came to see it, and the Duchess of Buckingham asked for some of the wood to have furniture made. That the above is a fable, that credulous editors have hitherto unquestioningly adopted from their predecessors, is evident from what has already appeared here (see pages 103, 148, 173 and 257). Furniture made of mahogany existed in New York before 1700, and in Philadelphia very little later. In London, the wood was certainly familiar to native makers long before that date. The table in the House of Commons when Cromwell turned Parlia- ment out is said to have been of mahogany. It is probable that the Spaniards were the first to use mahogany for furniture, and that the Dutch and English soon followed their example. The Spanish cabinet-mak- ers were very skilful, and their wares were famous through- out Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. We have seen how popular the "Spanish table" was, and we have also had instances of Spanish chairs and stools in the New York inventories. Spanish leather was always very highly prized, especially that of Cordova. A very fine example of early Spanish workmanship is given on page 591. It is a cabinet made of Spanish chest- nut on a columned frame. It was imported by Mr. James 592 CHEST-UPON-CHEST Originally owned by th; Sparhavuk family -, now by the Rev. John Sparhanuk Jones, Philadelphia, Pa. See page 6oj. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHER^ Russell Lowell, and now belongs to his grand-daughters, the Misses Burnett, at E/mwood, Cambridge, Mass. Another piece of Spanish work from the same house, also imported by Mr. Lowell, is a carved oak chest standing on legs grooved in much the same way as the plainer chest on page 161, which also has three panels. The original iron-work adds to the interest of the present example shown on page 595. Spanish escritorios of ebony, or marquetry, were as re- nowned in the sixteenth century as the " German cabinets." Those of Salamanca, sometimes ornamented with remark- able bronzes, were particularly esteemed, as will be shown by the following quotation from a curious little Spanish book published toward the end of the sixteenth century under the title of Didlogos muy apazibles (Very Pleasant Dialogues) : " How much did you pay for this tscrttorio ? " " More than it was worth : forty ducats." " Of what wood is it? " " The red is mahogany (caobd] from Havana ; this, which is black, is ebony, and the white is ivory." " It is certainly very curious, and the marquetry is beautifully made." " Here is a buffet (bufete] of a better workmanship." " Where was that made ? " " The buffet and the chairs came from Salamanca." Another author of the same period tells us that they brought to Seville from the Indies much ebony, of which they made escritorios and mesas (tables) of the most beauti- ful workmanship. Thus we have direct evidence that mahogany was used by Spanish cabinet-makers before 1600. It has been 593 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS suggested that, in consequence, when furniture was made of mahogany, during the next century, it came to be called by the name of those who first used that wood, and that the " Spanish " table was merely a mahogany table. Before the close of the seventeenth century, a great deal of the new Dutch and English furniture was being made of this wood. About 1690 is the date attributed to many specimens in the museums of Great Britain. Among these, we find a cabinet with rounded top and interior nest of drawers ; and a table with raised edge. A wing chair with mahogany cabriole back and front legs, dating from about 1 700, also occurs. Mahogany chairs of the Queen Anne period are plentiful. The French cabinet-makers adopted mahogany much later than those of England and Holland. Havard's Die- tionnaire d" ameublement says that mahogany was not fashion- able in France till the reign of Louis XVI., when it was adopted from the English. However, we know that the French were acquainted with this wood early in the cen- tury. Chomel (1732) says of acajou, " its wood is strong, somewhat light, sometimes white and sometimes reddish, not at all susceptible to worms, and in great demand for making furniture and building ships." The Dictionnaire de Trevoux (1771) says that this wood is easily worked : " The armoires that are made of it give a good odour to clothes and preserve them from ruin. These properties have caused some people to think that this tree is a species of cedar." In 1731, Mark Catesby noted regarding mahogany? " The excellency of this wood for all domestic uses is nov- sufficiently known in England." He also says of Red Bay: "The wood is fine-grained 594 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS and of excellent use for cabinets, etc. I have seen some of the best of this wood selected that has resembled CARVED OAK CHEST Originally owned by Mr. James Russell Lowell. See page 593. water'd sattin ; and has exceeded in beauty any other kind of wood I ever saw." In 1741, E. Chambers describes mahogany as follows: " There are three species. The first is commonly known under the appellation of cedar, in the British islands of America, where this tree grows naturally, and is one of the largest trees in the country. . . . The second sort is the mahogany, the wood of which is now well known in England. This tree is a native of the warmest parts of America, growing plentifully in the islands of Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola : there are also many of them on the Bahama Islands. In Cuba and Jamaica there are trees of a very large size, so as to cut into planks of six feet in 595 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS breadth ; and rise to a great height, notwithstanding they are sometimes found growing on rocks, where there is scarcely any earth for their nourishment. " The excellence of this wood for all domestic uses is now sufficiently known ; and it is a matter of surprise that the tree should not have been taken notice of by any historian or traveller, to this time. The only author who has mentioned this tree is Mr. Catesby . . . although the wood has for many years been brought to England in great quantities." We have already seen that, in his book, Chippendale attached little importance to mahogany. Like the French, he preferred furniture that was carved, gilded and painted to that which depended upon the rich colours of its natural grain for its beauty. The Chippendale carved chairs, with open backs, are very often of walnut. The Adam furniture was made chiefly, though not exclusively, of mahogany. The turned top-rails of the chairs were sometimes enriched with ormoulu decoration. Often, however, Adam chairs are painted and gilt. Heppelwhite uses mahogany freely, but not exclusively. Sheraton says : "The kind of mahogany employed in chair-making ought to be Spanish or Cuba, of a clean, straight grain ; wood of this quality will rub bright, and keep cleaner than any Honduras wood. ... It ap- pears from some of the later specimens of French chairs, some of which we have been favoured with a view of, that they follow the antique taste, and introduce into their arms and legs various heads of animals; and that mahogany is the chief wood used in their best chairs, into which they bring portions of ornamented brass. " Drawing-room chairs are finished in white and gold, 596 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS or the ornaments may be japanned ; but the French finish them in mahogany with gilt mouldings." In 1816, the Regent's cabinet-maker gives his ideas on the appropriate use of this wood, as follows : " Mahog- any, when used in houses of consequence, should be con- fined to the parlour and bed-chamber floors ; in furniture for these apartments, the less inlay of other woods the more chaste will be the style of work : if the wood be of a fine, compact, and bright quality, the ornaments may be carved clean in the mahogany. Where it may be requisite to make out panelling by an inlay of lines, let those lines be of brass or ebony. In drawing-rooms, boudoirs, ante- rooms, or other apartments, East and West India satin- woods, rosewood, tulip-wood, and the other varieties of woods brought from the East, may be used. With satin and light-coloured woods, the decorations may be of ebony or rosewood. With rosewood, let the decorations be ormoulu, and the inlay of brass. Bronzed metal, though sometimes used with satin-wood, has a cold and poor effect : it suits better on gilt work, and will answer well enough with mahogany." Mahogany was imported in large quantities by the American dealers. At Belcher's Wharf (New York, 1 741 ) Nathaniel Cunningham was selling mahogany planks. In 1751, Robert Stidman, of Boston, owned 859 feet, worth ^2 36-4-6. John Scott advertises in the Virginia Gazeffe (October 8, 1767) : " I have a quantity of good Jamaica mahogany, fit for tables and desks, which has been by me seven years, and will work it up for any gentlemen who please to employ me, for ready money, much cheaper than any other person will, as I intend to leave off the busi- ness." 597 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS We also learn from the Maryland Gazette (1773): " Gerard Hopkins hath for sale in Gay Street, Baltimore town, mahogany boards and planks, sawed to suit every branch of cabinet and chair work, as also mahogany logs : he still continues carrying on the cabinet business in its various branches as usual." Stearns and Waldo at the Brick Store, Washington Street, Salem, have " camwood, logwood and redwood by ton or hundred," in 1790. Elias H. Derby, of Salem, advertises for sale in 1792, " about 4,000 feet of seasoned mahogany planks and boards of a superior quality " ; and, in the same year, W. P. Bart- lett, of Salem, "about 7,000 or 8,000 feet (board measure) of very excellent mahogany in logs." New York alone could have supplied large manufac- tories with mahogany. At the beginning of the nine- teenth century, some of the announcements in the papers include: 44 logs of mahogany, 1801 ; 35,000 feet; 30 feet Honduras ; 80,000 feet prime mahogany in logs and planks, 6 tons real Campeachy, and 14 of Nicaragua wood, 1802. In 1804, 150 pieces of ebony wood came in; and, in 1806, 179 sticks of cabinet-wood for cabinet-makers. Instances could be multiplied ad lib. However, suf- ficient evidence of the plentifulness of mahogany here has been already supplied by the stocks of native cabinet- makers. It would seem that there was a valid objection to mahogany furniture made abroad. In 1789, Wanzey writes : " I was told the air at New York is so dry as to crack mahogany furniture brought from England, unless the wood was seasoned there first." In Alexander Hamilton's Report on Manufactures 598 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS (1791), we read : " Cabinet- wares are gen- erally made little, if at all, inferior to those of Europe. Their extent is such as to have admitted of considerable exportation. An exemption from duty of the several kinds of wood ordinarily used in these manufact- ures seems to be all that is requisite by way of encouragement." The native woods used by the American cabinet-makers have been fully exemplified in the inventories of these craftsmen. The Duke de la Rochefoucauld-Liancourt notes " From the mill I crossed the river and the woods to dine with Dr. Warton/who resides about a mile from Wilmington, on the road to Philadelphia. The most com- mon trees in these woods are the oak, the chestnut, and the hickory. Cedars, known MAH K3ANY in England by the name of Virginian, are PORTE-MANTEAUX likewise found in abundance; also Scotch F New T J J fL T-U See page 605. pine trees, Lord s pines and firs. The ce- dar wood is commonly used for supporters to the rails with which the fields are enclosed. The houses are also covered with planks of cedar. . . . There were eight of us at dinner ; everything which we used was the produce of his own (Dr. Warton's) farm: even the table cloth, which was fabricated of the flax grown on his own grounds, and the table, which was made of a very beautiful wood, cut on his own estate, as smooth and finely veined as mahogany. . . . The woods in the States of Delaware and Maryland produce no other trees than are found in S99. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Pennsylvania and Virginia. Oaks of every species abound in them, many of which are large and compact in the grain. They are used in carpenter's work, and furnish a great article of exportation. The black walnut tree, which also abounds in these woods, is much used by cabinet- makers, and makes beautiful furniture." Ira Allen in his History of Vermont (1798) mentions the butternut tree as being used for wainscoting and says the white, the black, the red and the swamp oak are " all useful in civil and nautical architecture." Timothy D wight ( 1 8 1 o i 8 1 1 ) notes that in New England the " Black Birch is used for furniture of various kinds," and says, " the wood of the Butternut is very hand- some in furniture." The mahogany desk after the Sheraton style, given on page 60 1, belonged originally to Mrs. Joshua Grainger Wright, of Wilmington, N. C., and is now owned by her great-grandson, S. M. Boatwright, Esq., of that city. The little drawers and pigeon-holes at the top are placed behind a tambour shutter. Another instance of tambour work oc- curs in a sideboard on page 498. It may be interesting to quote here Sheraton's own definition : " Tambour tables, among cabinet-makers, are of two sorts one for a lady or gentleman to write at ; and an- other for the former to execute needlework by. The Writing Tambour Tables are almost out of use at present, being both insecure and liable to injury. They are called Tambour from the cylindrical forms of their tops, which are glued up in narrow strips of mahogany and laid upon canvas, which binds them together, and suffers them, at the same time, to yield to the motion their ends make in the curved groove in which they run, so that the top may be 600 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS brought round to the front, and pushed at pleasure to the back again, when it is required to be open. Tambour Tables are often introduced in small pieces of work when no great strength or security is required." The number of na- tive workmen was very considerable. In 1789, the Boston Directory contains the following names of those engaged in various branches of furniture manufacture: Jos. Adams, Geo Acres,Thomas and Rich. Bright, Samuel Blake, Moses Bass, Jno. Bright, George Bright, Wm. Callender, Thomas Car- ter, John Cogswell, Wm. Dogget, Wm. Doak, Alex. Edwards, Joseph Francis, Moses Grant, Abm. Hayward, John How, Simon Hall, Jno. Jar- ves, Seth Kingman, John Larkin, Martin T. Minot, Benj. Page, Ebenezer Ridgeway, John Simpkins, Samuel Staf- ford, Josiah Simpson, Thomas Sherburne, John Skilling, Ziphion Thayer, Isaac Vose, Ebenezer Waters. Seven years later, we find the following additional names : Samuel Adams, E. Breed, W. Bright, Thomas Bright, Josiah Burnstead, James Campbell, Edw. Cary, Thomas Down. Thomas Foot, John Forrest, Jesse Foster, Guild & 601 DESK Owned by Mrs. Joshua Grainger Wright, now by her great-grandson, S. M. Boatwright, Esq., Wilmington, N. C. See page 600. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Adams, Hall & Bisbe, Edw. Hall, Sewel Hall, John Hay- ward, Edmond Hay, David Hendrick, John Holland, Thomas Howe, Howe & Alexander, James Kelsa, Eb. Knowlton, Elisha Leanard, Thomas Lilhi, Thomas Lucas, Wm. M'Donald, Thomas Needham, John Orr, Orr & Sewall, Edw. Q^ Richards, Wm. Seaver, John Seymour, SOFA IN THE SHERATON STYLE Owned by Stephen Girard ; now in Girard College, Philadelphia. See page 590. Simeon Skilling, Samuel Skilling, Ebed. Sprague, Samuel Stone, Stone & Alexander, Vose & Todd, Moses Ward, Nath. Warner, Edward Waters, Thomas Wilkinson. In 1796, the Baltimore cabinet-makers were: William Brown, Alexander Brown, Walter Crook, James Davidson, Henry Davy, William Elvves, Jean Gainnier, William Harris, Hicks & Law, Gerard Hop- kins, William Hornby, Gualter Hornby, John James, Samuel fames, Isaac Johns, Samuel Lee, Charles Linder- berger, James Martin, Thomas McCabe, John Moreton, William Patteson, Warwick Price, William Sellers, Sim- 602 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS mund & Crook, Thomas VVeatherstrand, and Wilkinson & Smith. The Windsor-chair makers were John Allvine, Jacob Cole, Caleb Hannah, Reuben League, John Miller, and John Oldham ; Richard Sweeny, John Earman, and Cole & Brothers were chair-makers. Barroux & Poirrier were upholsterers ; William Farris, looking-glass carver and gilder ; Hand & Barber, portrait painters, gilders and glaziers ; and James Smith & Co., picture-frame makers, gilders and carvers. In 1810, the cabinet-makers were: W. Camp, Walter Crook, Henry Davy, Charles Demange, John Denmead, Edward Dorsey, Aime Dubois, William Freeman, Francis Guignard, Thomas Hines, Walter Hornby, Nathaniel Hynson, Michael Jenkins, Anthony Law, Christian Looky, James Merriken, Samuel Minskey, John Morton, John Parr, Samuel Passmore, William Patterson, William Phil- ips, Thomas Poe, W. Price, Edward Priestley, John Reid, William Seller, Andrew Simmons, Mr. Stevenson, Peter Stitcher, John B. Taylor, Lambert Thomas, Samuel West, Peter L. White, Joseph Wilson, and Charles Yager. The chair-makers were: George Cole (also spinning-wheels), John Coleman, William Cornthwait, Thomas Crow, Jacob Dailey, Robert Davidson, John Ehrenman, Robert Fisher, Alexander Ingram (also painter), John King, John Old- ham, Thomas Oldham, Jacob Oldham and John Simonson. Edward Latham and Francis Younker were fancy chair- makers. The carvers were : John Brown, L. Churchill, William Garnous, John McCready, John McGoldrick, and George Smith (also a gilder). Ferrai & Dupin had a looking-glass and picture store. Mary Hill and Eliza Willis were upholsterers, both on Charles Street. 603 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS In 1803, the cabinet-makers of Charleston were: John Artman, Patk. Burk, fas. Clark, Charles Desel, John Douglas, Jas. Duddle, Hance Fairley, Wm. Gappin, Thos. Hemmett, Henry Julian, Geo. Horlbeck, John Hutchinson, Jeremiah Hutchinson, Hutley & Wood, - Lloyd, Wm. Martin, John Marshall, Philip More, Michael Muckinfuss, Joshua Neville, Ben. R. Porter, Edw. Postell, John Prentice, Lawrence Quackinbush, Wm. Reside, Wm. Roberts, Jacob Sass, Jacob Thorn, Wm. Thompson, Wm. Walker, Thomas Wallace, John Watson, Charles Watts, John Welsh, John Wilson, and John A. Woodhill. The first New York Directory (1786) contains the fol- lowing names: Thomas Ash, Windsor chair-maker ; B. Barker, watch and clock-maker ; J. Brower, upholsterer; Nicholas Car- mer, cabinet-maker ; Daniel Cautant, Windsor-chair maker ; William Ellison, joiner ; Richard Green, painter, gilder, glazier and colourman ; Peter Garbrane, turner and umbrella-maker; M. A. Gib, painter and glazier ; R. Kipp, upholsterer ; Lecock and Intle, Windsor-chair maker ; William Mooney, upholsterer ; Robert Montgomery, watch and clock maker ; William Platt, paper-hanger ; Pearsall & Embree, watch and clock-makers ; Henry Ricker, cabinet-maker ; Stephen Sands, clock and watch maker ; J. Shelly, chair-maker ; V. Telyan, chair-maker ; and Richard Wenman, upholsterer. In 1789, the cabinet-makers were: Alexander Ander- son, Samuel Bell, Thomas Burling, Robert Carter, Robert Crookshank, Walter Degrew, Alexander Dunn, Thomas Fanning, James Frame, Giffbrd & Scotland, William Kidson, Isaac Nichols, Lewis Nichols, H. Ricker, James Ronalds, Thomas Timpson, George Titler, Thomas 604 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Wallis and Charles Watts, the latter also musical instru- ment maker. There were nine Windsor-chair makers, and ten other chair-makers. The upholsterers were : Battow, Brower, John Brown, John Byles, Richard Kipp, jr., Richard Lloyd, John Post, John Rickey, John Sanxay, James Van Dyck, and Richard Wenman. Isaac Steymets was an embroiderer ; and Law- rence Lacey was a " mahogany sawer." A carved mahogany porte-manteaux, or clothes-rack, with branches ending in swans' necks, appears on page 599. It is probably about the same date as the sofa on page 649. This piece comes from New Orleans. The mahogany chest-upon-chest, with original brass escutcheons and key-plates, and the Heppelwhite chair facing page 600, are owned by the Rev. John Sparhawk Jones, Philadelphia. The first is a piece originally owned by the Sparhawk family (see page 334). A china cabinet, which, like the bookcase on page 617, contains inlaid medallions of the eagle and stars, which determine its period, is represented on page 607. In this example, these ovals occur above the legs. The cabinet for china is a part of this piece of furniture resting upon the back of the table and steadied by two tapering front legs. The chair, also of mahogany, is a Chippendale pattern. These pieces belong to William B. Willson, Esq., Baltimore, Md. The table represented on page 629 is chiefly interest- ing on account of the slab, which is of slate surrounded with an inlaid Chinese design. It was originally a writ- ing-table for a merchant and was brought into this country on one of George Crowninshield's Salem vessels during the war of 1812, when privateering was not considered 605 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS illegal in this country. It was inherited by Mrs. Edward C. Pickering, Observatory, Cambridge, Mass. In 1818, Henry B. Fearon, who visited America to report conditions here to prospective emigrants, gives an interesting account of the state of the cabinet-makers' business in New York: " The timber, or (as the term is here) lumber yards are not on that large and compact scale with which, in England, our friends C- and M are familiar. Mahogany yards are generally separate concerns. Oak boards are this day $-\2.-6. per thousand feet. Shingles (an article used instead of tiles or slates), i-2.-6. per thousand feet, to which is to be added a duty of fifteen per cent. Honduras mahogany is five-pence halfpenny to seventeen pence farthing the superficial foot ; and St. Domingo, ninepence three farthings to 'seventeen pence, halfpenny. Mahogany is used for cupboards, doors, and banisters, and for all kinds of cabinet-work. Curl maple, a native and most beautiful wood, is also much approved. Veneer is in general demand, and is cut by machinery. Chests of drawers are chiefly made of St. Domingo mahog- any, the inside being faced with boxwood : shaded veneer and curl maple are also used for this purpose. I would remark, that the cabinet-work executed in this city is light and elegant superior indeed, I am inclined to believe, to English workmanship. I have seen some with cut-glass instead of brass ornaments, which had a beautiful effect." fit is interesting to find contemporary testimony of the in- troduction of glass handles on furniture, as they were novel to Mr. Fearon, and he evidently was not ill-informed on the general subject of cabinet-making. This notice would seem to establish the fact that glass handles were an Ameri- 606 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS can innovation. Examples of furniture on which they occur are given on .page 608, and facing page 608. The first is a large sideboard of dark mahogany belonging to Mrs. William Young, Baltimore, Md. The capitals and CHINA CABINET AM) CHAIR Owned by William B. Wilson, Esq., Baltimore, Md. See page 605. bases of the columns and the feet are enriched with brass. Upon this piece of furniture stands an array of exceptional old family silver that belonged to the Gilmors of Mary- land. The other, a handsome mahogany chest of drawers and dressing-table, preserved in the rooms of the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society, is somewhat similar in design to the one facing page 144. This, however, is more elaborate, being decorated with brass work of very delicate chiselling. The scroll supports of 607 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD Owned by Mrs. William Young, Baltimore, Md. See page 607 the mirror are gilded, but chiselled brass appears on the bases and capitals of the columns. A more beautiful ormoulu mount decorates the long round drawer above the two large drawers, and a finely chiselled brass crescent is placed above each of the six crystal knobs. The latter were probably later additions.] Mr. Fearon continues : " The retail price of a three feet six-inch chest of drawers, well-finished and of good quality, is 3^. 1 6s. 6d. ; of a three feet ten, with brass roll- ers, 5^". 8s. A table, three feet long, four and a half wide, . 78. 6d. ; ditto with turned legs, 4^. 55. 6d. ; three and 608 MAHOGANY CHEST-OF-DRAWERS AND DRESSING-TABLE Owned by tbt Albany Institute and Historical and Art Sotietj. Ste pages 607-8. Ml THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS a half long, five and a half wide (plain), 3^*. i 2s.; ditto, better finished, 4^". ios.; ladies' work tables (very plain) 1 8s. Cabinet-makers' shops, of which there are several in Greenwich-street, contain a variety, but not a large stock. They are generally small concerns, apparently owned by journeymen, commenced on their own account. These shops are perfectly open, and there is seldom any person in attendance. In the centre a board is suspended with the notice * Ring the bell.' I have conversed with several proprietors : they state their business to have been at one time good, but that there is now too much competition. " Chair-making here, and at the town of Newark, ten miles distant, is an extensive business. The retail price of wooden chairs is from 4s. 6d. to 98.; of curl maple with rush seat, I is.; of ditto with cane seat, 138. 6d. to i^". 2s. 6d.; of ditto, most handsomely finished, i^. 98.; sofas, of the several descriptions enumerated above, are the price of six chairs. I have seen in parlours of genteel houses, a neat wooden chair, which has not appeared objectionable, and of which the price could not have exceeded 98. Cabinet- makers, timber-merchants, and builders complain they all say that their trades have been good, but that there is now a great increase in the numbers engaged, and that the times are so altered with the merchants that all classes feel the change very sensibly. These complaints I believe to be generally well-founded ; but I do not conceive the de- pression to be equal to that felt in England. I would also make some deduction from their supposed amount of griev- ances. When did you ever know a body of men admit, or even feel, that they were doing as much trade, as in their own estimation they ought? or who did not think that there were too many in their particular branches ? Every 609 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS individual desires to be a monopolist, yet no wise legislator would ever exclude competition. " A good cabinet-maker, who should have no more than an hundred pounds after paying the expenses of his voyage, would obtain a comfortable livelihood ; as would also an active speculating carpenter or mason, under the same circumstances. A greater amount of capital would, of course, be more advantageous." Curl, or curled maple, of which Mr. Fearon speaks with such enthusiasm, is used with great effect as pillars upon a chest-of-drawers facing page 616, that is composed of dark mahogany. The capitals of the pillars are deli- cately carved. The piece belongs to Mrs. Charles S. Fair- child in New York. On the same plate is represented another chest-of-drawers, also mahogany, owned by Mrs. Henry Wysham Lanier. This is handsomely carved with pineapples and leaves. This model came into fashion about 1820. The front of the top drawer frequently let down and revealed a desk. This probably was the way in which the word bureau gradually came to include a chest-of- drawers even when it contained no desk. We find the following advertisements in the American papers: "French dressing - bureau and toilet-glass (1823), French dressing-bureaus, ladies' dressing-tables, a * toilet bureau,' 1823; French pillar and column bureaus with toilets complete, 1824 ; ladies' writing secretaries and dress- ing-bureaus, dressing toilets with glasses, 1824; a ward- robe with centre dressing-bureau, toilets with hanging wardrobes, 1826; ladies' superb dressing-bureaus and toilets with glasses, 1826." The mahogany dressing-glass on page 6 1 1 belonged originally to Miss Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, and is dated 610 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS on the back 1786. The handles arc lion's heads and mouths holding a ring, and are probably original. This is now in the Glen-Sanders house, Scotia, N. Y. In 1820, De Witt Clinton, writing from Canandai- gua, says : " All wood that is susceptible of a tine polish will make good furniture, and where the texture is compact and the grain rine and concentrated, a polish can be made, an almost invariable accompaniment. I have been not a little sur- prised at the extravagance of the Americans in im- porting mahogany, satin- wood, etc., for cabinet work, when they have as good, if not better, materials at home. I rind cabinet-makers DRESSING-GLASS Owned originally by Elizabeth Van Retutelaer and 111 full employ all OVcM this dated 1786; now in the Glen-Sanders House, . . . Scotia, N. Y. See above. country, and it is an occu- pation which deserves en- couragement It adds greatly to our comfort to sit down at a table which reflects like a mirror and I always judge of the housewifery of the lady of the man- sion by the appearance of the sideboard and tables. But to return to my subject. " I went yesterday to a cabinet-maker's shop, and I was surprised at the variety and elegance of the furniture, chairs and sideboards, tables, book-cases and bureaus, of walnut, maple and wild cherry, which would, with a com- petent polish, excel the furniture made of imported wood." 611 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Philadelphia was at least equal, if not superior, to any other American town in the manufacture of household goods. Her stoves and Windsor chairs were especially re- nowned. Even in Boston, in 1787, we find a certain Ebenezer Stone advertising : " Green Windsor chairs of all kinds equal to any imported from Philadelphia. Chairs taken in and painted. N. B. English and West India goods taken in payment." In 1785, the cabinet-makers of Philadelphia were as follows : Joseph Allen, William Bromewell, Thomas Brown, Isaac Barnet, Thomas Bowen, Bartholomew Baker, Bryan and Nicholson, Samuel Claphamson, Adam Cressmon, John Douglass, Kearns Dowling, Joseph Dilvan, David Evans, Elfrith and Clarke, Josiah Elfrey, John Easther, William Edward, Alexander Frazer, Ford and Aitken, Christian Fox, Conrad Feerman, Jonathan Gostellow, Thomas George, Daniel Hayes, Edward Hargery, Christian Kearne, Leonard Kislar. John Kreider, Peter Lesler, Nicholas Lloyd, Benjamin Lyndall, John Meyers, William Moore, John Miller, Richard Palmer, William Rigby, George Shaw, John Savidge, Samuel Sime, John Townsend, Thomas Tuft, Daniel Trotter, Sr. and Jr., Francis Triem- ble, Andrew Vowiller, John Webb, Sr. and Jr., James Watkins, Jacob Wayne, Sr. and Jr., William Wayne, Sa- rah Williams, Jacob Winnemore, and Samuel Walton. The Windsor-chair makers were : William Coxe, Ephraim Evans, Benjamin Freeman, John Litchworth, Thomas Miller, Jacob Martin, John Sprowsan, Frances Trumble, William Weddifield, Wear and Cubbin, and John Willis. Chair-makers were George Burford, Rid- ding Cobly, Paul Hover, Robert Jones, Davenport Mar- 6it THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS riot, wheel and chair-maker ; William Savery, and Joseph Trotter. John Elliott was a looking-glass and medicinal merchant, and James Reynolds, a carver and gilder. At this date, the trade was so important that a publica- tion called The "Journeymen s Cahinet tin / Chair-makers' Philadelphia Book of Prices was issued. From the second edition (1795), it* we extract some of the detailed prices, we can form a very clear idea of the work that local cabinet-makers produced. It will be noticed that, al- though Heppelwhite's book had been out only six years many of the descriptions apply to his designs. EXTRA PRICES FOR SATTIN AND OTHER WOODS All work either solid, or veneerd with Sattin or Manilla-wood, to be extra in the pound from Mahogany calculated . s. d. with all the work on it except bantry, . 0-2-6 Safico or Havannah, " . 0-3-0 King, tulip, rose, purple, snake, zebra, Alexandria, panella, yew, maple, etc., ditto, etc., ditto, .... 0-4-0 The joints in the same to be paid the same as Mahogany, .... All Pine work deduct in the pound, . . 0-2-6 Cedar Clothes Shelves or drawers to be extra from poplar or gum, each . . 0-0-6 When the inside of furniture of Secretary drawers is made of Cedar, to be extra in the Shilling, .... 0-0-2 A cornice frame made to take to pieces for packing for bookcases, &c., extra, . 0-26 ditto for a Library, etc., . . . 0-5-0 Common or Miter Clamping when mor- ticed to be double, the price of clamping with a groove. 61} THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS PRICE OF PUTTING ON BRASS WORK Common casters, each .... Letting in the plate of ditto, . Socket, castors when the legs are tapered to fit in per set, .... Ditto when the legs are shoulder'd Ditto on table claws, each castor, Iron or brass rollers at per pair, Fitting on a drawer lock, Ditto a Box lock, ..... Letting in the plate of ditto, . Common handles, each, or rings, Letting in the nuts, each Putting on a patent Lock, extra from Common ditto, .... Lifting handles, each pair, Socket rings, each, .... Pendant rings, each, .... Letting in Escutcheon, each, Fixing on Center quadrants, each, . Letting in plates for rods in the top of sideboards, each plate, A triangle on a pillar and claw table, or stand, ...... Ditto when four claws, .... Making Holly Escutcheons, each . Ditto Ivory, each .... BEDSTEADS r s o-o-i 0-1-2 0-15 0-0-6^ 00-8^ 0-0-8^ 0-1-5 0-0-2^ 0-0-2^ 0-0-2^ 0-2-0 0-1-4 0-0-5^ o-o-i 0-0-2^ 036 0-08 0-05 0-0-6 0-05 o-o-io A Cott Bedstead, ..... o-io-o A low popular ditto with four screws, . 0-13-0 If with eight screws, extra, . . . 0-20 If Button -wood, extra, .... 0-1-6 A field Bedstead of Poplar, the roof i-o-o O-2-O sloped each way, If Button-wood, extra, 614 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS . s. d. Plinthing each post, . . . . o-i-o Therming each post out of the solid, . o-i-io^r A plain high post poplar bedstead, the posts turned at the bottom part, . o 1 8-6 If Button-wood, extra, .... 0-2-3 LOW CASE OF DRAWERS Owned by Miss Susan Fringlc, Charleston, S. C. See page 611. A plain Mahogany high post bedstead . 1-4-6 A Mahogany field bedstead, sloped roof, 1-7-0 Plinthing each post, . . . .0-1-6 Therming each post out of the solid, . 0-2-3 An Ogee roof for field bed, extra from sloped, ...... 0-5-0 A circular roof from ditto extra from sloped, ...... 0-4-0 Making a sloped roof separate from bed- stead, ...... o-6-o 615 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS . s. d. Each pully in rails of high post bedstead, Each Astragal miter'd round the posts above the framing, Cornices to be paid for according to time. Each inch longer than 6 feet and wider than four feet between the joints, Reeding a pair of posts, 5 reeds, each post Ditto with 7 reeds in Ditto, Ditto with nine reeds, .... Ditto with eleven reeds, Ditto with 13 reeds, . . . . For the price of fluting posts (see table of Ditto). Colouring and polishing a high post bed- stead, ...... 0-0-3 O-I-O O-0-2 0-1 I-O 0-14-0 0-17-0 i-o-o I-2-O 0-4-1 CHAIRS A plain Bannister chair cover'd over the rail, either block'd or braced, no holes in the bannister, straight seat, no low rails, . .... EXTRAS Each hole in the bannister, Each ditto in the top rail, Each hole in upright or cross splatts, Each scroll in the bannister, . Each scroll in upright or cross splats, Each scroll in top rail or back foot, Each square in bannister or splatts, Each ditto in the top rail or hollow, to form a break, ..... Each nail'd block in corner of chair seats extra from common blocks, A serpentine or circular front, Sweep side-rails, ..... 616 o-i 1-9 0-0-4 0-0-2^ O-O-I O-O-I 0-0-2^ O-O-I O O 2 O-O-2 0-0-6 O-I-O THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS HOOKCASE AND SECRETARY Owned by R. T. H. Halxy, Esq., New York. See page 613. . . d. A loose seat straight, .... 0-3-0 Ditto with circular front, . . . 0-4-0 Ditto with serpentine, .... 0-5-0 If with sweep side rails, extra, . . 0-1-3 617 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS . s. d. Low rails to Ditto, .... 039 If no back rail deduct, . . . . 0-0-9 Veneering the back side of each rail, . 0-0-3 Ditto the top edges of each, . . . 002^ Each slip between the back feet with a bead on each side, .... 002^ Ditto a toad back moulding, . . . 0-0-3^ Tonguing each stay rail together, in chairs, 0-0-4 If dovetailed, ... . o-i-o For tapering, plinthing, therming, mould- ing, or panneling the feet (see tables of Ditto). Sawing out back feet of I ^ stuff, each cut Ditto of 2 inches, each Ditto, Ditto " 2}4 inches, each Ditto, " " 3 inches, " " . . J . " front feet, each cut, Sawing seat serpentine front, rails, each cut, ....... 0-0-3 Ditto a circular front or sweep side rails, each cut, . . . . .' .' 0-02^ Ditto a circular front with hollow corners, 0-0-3^ Mortising the back feet through, each chair, . . 0-0-6 A splatt back chair with three cross splatts, made for stuffing over the rail, Straight seat, no low rails, . . . 0-13-0 Sawing out each top rail or splatt, . * ,v 0-0-2^ A SPLATT BACK CHAIR Honeysuckle pattern, made for stuffing over the rail, straight seats, no low rails, 0-14-6 A Heart back stay rail Chair, with a ban- nister and two upright splatts, straight seat, made for stuffing over the rail, no low rails, ...... 0-158 618 CARVED MAHOGANY CHAIR AND CELLARET Owned by Mrs. Andrew Simonds, Charleston, S. C. See page 622, THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS A STAY RAIL CHAIR With serpentine top rail and five upright splatts, straight seat made for stuffing . s. d. over the rail, no low rails, . . . 0-16-0 Rounding the back side of each splatt, . 0-0-2 With three upright splatts, straight seat, made for stuffing over the rails, no low rails, ...... 0-16-6 A VASE BACK STAY RAIL CHAIR With serpentine top and three upright splatts, or bannister in Ditto, straight seat made for stuffing over the rails, 0-156 A SQUARE BACK CHAIR With a hollow cornered top rail and straight seat, three upright splatts, a bannister in ditto made for stuffing over the rail, 0-15-0 A SQUARE BACK CHAIR With straight top and stay rail, three up- right splatts, straight seat, made for stuffing over the rail, . . . 0-14-0 If the top and stay rail are sweeped in the front, extra, .... 0-0-4 If the above is made with a long vase splatt in the middle, and an arch in the top rail to be extended between two outside splatts, extra, . . . 0-0-9 Diminishing each back foot with a hollow front, the seat rail up extra from plain taper, ...... 0-0-2 ELBOWS FOR CHAIRS The old scrolled elbow, . . . 0-10-6 Plain twisted ditto, . . . .0-11-6 Plain elbows, . . . t 096 Moulding the elbows, .... 0-3-0 6t 9 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS French elbows for straight side rail, the . s. d. elbows mortised on stump of front foot, 0-13-6 If to sweep side rails extra, . . . 0-30 A close stool in an elbow chair, . . 0-76 For extra depth of framing and scrolling the rails, ...... 0-3-0 EASY CHAIRS An easy chair frame, plain feet, no low rails, ...... 15-0 A Commode front, .... o-i-o A Close stool in ditto, . . . . 0-76 A fram'd seat extra, .... 0-2-0 Plowing and tonguing ends of loose seat, 009 Square clamping, Ditto, . . . 015 Low rails to ditto, .... 0-4-0 SOFAS AND EXTRAS A plain sofa with six feet, no low rails, six feet long, with fast back, . . . I 8-0 Each inch longer, .... 0-0-2^ A sweep front rail, .... o 2 o A sweep top rail, ..... 0-0-9 A SQUARE BACK MAHOGANY SOFA Five feet long, with six feet to ditto, no low rails, straight seat, . . . i 10 o A sweep front rail with hollow corners, . 0-3-6 If with a hollow corner'd top rail, . . 0-3-9 An arch in the top rail to answer the arches in square back chairs, extra from straight, ...... 0-2-6 Plain mahogany elbow to ditto, . . 0-116 Each inch longer than five feet, . . 00-2^ CABRIOLE SOFA A Cabriole sofa five feet long with plain feet, no low rails, .... 2 I o 620 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS . s. d. Each inch longer, .... 0-0-4 Tapering, plinthing, therming, moulding, etc., see plain bannister chair. Planting mahogany on top edge of back, 0-8-3 MAHOGANY CHEST OF DRAWERS In the house of Mr. Charln R. Wafers, Salem. Scr pjge 623. Running the mouldings on ditto, . . 0-9-0 A crossband and astragal round front and ends, ...... 0-93 An astragal above the band extra, . . 0-3-9 Low rails to ditto, .... o-i-io Polishing all backs of chairs with wax to be paid for according to time. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The mahogany chair facing this page has a back of graceful design richly carved, and belongs to the early Chippendale school (see pages 148 and 447), but the legs and feet are peculiar, ending in the dog's claw, above which the hair is indicated. The line of the leg is quite different to the cabriole spring, and the arms are also less bowed than in the ordinary Anglo-Dutch model. This criticism also applies to the model of the cellaret, or wine- cooler at its side. This is also of mahogany bound with three heavy brass bands. The carving of the legs and the base as well as the large daisy on the top of the cellaret is carefully executed. These pieces belong to Mrs. Andrew Symonds, Charleston, S. C. So much has been said re- garding the case of drawers so often erroneously called " high-boy " and " low-boy " (see page 342), that a descrip- tion of the one on page 6 1 5 belonging to Miss Susan Prin- gle, is unnecessary. We may call attention to the fact that this has but two drawers and simple early hoof feet which generally characterize these specimens. The ring- handles of brass belong to a later period. Bookcases before the Revolution were generally large. In the Charleston Morning Posf, July 27, 1786, we learn: " To be sold by public auction. ... A very complete bookcase, 8 feet wide and 9 feet high ; the upper part in three pieces, kept together by a beautiful cornice. Foi taste, elegance and workmanship, this piece is not ex ceeded by any in the State." The above mentioned bookcase was doubtless simila: to the one that appears on page 150, the dimensions of which are 8 ft., 4 in. long; i i ft. high; 2 ft., 4 in. deep; and the upper portion, 7 ft. 9 in. high. Christian, cabinet-maker, 35 Wall Street, has, in 1814, 622 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS " a superior library case, 8 feet long, by 9 feet, 6 inches high.- A bookcase the panes of which are in the style of Chippendale and Heppel white and secretary is represented on page 617. This belongs to R. T. H. Halsey, Esq., of New York. It is of mahogany with simple brass handles. The chief interest of this piece lies in the small inlaid oval in the centre of the flap, representing an eagle surrounded by thirteen stars, which alone shows that it dates after the Revolution and is of native manu- facture. This ornament frequently occurs on the legs of card-tables, etc., made after the Federal Government was established. We have spoken of the change of style from the carved oak period and how the bombe shapes became popu- lar (see pages 195, 256, and 405). The picture on page 621 of a mahogany chest-of-drawers in the home of Mr. Charles R. Waters, Salem, Mass., gives an excellent idea of the swelling line that is known as bombe (bomber; to bulge, to jut out). This piece is decorated with hand- some brass escutcheons and key-plates, stands on short cabriole legs, with the eagle's claw holding the ball and has a carved shell at its base. In judging old furniture, the buyer has to be on his guard against many tricks of the trade. Most of these are directed towards giving an appearance of antiquity to the pieces. The novice should be particularly suspicious of carved oak. Walnut juice is frequently used by dealers to stain oak a deep tone ; but oak of moderate age is brown and not black, and much of the blackness, which is only the result of dirt and smoke, can be washed off. New oak can also be darkened by a solution of old iron in hot 613 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS vinegar, after which it is oiled and polished. Worm holes in oak, which contribute to the "antique" appearance, are also "faked." Nitric acid and tiny holes bored with an auger make an excellent imitation of the work of ants and worms. There are many workmen in Europe em- ployed solely in boring such holes in counterfeit " an- tiques," and Parisian dealers have also been accused of riddling the wood with tine bird-shot and of utilizing worms to do the work. It is also said that furniture which has to be several centuries old is beaten with cudgels and mallets. Sometimes, too, carved oak is roughly coated with white paint, which is dried in the sun and washed with potash, which removes the paint in patches, reveal- ing tempting glimpses of ornate carving. As old carved panels were frequently painted over during the last two centuries, the novice is ready to believe the dealer's tale of a valuable " find." The plainer an oak piece is, the more likely it is to be genuine, for comparatively little furni- ture of two hundred years ago was richly decorated : sumptuous articles were reserved for the wealthy class. Therefore, the amateur, when buying carved oak, must examine carefully the designs and beware of purchasing, for example, a " German or Flemish piece of the four- teenth century" with Renaissance ornaments; he may well be suspicious of any sixteenth or seventeenth century carving representing Biblical subjects in correct Oriental costume : the figures would appear in such contemporary clothing as the carver was familiar with. It is very im- portant that the amateur collector should study the forms and devices of ornamentation peculiar to different periods and to individual designers. It is only by such acquired knowledge that he will be able to accord a proper or ap- 624 BOOKCASE AND DESK Owned hi Mr. Robert A. Boit, Boston , Man. See page 382. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS proximate date to any article, while his common sense will afford him protection against unscrupulous dealers' legends. On pages 18-20 a general description of the ornaments and construction of the Elizabethan and Jacobean furni- CHAIRS IN THE SHERATON STYLE Owned by Stephen Girard ; now in Girard College, Philadelphia. See page $90. ture has been given, and the pictures given in Parts I. and III. of carved oak, and furniture contemporary with it, will enable the amateur to classify any similar pieces that he may discover. He will also be able to ascertain the proper use of cane, rush, leather and damask for the seats and backs of chairs of this period. He will also note ex- amples of transitional styles (see chairs on pages 4, 65, 69, 101, 184, 186 and 240) that lead to the Anglo- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Dutch (see. chairs on page 277) and the so-called "Chip- pendale" furniture, referred to on pp. 68, 194, 256 and 276-8, and be enabled to follow the history of that furni- ture in which the curve forms the outline until the straight lines dominate under Louis XVI. and Sheraton. He will also appreciate that the abused word " Co- lonial ' cannot be applied to any furniture dating after 1776 ; and that no Heppelwhite and Sheraton models can be called by that name. If the student desires to attain sufficient knowledge to distinguish infallibly the work of the various great makers, a close study of their own plates is necessary first of all. Chairs or sofas with the characteristic backs of one maker and legs of another; Chippendale carving with Empire ornaments ; and Louis Quatorze tables in mahogany will soon have no charms for him. One sometimes sees a somewhat elaborately carved or inlaid mahogany buffet for sale and designated a "Chippendale" sideboard! Anyone acquainted with Chippendale's book knows that his side- board is merely a table. The intricacy of the design, and the elaborate carving, inlaid or applied work is often a great safeguard against counterfeiting. The skill and time required to reproduce even an ornate Chippendale chair acts as a deterrent. The copies on the market have the most meagre amount of hand carving and the evidences of machine work are discernible. The dimensions given by the original designers are a test that may profitably be ap- plied. Some of these are given on pages 638, 639, 642, 644 and 647. It is not known that any of the English makers signed the work produced in their own shops. Many of the French ebenistes did so: on different pieces in South Ken- 626 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS sington are stamped the names of Riesener, David, Pafret, Carlin, Gamier, Oeben, Pioniez, Denizot, Richter, Joseph, Deloose, Jansen and Cosson. Sometimes the prefix M. E. (menuisier elf enisle] occurs. However, even if a piece bore the stamp of T. Chippendale, its genuineness would not thereby be assured, for signatures may be forged as carved dates often are on oak chests. It must be remembered that Chippendale, Adam, Hep- pelwhite and Sheraton are almost as much generic terms as Boulle. Adam never made any furniture, and the only authentic pieces of " Adam " are those specially designed for particular rooms. The style, however, was copied by many contemporaries, and it is their productions that may be procured and are still highly prized. The characteris- tics of Adam furniture and ornaments have been described on pages 4656. Chippendale has been fully discussed (see pages 441450). The student must bear in mind that the books of designs brought out by Chippendale, Heppelwhite, Sheraton and others were avowedly intended for the use of the trade, as well as for the delectation of their own pa- trons. The lists of subcribers to these books include all the principal cabinet-makers of Great Britain, all of whom in consequence would supply their customers with what- ever was in demand. Thus Chippendale chairs were made by the thousand, and the only point on which the collec- tor can hope to be certain is whether a given chair is of the Chippendale period. The same applies to Heppel- white and Sheraton. The latter made scarcely any furni- ture after the publication of his first book in 1793 (see page 477), but the 140 cabinet-makers who subscribed to that publication undoubtedly made an enormous amount in the dozen years or so before the Empire finally supplanted 6*7 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Sheraton. Heppelwhite is usually credited with the heart- back and shield-back chairs, but care must be taken in dis- tinguishing his patterns from one given by Sheraton. The latter's work may often be recognized by an expert in car- pentry, for he generally gives most minute directions for construction. Typical instances are as follows : " As high as the stuffing of the seat a rabbet should be left on the stump to stuff against ; which is easily done, as the stump is made smaller above the rail. The cushions on the arms are formed by cutting a rabbet in the arm, or leaving the wood a little above the surface. Some, how- ever, bring the rabbet square down at each end, covering the wood entirely, except a fillet, which is left at the bot- tom and continues round the cushion." " Bed-pillars. The pateras which cover the screw heads are on loose panels let into the pillars, and which settle down into a groove at the bottom, by which means they are kept in their place and easily taken out." Other instances of his detailed instructions occur on pages 478-484 and 650-652. The lists of materials given on pages 631637, with the dates and also the cabinet-makers' own instructions, will be of use to the amateur in covering his treasures correctly. Many of the chairs represented show also the proper dis- tribution of brass nails. We can hardly understand at this day the enormous importance attached to draperies and the graceful festoon. Sheraton introduces it everywhere, especially in his later years ; and the Empire furniture, particularly the bed, is dependent upon the tent-like folds and graceful curtains of contrasted colours. The upholsterers vied with each other in producing effects, as the plates in the fashion magazines 618 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of the day plainly show, yet we rind a contemporary critic uttering the following complaint : " In no part of his profession is the upholsterer more de- ficient than in the arrangement and in the forms of his CHINESE TABLE WITH SLATE TOP Owned by Mrs. Edward C Pickering, Observatory, Cambridge, Mass. See page 605. draperies, which arises from the want of an attentive ob- servation of what is easy and elegant ; from this deficiency of knowledge we often see silk and calico tortured into every other form than agreeable natural drapery. The mystery and difficulty of cutting-out would vanish did the artist but apply his mind with resolution to conquer his established prejudices : to the workman very little knowl- edge is usually required beyond cutting out what is usually 639 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS called a festoon, the arrangement, whether for continued drapery or for a single window, forming the principal dif- ficulty ; one festoon well and properly cut out will answer for the whole : this difficulty once overcome, a little in- genuity will readily accomplish whatever else may be re- quired. "I must here observe the utter impossibility of forming tasteful and well flowing draperies of the stiffened mate- rials at present in general use : it is nearly as practicable to throw buckram into easy and graceful drapery as the modern high glazed stiffened calicoes ; the stiffening must be dispensed with, or the utmost effort of the artist will be in vain. The pleasantest materials are silk and fine cloth. " For eating-rooms and libraries, a material of more sub- stance is requisite than for rooms of a lighter cast ; and for such purposes, superfine cloth, or cassimere, will ever be the best ; the colours, as fancy or taste may direct ; yet scarlet and crimson will ever hold the preference." Another writer complains in i 8 1 6 as follows : " Perhaps no furniture is more decorative and graceful than that of which draperies form a considerable part ; the easy disposition of the folds of curtains and other hangings, the sweep of the lines composing their forms, and the harmo- nious combinations of their colours, produced a charm that brought them into high repute, but eventually occasioned their use in so liberal a degree as in many instances to have clothed up the ornamented walls, and in others they have been substituted entirely for their more genuine dec- orations, by which the rooms obtained the air of a mer- cer's or a draper's shop in full display of its merchandize, rather than the well imagined and correctly designed 630 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS apartment of a British edifice: indeed, to so great an ex- cess was this system of ornamental finishing by draperies carried, that it became the usual observation of a celebrated amateur in this way, that he would be quite satisfied if a well proportioned barn was provided, and would in a week convert it, by such means, into a drawing-room of the first style and fashion. So long as novelty favoured the ap- plication, this redundance was tolerated ; but time has brought the uses of these draperies to their proper office of conforming to the original design, consisting of those ar- chitectural combinations that possess a far greater beauty, dignity and variety than draperies are capable of affording." The materials used for upholstering in the seventeenth century were camak, or camoca, darnix, or dornix, or dar- neck, perpetuana, kitterminster, or kidderminster, serge, drugget, dimity, calico, camlet, calimanco or callimanco, plush, mohair, paduasoy, horsehair, chancy, or cheney, or china, Turkey-work, green cloth, crimson, worsted, red cloth, red damask, leather, yellow damask, shalloon, say, watchet, serge, linsey-woolsey, searsucker, blue and white cotton, fustian, silk muslin, chintz, Indian calico, tabby, taffety, sarcenet, damask and rateen. Camak has been defined on page 14, and darnix, perpetuana, kidderminster, serge, drugget, dimity and calico on page 17. In addi- tion to calico, there was painted calico, known as early as 1663, for Pepys notes in his Diary : " Bought my wife a chint, that is a painted Indian calico, for to line her new study." It is strange that Chambers does not mention calico in the early editions of his encyclopedia : but in the supplement to that of 1753 we find " callicoes are of divers kinds; plain, printed, painted, stain'd, dyed, chints, muslins and the like." 631 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Camblet was "a stuff sometimes of wool, sometimes silk, and sometimes hair ; waved camblets are those whereon waves are impressed as on tabbies. Tabby, a kind of course taffety watered. Taffety, or taffetas, a fine smooth silken stuff. The taffetas Noirs of Lyons are Alamode and Lutestring. The chief consumption of Taffeties is in Summer-dresses for women, in linings, scarfs, coifs, win- dow-curtains &c." Calimanco was a glazed linen stuff; plush, a coarse kind of silk velvet with a thick nap ; mohair, a fabric com- posed of the hair of the Angora goat, mixed with silk of cotton warps ; paduasoy, a smooth strong silk, and also a kind of worsted ; hair-cloth, the same as horsehair ; chancy or cheney, worsted, woolen, or silk stuff from China ; for Turkey-work see facing page 198 ; shalloon, a woollen stuff first made in Chalons ; say, a woollen cloth ; linsey- woolsey, a coarse woollen stuff; watchet, pale blue ; sear- sucker, a thin striped grey-and-white ridged material ; sarcenet, a thin silk ; damask, a rich stuff made first in Damascus, and made in " such manners as that which is not satin on one side is on the other"; serge, a woollen quilted stuff manufactured on a loom with four treadles ; rateen, a thick woollen stuff quilled. " There are some rateens dressed and prepared like cloths ; others left simply in the hair ; and others where the hair or nap is frized. Rateens arc chiefly manufactured in France, Holland and Italy; and are mostly used in linings." Frize, a sort of coarse rateen ; drugget (see page 17). There is no need for us to enumerate the ways in which the above materials are used since their frequent occurrence in the early chap- ters of this book has made the reader thoroughly acquainted with them. 6 3 CARVED ROSEWOOD CHAIR Owned by Charles B. Titrnan, Esq., Baltimore, Aid. See page 638. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS In England, Queen Mary's fondness for East Indian goods bought the products of the Indian looms into fashion, and at the beginning of the eighteenth century the following varieties were well-known : Allejars, Atlasses, Addatties, Allibannies, Aubrowahs. Bafraes, Brawles, Bejurapauts, Betellees, Bulchauls, Byram- pants, Betelles, Bafts, Baguzzees, Chints, Chelloes, Coopees, Callowaypoose, Cuttannees, China cherrys, Cherriderrys, Cushlahs, Coffees, Cuttanees, Carradarries, Cheaconines, Chucklaes, Chowtars, Culgees, Dorcas, Deri- bands, Doodamies, Doorguzzees, Elatches, Emerties, Gor- gorans, Guinea stuffs, Gurrahs, Goaconcheleras, Gurracs, Gelongs, Ginghams, Humadees, Humhums, Izzarees, Jamdannies, Jamwars, Luckhoories, Moorees, Mulmuls, Mamoodies, Mahmudhiattees, Mickbannies, Negane- pants, Nillaes, Niccannees, Peniascoes, Pallampores. Photaes, Pelongs, Palampores, Paunches, Ponabaguzzees, Rehings, Romalls, Shalbafts, Seersuckers, Sallampores, Sovaguzzees, Soofeys, Seerbettees, Sannoes, Succatums, Soo- seys, Seerbands, Tainsooks, Terrindams, Tapsiels, Tepoys, Tanjeebs. In the first decade of the century the silken goods were as follows : " Silver Tishea, Pudsway, Shaggs, Tab- beys, Mowhairs, Grazets, Broches, Flowered Damasks, Flowered Lutestrings, ditto striped and plain, Sarsnets, Italian Mantuas, Silk Plushes, Farrendines, Shagreen, Pop- lins, Silk Crapes and Durants." (Durant was a variety of Tammy.) The woollen fabrics consisted of Hair and Woollen Camlets, Hair Plushes, Spanish and English Druggets, Serge Denims, Calamancoes, Russells (flowered and damask), Serges, Shalloons, Tammeys, Ratteens and Salapeens. THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Alamode, a thin, glossy, black silk, is mentioned in 1676 in company with " Taffaties, Sarsenets and Lutes." Two beautiful chairs of the Queen Anne period face page 628. The first is a " wing chair," with square high back, wide side head-rests and high arms curving out- wards. The legs, both back and front, are cabriole in shape. The date is about 1700. The second chair has a high back and seat covered with tapestry and edged with fringe. It has cabriole legs and hoof feet and the date is about 1710. Some of the goods are mentioned in the list of Edward Marty n, a shopkeeper of Boston, who has the fol- lowing stock in 1718: "Striped Linceys, and Flowered Serges ; Bay Holland Garlix and other linen Garlix and Dowlas ; Holland Bayes and Duck ; Musling and Cam- brick ; Velvet and Shalloons ; Ozenbrigs, Salbafts, and Bangalls; Russell, Callimanco and Stuff Lutestring; Alli- mode and Searsnett ; Persians and Mantua Silk ; Mohair and Striped Holland and Fustian and Tick; Cherryderry and Grass; Taffety and Cantaloon; Kersey, Silk Handker- chiefs and Silk Crepes, Blue and Coloured Druggets, Calicos, blue and flowered Durovs and Sazzathees." J The Boston newspapers supply us with the following : Blue callicoes, chintzes, muzlings (1726); India damasks, chintzes, camblets, calimancoes and embossed serges ( 1 755); horsehair and brocaded silk (1757); a pair of good green curtains (1759); beautiful painted canvas hangings for rooms (1760); yellow and crimson silk damask window curtains ( 1 762); worsted furniture check (1764); harra- teen curtains (1766); and green harrateen curtains (1773). " Worsted damask, rich, suitable for furniture," is im- ported in the Frame ; " checks for furniture" (1757) ; fur- 6 34 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS niture and china blue calicoes ; blue and white checks for furniture ; " dowered damasks tor furniture " ( 1759) ; Tur- key-work seats for chairs (1760) ; blue and green worsted damask for furniture ; " crimson, blue, green, and yellow h .rrateens with lines and tossels to suit, imported in the Albany and sold by Henry Remsen ; Indian gimp and bindings of various sorts (1762) ; bobbing and Dutch pret- ties for furniture, printed cottons for furniture and furni- ture checks, hair cloth for chair seats and stair cases ( 1 764) ; furniture callicoe single and in two blues, large pencill'd do. for furniture, blue and white furniture binding " ( i 765) ; printed and pencill'd furniture calico, purple, dark blue, pompadour and fancy ground chintz ( 1 768 ). James Nixon, (^ueen Street, has " a good assortment of forest cloths with greens fit for covering tables and desks" (1768). Fine striped lutestring for furniture, sold by Samuel Hake, Wall Street (1760); furniture checks lines and tossels for do. ; blue, green, scarlet, and yellow furniture checks, blue and white furniture callicoe, furniture harrateens with trim- mings to suit, furniture cheneys with trimmings to suit (1771); worsted lutestrings, striped silk damask, handsome dark and light ground callicoes and chintzes, red and white copper plate furniture ; do., blue and white pencil do., common blue and white do., handsome red and white fur- niture do. ; India, English, and Patna chintzes, copper- plate cotton furniture, elegant chintz do., India chintzes for bed sprees, Marseilles quilts, red and white, blue and white, and red and white callicoe, binding, red and white, and blue and white, and purple cotton furniture (1772); Woodward and Kip near the Fly Market have " rine lay- lock and fancy callicoes, red, blue and purple fine copper plate ditto, laylock, lutestring, light, figured, fancy, shell, THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS pompadour and French ground Hue chintzes. Purple, blue, and red copper plate furniture callicoes ; ditto furniture bindings, black, blue, brown, Saxon, green, pea green, yel- low, crimson, garnet, pink and purple moreens ; blue and white, red and white, purple and white furniture callicoes, blue and white cotton and do. chintz furniture, red and white, blue and white, yellow and white, crimson and white, green and white furniture checks (1/73); Patna chintzes (1774). (For the introduction of copper plate goods, see page 98.) Other upholstery goods advertised are worsted and hair plush (1777); drapery bays (1783); striped and plain satin haircloth (1790); silk damask (1791); red chintz furniture (1802); an elegant set of crimson damask with tassels, fringe, lining and binding (1803); furniture dimities, drapery baize, balloon corded furniture dimities (18034); furniture moreens (1808); furniture dimity (1810); furni- ture chintz ( i 8 1 6); moreen damask cotton furniture (1817); a case of superior hair seating ; a bale white bed laces, a bale cotton balls, handsome moreen window curtains, do. of chintz, dimity and silk, 60 patent spring and hair seats, moreen satin and other curtains (1823); black hair seating (1824); white cotton fringe, London furniture chintz (1825); scarlet, crimson, lemon and blue worsted damask for curtains ( 1825); "3 sets crimson moreen window curtains, two sets blue and orange, two of scarlet and one pearl with muslin drapery, four blue moreen window curtains with yellow drapery, scarlet moreen window curtains ; 500 pair green window blinds with cornices, brackets and tassels complete, size 3 feet to 4 feet 6 in.; i set of blue and yellow drapery window curtains, and 3 sets crimson and blue moreen window curtains" (1826). 636 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Harrateen was a kind of cloth made of combing wool ; durants or durance, a stout worsted cloth ; tammy, a cot- ton and worsted stuff, twilled, and also called Scotch camb- let. Gimp or gymp was an openwork trimming or lace, superseded by the French word passementerie; and inkle was a kind of linen tape, braid, or lace, used as early as the sixteenth century; it was also a kind of crewel, or worsted, embroidered in floral designs. Some idea of the prices may be gained from the stock of Thomas Baxter, an upholsterer of Boston (1751 ), who had "Goods in the shop: 65^ yds. Plateen, "121 18- o ; 88 yds. Allepeen, ,60-3-6 ; 269 yds. Camblett, ,137173; 28 ruggs and 11 bed quilts, ^215-1 1 -6 ; 24 Ibs. brass nails, ^89-18-0; 15 Ibs. girt webb, ji2; 247 doz. curtain rings, ^15-100; 107% yds. bed tick, ^10329; bed and couch bottoms, ,10; 7 suits cur- tains, ,96; 36 counterpins and coverlets, ^172-1 5-0; 43/4 yds. harrateen, ^341 60; i sett tassels and fringe and 14 yds. chancy, 1 94-0-0 ; 18 yds. harrateen, ^394- 18 o; ^\y* yds. chancy in remnants, ^2510-0; wood- work for a bed, ,25; 158 pr. blankets, ^49-2-6 ; i suit harrateen curtains, ,42 ; and 29 chairs and frames, .80 i o-o." We have abundant evidence in their numerous adver- tisements in the papers, that the American upholsterers kept up with the latest London and Parisian styles. Let us now examine the special styles of upholstering chairs, sofas and beds as they consecutively appear : We find the Turkey-work chair still in the eighteenth century ; cane and leather are also used for seats ; horse- hair and paduasoy (see page 104), blue silk camlet, blue chancy, mohair, yellow damask, crimson worsted, red 6 37 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS china, blue leather, crimson harrateen, figured haircloth, hair plush, hair camlet and hair shags are also used. Sheraton was fond of figured silk and satin with printed ovals (see pages 478-480) and stripes. His chairs frequently matched his sofas. For the coverings of his chairs, Chippendale advocates Spanish leather or damask nailed with brass nails, tapes- try, needlework, cane bottoms and loose cushions ; many of his seats are stuffed over the rails and covered with the same stuff as the window curtains and " have a Brass Border neatly chased, but are most commonly done with Brass Nails in one or two rows ; and sometimes the nails are done to imitate Fretwork." Sometimes the dimensions of the chairs vary to suit the size of the rooms ; but we find the height of the back seldom exceeds 22 in. above the seats. For his French chairs, the backs and seats of which are stuffed and cov- ered with Spanish leather or damask, " the seat is 27 in. wide from the front to the back, and 23 in. behind ; the height of the back is 25 in. and the height of the seat, 14^ in. including casters." Of his famous " Ribband- Back " chairs he says: "If the seats are covered with red Morocco, they will have a fine effect." The chair facing page 634 is an excellent example of fine contrasted colour ; the framework is of carved rose- wood, a wood that again became very popular about 1818. The seat and back of this chair are covered with yellow brocade. This chair belongs to Charles B. Tiernan, Esq., of Baltimore, Md., and is a family piece. The proportions of the Heppelwhite chair are : wMth in front, 20 inches; depth of the seat, 17 inches; height of the seat frame, 1 7 inches ; total height, about 3 feet I 638 CHINA CUPBOARD AND TWO SHERATON CHAIRS U^uited by Afr/. M'illiat.i t'ouitg, Baltimore, MJ. See page 639. O C/3 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS inch. Other dimensions are frequently adopted, " accord- ing to the size of the room or pleasure of the purchaser." Many elegant chairs had backs and seats of red or blue morocco leather, and sometimes medallions, printed or painted on silk of the natural colours were inserted on the backs, which were often circular. " Leather backs or seats should be tied down with tassels of silk or thread " is another instruction for the Heppelwhite chair. Among the examples of Heppelwhite chairs repre- sented on pages 461, 465 and 467, and facing 92 and 454, we may call attention to those on page 467, which are correctly upholstered, especially with regard to the brass nails on the chair to the left. Silk, satin, leather or horse- hair (striped, figured, checked or plain) are the appropri- ate materials for this style of chair. Sheraton chairs occur on pages 272 (left), 429 and 435. Those on pages 473 and 475 and facing 638 are cov- ered correctly with striped materials. In his late years, he made Herculaneums and "conversation chairs" (see pages 48 3-4), and many curious designs. "Conversation chairs" are advertised in America. (See page 539.) Two excellent Sheraton chairs correctly upholstered face page 638 in company with a "beaufait "or china cup- board of much more recent date than those on pages 354 and 363 and facing page 352. This, however, contains many examples of fine china tastefully arranged. One of the chairs is upholstered with a brocade of varied hues, and the other is of yellow silk and satin in stripes. These pieces are owned by Mrs. William Young, in Baltimore, Md. Another " Beaufait " appears in the room facing page 632. It is interesting to compare these chairs with those on pages 473 and 475. 639 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS From about the beginning of the nineteenth century, the favourite chair was the " Fancy Chair." This was, how- ever, introduced in New York as early as 1 797, when William Challen, Fancy Chair-maker from London, " manufactures all sorts of dyed, japanned, wangee and bamboo chairs, settees, etc., and every article in the fancy chair line executed in the neatest manner, and after the newest and most approved London patterns." In 1802, William Palmer, 2 Nassau Street, New York, advertises " a large assortment of elegant, well-made and highly finished black and gold, etc., Fancy Chairs, with cane and rush bottoms; in 1806, William Mott, 51 Broadway, furniture japanner, " has a large assortment of elegant and well-made fancy chairs of the newest patterns." Richard Marsh, Greenwich Street, has the same year fancy and Windsor chairs for sale, and will repair, panel and ornament old chairs ; Patterson and Dennis, 54 John Street, inform their friends that that they have " a large and very elegant assortment of Fancy chairs of the newest patterns and finished in a superior style. Elegant white, coquilicot, green, etc., and gilt drawing-room chairs, with cane and rush seats, together with a handsome assortment of dining and bedroom chairs, etc." In 1812, Asa Holden, 32 Broad Street, has "a superb assortment of highly finished fancy chairs, such as double and single cross fret chain gold, ball and spindle back, with cane and rush seats, etc., of the latest and most fashionable patterns;" and in 1814, he advertises again. In 1817, William Shureman, 1 7 Bowery, has " fancy and Windsor chairs," and will paint and re-gild old chairs ; in the same year Wharton and Davies, fancy chair manufac- turers, offer for sale an elegant assortment of curled maple 640 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS painted, ornamented landscape, sewing and rocking chairs, lounges, settees, sofas, music stools, etc. In 1819, they have curled maple, rosewood and fancy painted chairs and sofas richly ornamented in gold and bronze with hair, cane and rush seats. "FANCY" SETTEE Owned by Mrs. Edward Rankin at Cherry Hill, Albany, New York. See below. " Fancy Chairs" have already been represented on page i 19, second from the left; and on page 475 on the right of the letter-case. A settee that was a companion to the "Fancy Chair" appears on this page. This belongs to Mrs. Edward Ran- kin at Cherry Hill y Albany, N. Y. A chair that came in under the Empire, and finds its origin in Egyptian and Greek models, quickly took the place of all the old Chip- pendale, Heppelwhite and Sheraton models, and held its own as the typical dining-room chair almost to the pres- ent day. This was the " Trafalgar Chair," which received its name from that action, which occurred very soon after TtfE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS its introduction. The pattern, which is familiar to every- body, occurs facing page 562 (on the left). In 1814, the fashion was : " Light chairs for best bedchambers (cane seats), sec- ondary drawing-rooms and occasionally to serve for routs. These may be stained black, or, as the present taste is, veined with vitriol, stained with logwood, and polished to imitate rosewood ; the seats caned." Regarding sofas, Heppelwhite says their dimensions should vary according to the size of the room and pleas- ure of the purchaser, but " the proportion in general use " is, length between 6 and 7 feet ; depth about 30 inches ; height of the seat frame, 1 4 inches ; total in the back, 3 feet i inch. The woodwork should be either mahogany or japanned to suit the chairs in the room, and the cover- ing must match that of the chairs. Four designs of sofas appear in his book. He also gives designs for the Confidante and the Duch- esse, two species of sofa. Of the first he says : " This piece of furniture is of French origin, and is in pretty general request for large and spacious suits of apartments. An elegant drawing-room, with modern furniture, is scarce complete without a Confidante, the extent of which may be about nine feet, subject to the same regulations as sofas. This piece of furniture is sometimes so constructed that the ends take away and leave a regular sofa ; the ends may be used as " Barjier Chairs." Of the Duchesse, he writes: "This piece of furniture is also derived from the French. Two Barjier chairs of proper construction, with a stool in the middle, form the Duchesse, which is allotted to large and spacious ante- rooms; the covering may be various, as also the frame- 64* THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS work, and made from six to eight feet long. The stuff- ing may be of the round manner as shown in the drawing, or low-stuffed with a loose squab or bordered cushion fitted to each part ; with a duplicate linen cover to cover the whole, or each part separately, Confidantes, sofas and chairs may be stuffed in the same manner." MAHOGANY SOFA Owned by Mrs. John Sparhawk June*, Philadelphia. See page 645. His graceful " Window stools " are made of mahogany or they are japanned. He recommends two of his designs "to be covered with linen or cotton to match the chairs." The covering of one is tufted and caught with buttons. The other has a scalloped valance edged with fringe, and in the centre of each scallop hangs a tiny tassel. Another stool he wishes japanned and covered " with striped furni- ture"; another, of carved mahogany, "with furniture of an elegant pattern festooned in front, will produce a very pleasing effect." Two other window stools "are particu- larly adapted for an elegant drawing-room of japanned fur- niture ; the covering should be of taberray or morine of pea-green or other light colour. The size of the window 643 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS stools must be regulated by the size of the place where they are to stand ; their heights should not exceed the heights of the chairs." Sheraton gave much attention to the sofa (see page 482). One is a " Sofa done in white and gold, or ja- panned. Four loose cushions are placed at the back. They serve at times for bolsters, being placed against the arms to loll against. The seat is stuffed up in front about three inches high above the rail, denoted by the figure of the sprig running lengthwise ; all above that is a squab, which may be taken off occasionally." Turkey sofas " introduced into the most fashionable houses" are a novelty. They are "an imitation of the Turkish mode of sitting. They are, therefore, made very low, scarcely exceeding a foot to the upper side of the cushion. The frame may be made of beech, and must be webbed and strained with canvas to support the cushions." Sheraton also makes the Chaise Longue, which he says derive their name " long chair" from the French and " their use is to rest or loll upon after dinner." In 1821, the fashionable sofa is thus described : " For decorations of the highest class the frame work would be entirely gilt in burnished and matt gold, the pillows and covering of satin damask or velvet, relieved by wove gold lace and tossels. For furniture of less splendour the frames would be of rosewood, with the carved work partly gilt and the covering of more simple materials. " The loom of our country is now in that advanced state of perfection that damasks of the most magnificent kind in point of intensity of colour and richness of pattern are manufactured at prices that permit their free use in well-furnished apartments." 644 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS The four sofas appearing on pages 573, 643, 649 and below are interesting studies for comparison. The one on page 643, owned by Mrs. John Sparhawk Jones, of Phila- delphia, is of the Sheraton model (see page 481). The Empire sofa, owned by Mrs. William Young, Baltimore, Md.,on page 573 is a line example of the period, with its metal dolphins gracefully curved along the scroll ends ; the third, owned by the Worcester Society of Antiquity, is MAHOGANY SOFA Owned by Mr. Thompson S. Grant, Enfield, Conn. See below. a fine instance of the awkward, clumsy and heavy designs that succeeded the Empire and Grecian periods. The legs are particularly ungraceful ; the swan's neck is used as a design for the scroll ends. The fourth, owned by Mr. Thompson S. Grant, Enfield, Conn., is a good type of the sofa still familiar in many old houses, and might have been made anywhere from 1820 to 1840. Some of the most popular hangings for beds were crimson damask, blue, yellow, crimson and green harra- teen, yellow camlet lined with silk and laced, yellow watered worsted, crimson mohair, crimson worsted, green 645 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS china, crimson damask, yellow silk damask, wrought fus- tian, moreen and russell of various colours, dornix, worsted damask, camlet, callimanco, worked fustian, flowered dam- ask and russells, blue and green flowered russell damask, flowered tabby, and dark say. Besides the above materials, which were of silk or worsted, or a mixture of each, there was a large variety of cotton goods such as dimity, plain, figured and corded; India and English chintz; Patna chintz; and many kinds of copperplate furniture, made of cotton stamped with pictures. The latter was imported from England as early as 1758 (see also page 280). For decoration, silk fringe and " snail trimming " of all colours, gimp and inkle were used and the "lines and tossels " that the upholsterers advertise so frequently after the middle of the century show plainly that the curtains are submitting to the decree of fashion. The old square valance is disap- pearing and the draperies are hung in festoons and orna- mented with conventional swags and rosettes, and drawn up or down by means of ingenious pullies and cords. The period might be termed the age of upholstery, if we may judge from the plates and descriptions of beds given by Chippendale, Heppelwhite and Sheraton alone. Chip- pendale gives " Dome Beds," " Canopy Beds," " Gothic Beds," " Chinese Beds," "Couch Beds" and "Tent Beds." He gives separate designs for their pillows and cornices carved with his favourite ornaments. Sometimes the cor- nices are gilt, and again " covered with the same stuff as the curtains," and the latter "can be made to draw up in drapery or to run on a rod." In every one of his designs, the cornice and draperies are very important, as is also the arrangement of the laths and pullies to draw up the curtains, for the latter had to 646 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS arrange themselves into symmetrical festoons and loops when drawn up. He makes great use of the cord and tassel. As a rule, his beds are 6 ft. 7 in. long and 6 ft. wide; while the pillars are 8 ft. 6 in. high. The "furni- ture" of all the tent bedsteads "is made to take off and the laths are hung with hinges for the convenience of folding up." His sofas, or couch beds, were intricate : a design of a sofa has "a Chinese Canopy with Curtains and Valances tied up in Drapery, and may be converted into a Bed by making the front part of the seat to draw for- ward, and the sides made to fold and turn in with strong iron hinges and a proper stretcher to keep out and sup- port the sides when open. The curtains must be likewise made to come forward, and when let down will form a Tent." Another bed Chippendale describes is a " Couch with Canopy. The Curtains must be made to draw up in Drapery, or to let down, when it is occasionally converted into a Bed. This sort of Couch is very tit for alcoves, or such deep Recesses as are often seen in large Apartments. It may also be placed at the end of a long gallery. If the Curtains and Valances are adorned with a large gold Fringe and Tassels, and the ornaments gilt with burnished gold, it will look very grand." The " field-bed " had early lost its character of being suited only for the tented camp. It was, however, lighter than the four-post bedstead with cornice and tester. Light curved bars joining the tops of the posts formed a kind of dome for the curtains; thus the "field-bed" probably took its name from the resemblance it retained to the tent. In 1736, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Harward of Boston owned a " field bedstead with blue curtains, j8." Fifty 64? THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS years later Heppelwhite supplies designs for " sweeps " for the tops, and, perhaps, contributes materially to making the field-bed fashionable. A "Heppelwhite" bed with one of his characteristic "sweeps" appears on page 454. According to Heppelwhite's design, the top central bar and the two side posts are surmounted by urns. The cur- tains, of course, are equally divided by falling from the centre of the dome straight down along the side of the bed. The one to the left is thrown back and looped over an ornamental staple. The counterpane should be stretched tightly across the bed, and the petticoat valance hang in rigid folds. The bolster, which the looped-back curtain exhibits, should be a long narrow roll. There are no pil- lows. Some of the field bedsteads had the tops sloped from the head to the foot. We find the field-bed, made of mahogany and curled maple, advertised as late as 1826, in company with high- post and French bedsteads. In addition to the " Field-bed," Heppelwhite gives de- signs of the " Venetian or Waggon Top," " Dome Top," "Square Dome Top," and "Press Beds," which fold, and are similar to a wardrobe in shape. All of these beds, Heppelwhite tells us, " may be exe- cuted of almost every stuff the loom produces. White dimity, plain or corded, is peculiarly applicable for the furniture, which, with a fringe or gymp-head, produces an effect of elegance and neatness truly agreeable. The Man- chester stuffs have been wrought into Bed-furniture with good success. Printed cottons and linens are also very suitable." In general he recommends plain white cotton for lining the draperies, and states that for furniture of a dark pattern " a green silk lining may be used with good THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS effect," and adds, a bed with "dove-coloured satin-cur- tains and green silk lining would afford as much scope for taste, elegance and simplicity as the most capricious fancy can wish." Yet Heppelwhite cared little or nothing for cold white bed furniture in luxurious apartments, as will be seen from his following instructions : SOFA Owned originally by Charlei C. Pratt of Worcester ; now by the Worcester Society of Antiquity, Worcester, Mast. See page 645. "In staterooms where a high degree of elegance and grandeur are wanted, beds are frequently made of silk or satin figured or plain, also of velvet with gold fringe, etc. " The Vallance to elegant beds should always be gath- ered full, which is called a Petticoat Vallance. The Cor- nices may be either of mahogany carved, carved or gilt, or painted and japanned. The ornaments over the cor- nices may be in the same manner. " Arms or other ornaments to Stuffed Head Board* should be carved in small relief, gilt and burnished. The Pillars should be of mahogany, with the embellishments carved." 649 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS One design for a bed with a "sweep top, with gilt ornaments or mahogany, shows a stuffed headboard with ornaments and drapery over it." The curtains falling from the cornice hang over this again. "The drapery," Heppel white says, " may be the same as the furniture or the lining: the ornaments gilt; the headboard is stuffed and projects like the back of a sofa. The addition of stuffed headboards gives an elegant and high finish to the appearance of beds." Sheraton carries upholstery still further in the decora- tion of his bedsteads. Indeed, with him the frame be- comes of comparatively little importance. He was par- ticularly fond of the dome (see page 483). His book contains several complicated beds. Of the French State Bed, he says : " Beds of this kind have been introduced of late with great success in England," and goes on to de- scribe that " the dome is supported by iron rods of about an inch in diameter, curved regularly down to each pillar where they are fixed with a strong screw and nut. These iron rods are covered and entirely hid by a valance, which comes in a regular sweep, and meets in a point at the vases on the pillars. Behind this valance, which continues all round, the drapery is drawn up by pulleys and tied up by a silken cord and tassels at the head of the pillars. The headboards of these beds are framed and stuffed, and covered to suit the hangings, and the frame is white and gold, if the pillars and cornice are. The bed-frame is sometimes ornamented, and has drapery valances below. Observe that grooves are made in the pillars to receive the headboards, and screwed at the top, by which means the whole is kept firm, and is easily taken to pieces. Square bolsters, are now often introduced, with margins of vari- 650 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS ous colours stitched all round. The counterpane has also these margins; they are also fringed at bottom, and have sometimes a drapery tied up in cords and tassels on the side." Then he describes the " sofa-bed " as follows: " The frames of these beds are sometimes painted in ornaments to suit the furniture. But when the furniture s of such rich silk, they are done in white and gold, and SOFA Owned by Mr*. H. John Symonds, Charleston, S. C. See page 654. the ornaments carved. The tablets may each have a fes- toon of flowers or foliage, and the cornice cut out in leaves and gilt has a good effect. The drapery under the cornice is of the French kind; it is fringed all round, and laps on to each other like unto waves. The valance serves as a ground, and is also fringed. The roses which tuck up the curtains are formed by silk cord, etc., on the wall, to suit the hangings; and observe that the centre rose con- tains a brass hook and socket, which will unhook so that the curtains will come forward and entirely enclose the whole bed. The sofa part is sometimes made without any THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS back, in the manner of a couch. It must also be observed that the best kinds of these beds have behind what the upholsterers call a fluting, which is done by a slight frame of wood fastened to the wall, on which is strained in straight puckers, some of the same stuff of which the cur- tains are made." Sheraton's bed stood very high from the floor and needed bed-steps. In describing his" alcove bed," he says: " The steps are introduced to show that beds of this sort are raised high and require something to step on before they can be got into. The steps are generally covered with carpet and framed in mahogany. Both this, the sofa, and French state bed require steps. The dome of this bed is fixed in the same manner as the other ; but the roses to which the curtains are tucked up are different. This is made of tin and covered with the stuff of the bed, and un- buckles to take in the curtains behind the rose. Upon the fluting, as before mentioned, is fixed a drapery in this as shown in the design ; and sometimes in the arch of the alcove a drapery is introduced." The Empire bed and the " French bed," of which we give a few descriptions (see pages 653 4), are no less depend- ent on draperies for their effect than the above kinds which they supplanted. Let us take a few more examples: in 1816, a //'/ de repos, or sofa bed, " has a peculiar character of unaffected ease, and is not without its full claim to elegance. The sofa is of the usual construction and the draperies are thrown over a sceptre rod projecting from the walls of the apartment: they are of silk, as is the courte pointe also." The one who is describing it says : " In fashions as in manners it sometimes happens that one extreme immedi- THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS itely usurps the place of the other, without regarding their intervening degrees of approximation. For the precise in dress the French have adopted the deshabille ; and it has heen applied to their articles of furniture in many instances, giving to them an air which amateurs term neglige" An- other fashionable bed of the same year is made of rosewood ornamented with carved foliage, gilt in matt and burnished gold. . The drapery is of rose-coloured silk lined with azure blue, and consists of one curtain gathered up at the ring in the centre of the canopy, being full enough to form the festoons and curtains both of the head and foot. The 'elegance of this bed greatly depends on the choice, arrangement and modification of the three primitive col- ours, blue, yellow and red ; and in the combination of these its chasteness or gaiety may be augmented or abridged." The curtain was edged with fringe. A small bed intended for the apartment of a young lady of fashion had hangings of a " light blue silk, the ornaments being of a tender shade of brown and the linings to correspond ; they are supported by rings and rods of brass, behind which the curtains are suspended and drawn up by silk cords en- riched with tassels." A fourth " English bed " of this same year has beautiful curtains of pea green, pale poppy and canary. This is designed by Mr. G. Bulloch, and the critic approves of it by saying : " The abandonment of that profusion of drapery which has long been fashiona- ble has admitted this more chastened style in point of forms, and has introduced a richness in point of colours that has long been neglected." In 1817, a canopy or sofa bed has draperies of silk " ornamented with the lace and fringe which are so ad- mirable an imitation of gold ; the linings are lilac and THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS buff. A muslin embroidered drapery is applied as a cov- ering in the daytime. The outside curtains that fall from a kind of crown are dark green." We learn that, in 1822, " the taste for French furniture is carried to such an extent that most elegantly furnished mansions, particularly the sleeping-rooms, are fitted up in the French style ; and we must confess that, while the antique forms the basis of their decorative and ornamental furniture, it will deservedly continue in repute." The sofa or French bed, " designed and decorated in the French style," which is selected as an example, is said to be adapted for apartments of superior elegance." It is "highly ornamented with Grecian ornaments, in burnished and matt gold. The cushions and inner coverlids are of white satin. The outer covering is of muslin in order to display the ornaments to advantage, and bear out the rich- ness of the canopy. The dome is composed of alternate pink and gold fluting, surrounded with ostrich feathers, forming a novel, light and elegant effect; the drapery is green satin with a salmon-coloured lining." The curiously shaped sofa, facing page 648, dates from about 1825 or 1830, and is properly known as a " Psyche " and also as a " Kangaroo." The frame is of mahogany. This is owned by Mrs. J. Adair Pleasants, Richmond, Va. The sofa, on page 651, belonging to Mrs. John Symonds, Charleston, S. C., is similar in many respects to models that appear in English periodicals of fashion in 1821. It is of mahogany and striped silk of white and pale green. The late Empire characteristics are still observable. The settee, on the frontispiece, is of mahogany, with stuffed seat covered with printed velvet. This belongs to the Chippendale school and dates from the second half tS4 THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS of the eighteenth century. The frame is elaborately carved with a leaf design and rosettes, and the central panel, which is of the old jar-shape, is pierced with a scroll forming the figure eight in two sizes. The arms are curved. Six cabriole legs support the settee, the front ones being carved at the spring and ending in volutes. This handsome piece is owned by the Museum of Science and Art, Dublin. The illustration facing page 632 is a room in the home of Mrs. John Marshall Holcombe, Hartford, Conn. The house was built in 1815: of the woodwork in this room the wainscotting alone is new. The chairs are of the Chippendale school; the inlaid sideboard is of the Heppel- white period (with modern handles); the looking-glass above it is carved and gilt ; and the clock on the mantel- piece is Empire. The handsomest piece of furniture is the mahogany table, which is an extraordinarily fine example. INDEX INDEX ACACIA, THOBN, 586. Acajou, 594. Acker wood, 589. Adam furniture, 464-9, 596, 6*7- Adams, Nathaniel (joiner), ttock of, 178. AUmode, 634. AUenon, Itaac, 165-6, 171. AUyn, Alex., inventory of, 231. Amboyna wood, 586, 589. Androuet, Jacques, book of, 19$. Ash, 160, 173, 178, 313, 586. Aspen, 586. Atlantic passage, 27. Atlantic voyagers, early, 162. BANCOUCS, 14. Bay, 39 49- Beaurait, 134, 271, 351-5. Beaufrt. See Beaufait. Beaufett. See Beaufait. Beaunt. See Beaufait. Bed, the, 10-18, 645-54. Chippendale, 446, 646-7. Empire, 652. Feather, 144. - Field, 141, 647-8. Flock, 144 Folding, 349. Furnishinp, 42, 93, 142-4, 648-50. Heppelwhite, 648-50. High-post, 203. Kerrnessc, 250-1. Mahogany settee, 141. Rhyme about, 15. Sacking-bottom, 16, 140-1, 44 Sea, 140. Sheraton, 482, 650-2. Sixteen-post, 15. Sofa, 647, 651-2, 653-4. Steps, 652. Truckle, 202-3. Trundle, 140, 202-3, 1 S- Of Ware, 16. *. 4*-3, 93. 3. 4O~4, 202-5. Cost of, 395. Dispute* about, 17-18. Folding, 250. Beds, Names of, 14. In the South, 16, 17. Stuffing for, 1 8, 203. Bedsteads, 349 Dutch, 250. Field, 141. Folding, 141. Four-post oak, 141. High-post, 250. - Press, 141, 212, 349. Sarsafaix, 141. Standing, 140-1. Trundle, 349. Bed-chamber, importance of the, 10. Beech, 347, 586, 589. Beef wood, 588. Bell-flower, The, 46, 462,465- 6, 471, 474, Bell'Gtr, 499, 500, 509. Furniture of, 500. Berain, Jean, 410, 411. Bingham, William, 562-4. Birch, 398, 586, 600. Blair, Mrs. Mary, furniture of, 378-80. Board, old name for table, 198. Bofet. Se- Beaufait Bombc, 195, 256. 405, 623. Bonaparte, Joseph, 564-7. Bookcase, 151, 221, 622-3. Books, 66-7, 221. Borromini, 411. Botany Bay oak, 589 Boulle, Andre Charles, 152, 403-8. Box, 54. with-drawers, 56. Box wood, 57, 586. Boylston, N., furniture of, 386. Brass, 341-2. Brat* handles, 322. Brass inlay, 597. Brass mounts, 286, 322, 340. Brass ware for furniture, 286. Braiiers, 355. Braziletto wood, 285. Brewster, Francis, furniture of, 165. Brewton, Miles, home of, 494-5. Brick, kilns in New England, 160 Bricks, 7, 31-4, ', $, i$- 9, $4- 659 Bromfield, Edward, home of, 377. Buffet. See Beaufait. Buffet stool, 190-1. Buhl. See Boulle. Bureau, 56, 369. Bureau-desk, 369. Dressing, 610. Burnet, Gov. Wm., furniture of, 274-8. Buroe. See Bureau. Butternut, 600. Byrd, Col. Wm., importations of, 33- CABINKT, 61, 222-3, $86- East India, 223, 259. Musical, 530. Olive wood, 346. Cabinet-maker, stock of a (1798), 546-8. Cabinet-makers, 173, 315-25, 390-1, 546, 601-5, 6l - 3- Advertisements of, 287-8. Batty Langley on, 425-8. Cabinet-making, amateur, 287. Cabinet and Chair-Maker's Book of Prices, quotation from, 613-21. Cabriole leg, 57, 194, 195,256, 77- Calimanco, 632. Calico, 17, 631. Calvert, Leonard, furniture of, *4-5 Camak, 14. Camblet, 632. Camoca, 14. Camwood, 598. Canary wood, 589. Cine seats, 1 36. Carpets, 24, 144, 295-6. Carter, Robert, furniture of, 117-9. Carvers, 173, 179, 359. Carving, 62, 359, 450-2. Dutch love of, 242-3. EUaabethan and Jacobean, 18- 2O. Carvings, 356-7. Case, 54. - -of-drawen, 216, 342-4, 370. Cashoes, 257. INDEX Casket, inlaid (1654), 238. Casters, 123. Catesby, Mark, quotation from, 594- Cedar, 63, 86, 134, 139, 140, 145, 149, 160, 201, 202, 214, 268, 285, 322, 335, 147, 5 8 5. 5 86 . 5 8 9 595, 599 Bermuda, 179, 201. Red, 160, 173, 322, 369, 391 Spanish, 322. Cellarets, 475-6, 534. Chairs, 45-5 1, 135-9, 180-195, 270, 290-1, 335, 338-9, 347-9, 393,539-40. Chairs, " Bannister back," 471. Bass-bottomed, 137-8, 186. Birch, 398. - Black, 137, 320, 335, 365. Brocade bottom, 138 Cabriole, 47 1 . Carved, 138, 194. Cedar, 138. Child's, 1 8 1-2. Chippendale, 274, 276, 277- 8, 456,638. Comb-back, 398. Conversation, 483-4, 639. Corner, 124, 138. Cromwell, 45. Crooked-back, 335, 347. Crown-back, 336, 338, 456. Curled maple, 539. Derbyshire, 45-6. Dutch, 248, 277. Dutch influence, 194-5. Ebony, 249. Elbow, 348-9. "Embowed," 276-7, 278, 349, 45 6 - Fancy, 640-41. Five-back, 347. Flag, 138. Four-back, 347. Great, 164-5. Grecian, 539. Green, 186. Heppelwhite, 471, 638-9. Herculaneums, 483, 639'. Hickory, 138. Joiners, 320. Landscape, 539. - Leather, 45, 182-5, 334, 347- " Lolling," 549. Maple matted, 138. Number and variety of, in New Amsterdam, 248-9. Number and variety of, in New England, 191-4. Number and variety of, in the South, 46 Oak, 45-46, 165. Chairs, Parmetaw (palmetto), 138. Patchwork, 347. " Plate-back," 277, 347. Red, 138. Reed, 186. - Rocking, 539. Roundabout, 349. Rush, 45, 186. Saddlecheck, 291. Sealskin, 334, 347. Sedge-bottom, 1 86, 334. - Settle, 195. Sewing, 539. Sheepskin, 138. Sheraton, 482-4, 639. Shield-back, 471, 628. - Slat , 335, 347- Straw, 138. Straight, 347. Stuffed or upholstered, 188-9. Table, 63, 195-6. - Three-back, 347. -Trafalgar, 539, 540, 641. Two-back, 347. Turkey-work, 45, 137, 190, 335. 339, 346, 347, 39 6 - Turned, 182. Venetian, 184-5. Wainscot, 23, 182. Walnut, 365-6. White, 137; seats for, 136. -Wicker, 185-6. Windsor, 138, 398, 539. - "Wing," 187, 291, 349. Wooden, 334. Wood-bottom, 45. - With X-shaped legs, 188-9, 241. Yorkshire, 45-6. Chaise longue, 482, 644. Chambers, Sir William, 419. Chancy (cheney), 632. Cherry, 140, 285, 320, 323, 335, 337: 338, 34, 34* 342, 398, 586. Chest, 54-5, 349-5- " Brides," 214. Cedar, 54. Development of, 215. Oak, 54, 213. Spruce, 214. Chest-of-drawers, 56, 145, 216- 19, 366, 370. upon-chest, 370-1. - -with-drawers, 55-6, 174, 216, 349-5, 366. Chests, 54-5, 179, 213, 271. Woods used for, 214. Chestnut, 256, 347, 586, 599. Chevillon, 432. Chimney -cloths, 263. Chimney-piece, 296-7. China, 125, 130-1, 297-9, 353. 660 China, Defoe on, 419. Introduction into Europe, 414- 16. Mania, beginnings of, 412. Marot's use of, 416-7. Ornamental, 130-1, 300-1, 357, 368. Use of, in decoration, 416-9. Wares, 223. Chinese, Chippendale's use of, 455- Designs, 428. Fad, 419-20. Chintz, 143. Chippendale, Thomas, 419, 432- 50, 452-8, 638, 646-7. Chippendale furniture, 452-64, 627. Chocolate, 128. Chomel, 594. Cipriani, 589. Cleansing utensils, Dutch, 247. Cleopatra's Barge, 554-5. Clinton, Gen. Charles, 290. De Witt, 537. Quotation from, 61 1. Clock, alarm, 146. " Banjo," 531. - Brass, 334. and case, 171, 224. Chiming, 518. Cuckoo, 530. French, 531. Friesland, 2445. German, 531. Japanned, 146. - Musical, 528-30, 531-1. Repeating, 224. -Table, 146. Clocks, 84, 146-7, 171-2, 224 , 302-4, 324. Clockmakers, 102, 302-4. Cloths, cupboard, 24, 197, 207, 209, 263. For chests-of-drawers, 218. Press, 211. Cochin, satire of, 429-31. Coffee, 128, 130. Colbert, 404. Colonists, early Virginia, 3-7. Needs for, 237-8. Colour, use of bright, 17, 144- 5, 334- Copper-plate bed furniture, 98, 280, 646. Coromandel wood, 589. Couch and squab, 393. Counterpane, 17, 143. Court cupboard. See Cupboard. Court House, furniture of a Va., 71-2. Coverlid, 205. Cox, William, furniture of, 254. Crescents, The, 407. INDEX Cricket, 191. Crundell, Thomas, furniture of, *54- Cupboard, 163, 205, 207-11, 334-5- Coun, 11-3, 167, 107-8. chot-with-drawen, 210. Comer, 14$. with drawers, 168-9. on a frame, no. - Livery, 36-7, 207. - Pirn, 37- - Sideboard, 210. Curtain*, 143-4. Cushions, 24, 58, 145, 34*-9- Number and variety of, 1 96-8 . Cypim, 63, 139, 140, 14*. 46, 49. 4 DAMASK, 632. Darby, Matthias, 420, 441, 450 Daroick (darnix or dorneck), I? David, Louis, 572. Davilier, quotation from, 416. Deacon, Thomas, furniture of, 22. De Lange, Jacob, furniture of, 16 1-2. Derby, Elia* H., home of, 548- 53- Desk, 56, 220. Article! for, 302. Contents of, 221. - Maple, 319. Press, 220. Desk with drawers, $6. Desk, on which Declaration of Independence was written, correspondence regarding, 518 -21. Desmalter, Jacob, $72. Dimity, 17. Dining-room, 38-40. Domeck, 17. Doten Kammer, 269. Dome for beds, 481-2. Drapery, importance of, 628-31. Swap of, 478. Dresser, 208, no. Dressing-glass, 146. - -Tables, 57. Articles for, 301-2. Drugget, 17. Dumb-waiter, 362. Duncan, George, home of, 2 7 3-4. Durant, 637. Dutch furniture, 68-9, 107. Influences upon furniture, 1 70. Influence*, growth of, 57. Dutch styles, 61, 271. Dyke, Cornells Van, furniture <*, S3-4- EAST INDIA CABINETS, 223, 229, *S9 Company, 223. Good* in New Amsterdam, 258-9. Goods in New England, 165. (Silk, wool and cotton), 633. Eaton, Gov. T., furniture of, 166-8. Ehony, 378, 392,406,407, 586, 587, 589-90, 593, 598. Scarcity of, in New England, 79- Etxnttu, definition of, 590. Elizabethan furniture, 1 8-2 1. Elm, 160, 173, 586. Empire style, 571-3. Engravings, 292. English, Capt. Philip, 228. English cabinet-makers, influence of French work on, 412. Epes, Francis, furniture of, 52-4. Eierinire, 220, 341, 369-70. Eitrinr 01, Spanish, 593. Escutcheons, 322, 336, 399- 400. Evelyn, John, quotations from, 4". 4' 5 4- Eyre, Katharine, furniture of, 346-7 FASHION IN AMERICA, 487. - The South, 488-9, 492-3. Papers, quotations from, 573- 9, 580. Fashions, New, 115, 284. In Virginia, 115. Faneuil Peter, 380-5. Frame for portrait of, 360-1. Furniture of, 382-5. Importations of, 380-2. Feet, 194-5, 453-4. F", 5*9, 599- Fitzhugh, William, 31-2. Orders furniture and plate from England, 32-3. Floor cloth, painted, 144. Foot, ball (Dutch), 265. Ball-and-claw, 266,453,454. Chippendale, 453-4. Hrppcl white, 471. -Spade, 471, 474. - Term, 471, 474. Footbanks, 249. Forks, 67. 131, 132, 243(note), 353 Frankland, Sir Charles Henry, home of, 378, 469. Franklin stove, 97, 355. Franklin, Benjamin, quotation from, 97-9. Home and furniture of, 1 04 -6. Franklin, Mrs. Benjamin, quota- tion from, 104-6. 661 Frame, 212-3, 223, 266. French design ( Regency and Louis XV.), 428-32. Frue, 632 Furniture, how to judge old, 623-7. In Philadelphia, 86-9. Of precious metals, 404. Silver, 404. Transitional style* of, 408-10. GALE, Daniel, furniture of, 1 1 1 -2. Gardti dt Yin. See Cellaret Geib, Adam, 526. A. and W., 527-8. -John, 514, 526-7. Gerandoles. See Girandoles. German root, 589. - Wood, 589. Gibbons, Grinling, 411, 586. Gilding, 452. Gimp, 637. Gill, Stephen, furniture of, 34-6. Girandoles, 292, 310, 312,466. Girard, Stephen, furniture of, 564- GirondeJles. See Girandoles. Gitterne, 224. Glass, handles, 606. Glassware, 115, 199. Glass, Windows, 29, 158, 159. 374- Gobelin Manufactory, 404-5, 5 3- Goodrich, William, furniture of, S7- Goodyear, Mrs., furniture of 164. Gordon, Gov. Patrick, furniture of, 91-3. Gothic, Chippendale's use of,45 3. Revival, The, 421-5. Style in New York, 183. Grates, 355. Gregson, Thomas, furniture of, 163-4. Grenoble root, 589. Walnut, 589. Gribelin, Samuel, 412. HAIRCLOTH, 632. Halfpenny, William, 420. Hallet, William, 440. Hammock, 142. Ha*xk Home, 374-7. Handles, brass, 399-400. Hare-wood, 589. Harmonicon, 523. Harp, keyed, 521. Harpsichord, 390, 524, 582-4. Harrateen, 637. Hearth and furniture, 355, 356. Heppelwhite, A. it Co., quotation from, 469-70. Furniture, 470-6, 627. INDEX Heppelwhite, Sheraton on, 436. Hickory, 138, 236, 256, 268, 599- Highboy, 342, 366. High case of drawers, 310, 342, 344- Home, Dutch, 241-4. Hospitality, Southern, 488-90. House of Seven Gables, furniture of, 325-8. House-building in Virginia, 33-4. Houses, Early New England, 160. - Philadelphia, 81. Southern, 29. Virginia, 3, 6, 7. Houses, famous Virginia and Maryland, 115. Howe, Sir William, 290, 556. Hudson, Capt. William, 177-8. Husk, 465-6,471, 474. IMMIGRANT, Possessions of an, 162. Importations, 398. Ince, W., 441. Ince and Mayhew, 457. Sheraton on, 436. Indian massacre in Virginia, 6-7. Inkle, 637. Intarsia, 406. Ironwood, 178. JACOBEAN FURNITURE, 18-21. Japanned ware, 368. Jefferson, Thomas, home of, 516-8. Letter of, 518-20. Joiners, 173, 174, I7S- 8 . 3'5~ 325, 390-2. Joint stools, 349. Jones, Inigo, 41 1. Jones, John, furniture of, 88-9. William, 450. Jousse, Mathurin, 410. K.AS, 264-267. Kaufmann, Angelica, 589. Kent, William, 412-4. Kidd, Capt. William, 255-6 Kidderminster, 17. King wood, 588. Kitchen, New England, 358. Kitterminster, 17. Knife-boxes, 133-4,476. Knives, 353. Kos. See Kas. LACOJJER, 259, 339. La Joue, 432. Lamberton, George, furniture of, 163. Lamps, 311. Langley, Batty, 421-8. Lamerloo, 1 26. Lanterns, 311. Le Brun, 405. Leg, Heppelwhite, 471. Sheraton, 478. Term, 47 1 . Leopard wood, 589. Le Pautre, Jean, 410. Letter-case, 532. Lewis, William, furniture of, 87. Lignum vitse, 178. Lime, 586. Linen, i 32-3. Story about, 172. Linsey-woolsey, 632. Lock and key, 54. Lock, Matthias, 450, Locks, 22:. Logan, James, home of, 94-5. Logwood, 598. Looking-glasses, 9, 225, 292, 310-11, 359. Ebony, 9. Olive-wood, 9, 30, 58. Low boy, 342, 366. Low case of drawers, 320, 343 344, 3 6 7- Louis Quartorze furniture, 152, 404-5. Louis Seize furniture, 571. Louis Seize, gift to Washington, 503-4. Ludlow, Col. Thomas, furniture of, 41-2. Luxury in furniture, growth of, 44-5- Lyre, 478. MADEIRA, i 34, 140. Mahogany, 88, 103, 123-4, 129-30, 133-4, 139, HO, 141, 148-9, 179, 256-8, 270, 285, 286, 320, 322, 3*4, 3*9, 336, 341, 366, 3 6 9, 370, 378, 396, 483, 539, 5 8 5, 59', 59 2 , 593-8, 606. Adam's use of, 596. Heppelwhite's use of, 596. Sheraton on, 596-7. Manchineal, 140. Mangle, 512. Mantelpiece, ornaments for, 356- 7- Maple, 160, 173, 268, 318, 319, 322, 323, 341, 342, 347, 3<>9, 397, 586. Curled, 285, 606. Maps, 147-8 . Marchpane, 247. Marquetry, 68, 256, 269, 406, 407, 410, 452, 593. Marot, Daniel, 410-12, 416-7, 450. Mary, Queen, love of china, 412. 662 Marzipan, pans for, 247. Mastic, 589. Mather, Cotton, 182. Richard, 182. Samuel, 182. Mattress, hair, 144. Mazarin, Cardinal, 403, 404, 4'4, 45- Meissonier, J. A., 429, 431. Influence on Chippendale, 432, 448-9- Messenger, Henry (joiner), woods of, 177. Metal mounts, 222, 452. Michel-Rene, 432. Mico, John, home of, 3502. Minever, 17. Minuit, Peter, 236. Mirror, 358-9. Mirrors. See Looking-glasses. Mischianza, The, 556-9. Mode, Gyles, furniture of, 40- I. Mohair, 632. Monnoyer, J. B., 412. Monroe, President, 568. Montice/lo, 516, 517, 518, 521, 522. Morris, Robert, 512, 559-62. Mount Pernon, 119, 124, 134, 146, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504-9, 515, 516, 532. Mount Vernon Ladies' Associ- ation, 508. Mounts, furniture, 19. Mulberry, i 39. Musical glasses, 522-3. Musical instruments, 276, 304- 6, 389-90. NECESSARIES FOR PLANTERS, 7-8. Needlework, 58, 145, 308-10, 357-8- Teachers of, 308-10, 358. Nest of drawers, 56, 216, 217, 218. New Amsterdam, 237. flowers in, 237. New England, intercourse with Dutch, 165. First houses in, 156. Luxury and elegance in, 1 69- -71, 226-7,487. First settlers of, 155. Nutwood, 236, 268. OAK, 20-1, 23-4, 63, 86, 139, 141, 149, 160, 166, 173, 178, l82, 201, 202, 209, 236, 268, 319, 320, 347, 406, 585, 586, 589, 599, 600. " Baronial," 165, 171. Carved, 152. INDEX Oak, Carved, Puritan hatred of, 169-70. English, 139. Pollard, $86. - White, 140. Olive wood, 9, 30, 58, 125, 169, 171, 346, 5*9- Organ, 306, 389. Orme, Philibert de 1', 410. Ormoulu, 408, 465, 466, 596, $97. Ornaments, Adam, 465 6. Elizabethan, 19-20. - Heppelwhite, 471-1, 474. Jacobean, 19-10. -Mdaonicr's, 449. Rocjillc, 431-2. Sheraton, 478. Oriental good* in New Amster- dam, *54-5- PAD v AMY, 6}i. PafF, J and M., 525, 526. Palis*andre, 587, $89. Parlour, 38-40. Pafitr-Matkt, 97. Partridge wood, $89. Pear wood, 199, 586, $89. Orrumena of, 179. Parcier, 572. Pedestal, 474~5- Perpetuana, 17. Penn, William, 79, 82-3. Furniture of, 84-6. Pepperell, Sir William, 332-4. Phiuppon, 410. Phillips, George, home of, 1 56-7. Phipps, Sir William, 228, 230- . 3*5 Piano, $21-2, $24-8, $82, 5*4-5 Harp, $21 Pictures, 66, 147-8, 261-3, 357. 359- Picture frames, 3 $9-60. Pilkment, J-, 428. Pine, 63, 86, 139, 141, 14$, 149, 160, 173, 202, 209, 39, 3". 34', 34*. 347, 394, 599- Pitcher, Moll, 321. Plate, 22, 32-3, 43 4, 121, 125, 126, 131-3, 206, 324, 380-2. Plush, 632. Poitou, Philippe, 407. Poplar, 139, 140. 323, $86. Porcelain, 23, 223, 2$$, 259- 61. Use of, in furniture, 408. Porcupine wood, $89. Pottery, 3 $7. Pouch tables, 482. Press, 211-11. Press bedstead, 212. - Linen, 173. Presses, 145. Purple wood, 589. QUEEN ANNI mru, 417-18. Quilts, 141-3. RATIINS, 631. Raynes, cloth of, 14. Red bay, $94-5. Red wood, $98. Regency, Art of the, 43 1 . Renaissance, French, 18, 19, 4$, 68, 194. Rrnsselaer, Nicholas van, home of, 247-8. Rensselaerswyck, 236. Revolution, French, influence on furniture of the, $71. Ribbon-back chair (derivation of Chippendale's i, 450. Rings, curtain, 203 Rocaille ornaments, 428, 431-2. Rock-and-shell work, 422 Rods, 203. Rogers, N., home of, 387-8. Rooms decorated after ancient styles, 283. Rosewood, 44$, $86, $87, $88, 597- Royalists in New England, 1 69. Virginia, 44. Ruins, use of, in decoration, 421- 2. SALT, SILVEI, 206. Sampler, 3 $7. Sanded floors, 96. Sarcenet, 632. Satin-wood, 378, 476, 478, 588- 9, 597 Say well, D. (joiner), stock of, 73- Scagliola, 466. Sconces, 310-1 1. Scotton, John (joiner), stock of, 73- Screens, 144. Screetore. See Eicriuirt. Scretore. See Ettriitirt. Screw tore. See Euritoirt. Sear-sucker (seersucker), 632. Seats, 138-9, 180, 191. Serge, 17, 631. Settee, 393. Turkey-work, 1 96. Settle. 19$. - Chair, 19$. Sewall, Judge, importations by, 117, 330-1. Quotation from, 545-6. Shagreen cases, 133. Shalloon, 632. 663 Shell-fluting (or fluted shell), 4^6, 474- Shell-work, 431. Shelley, Capt. G., house of, 171-3 Sheraton, Thomas, 476-84, $16. Books of, 476-8. on Chippendale, 435-6. on the dome, 481-1. on Heppelwhite, 436. On Ince and Mayhew, 436. Quotation from, $96-7, 628. On Tambour, 600-1. Shippen, Judge, quotations from, 107. Ships: Abigail, 17$; Albany, 282; America, 162; America, $$4; Amity, 267; Anthony, 44; Arms of New Amster- dam, 236; Astrea, $48; Bach- clour, 268; Castle, 162; Dove, 293; Duke of York, 43; Frame, 634; Fortune, 23$; Grand Turk, $48; Great Ship, 162-3, I0 5> Hector, 16$; Hope, 288; Increase, 174; Irene, 281; Little Fox, 23$; Lyon, 1 6l ; Mayflower, 161; Neptune, 281; Night- ingale, 23$; Polly, 282 ; Robert, 267 ; Samson, 282 ; Sea Mew, 236; Success, 28$; Thomas and Ann, 27; Tiger, >35- Short, Sewell (joiner), stock of, 321-2. Sideboard, 134, 473-6, $34, $36, 579-8- -Table, 134. Smith, George, 437. Snake wood, 210, $89. Snow, Justinian, furniture of, 8-10. Sofa, 539-40. Heppelwhite. 471-3, 641-4. Sheraton, 482, 644, 6$t-i. Spanish chairs, 592. Leather, $92. - Table, 62, 201, $92, 594. Sparhawk, Elizabeth, furniture of, 334- Spinet, definition of, 582. Splat, development of, 277-8. Spoon-cases, 133-4. Spruce, 114. Stiegel, Baron, hme of, 90. Stold, 431. Stove, 97, 355. Strawberry Hill, 421-3. Strap work, Elizabethan, 19. Steenwyck, Comelis, home of, M5-7- Stools, 190-1, 149-50. Study, The, ill. INDEX Sweet gum, 285. Sylvester, N., furniture of, 240. TABLES, 62-5, 139-40, 198- 202, 250, 361. - Bay, 139, 140. Beech, 347. Butterfly, 202. Card, 65, 126-7, 389. Case-of-drawers, 367. Cedar, i 39, 140. Chair, 63, 195-6. Chestnut, 347. Drawing, 63-4, 166, 199. Dutch, 139, 140. Falling, 64. Folding, 62-3, 199 And form, 199. Framed, 199 India tea, 140. Madeira, 140. Mahogany, 361. Mahogany bureau, 361. Marble, 139, 140, 361. Manchineal, 140. Mulberry, 139. Oval, 63, 200. Painted, 289. Painted (Dutch), 140. Pouch, 482. Screen, 140. Side, 20 1. Sideboard, 64, 134, 202. Slate-top, 139. Spanish, 62, 201. Sycamore, 586. ^- Tea, 128-9, 3 6l ~5- Thousand-legged, 202. Walnut breakfast, 364. Woods used for, 63, 201, 202. Tabby, 632. Taffetas, 632. Tammy, 637. Tailer, Col. William, furniture of, 371-3- Tambour, Sheraton's definition of, 600- I . Tapestry, 57. Gobelin. 289. Tea, 128. Board, 361. - Tables, 128-9, 3 6a ~5- Tea, (India), 362. Service, 129-30, 299-300, 362-4. Terms (Androuet), 195. Thorn, 586. Toilet (or twilight), 263. Tortoiseshell, 406, 407. Trenchers, 9. Trestle, 199. Trunk, 54, 57, 215, 349-5- With frame, 215. Hair, 215. Seal skin, 215. Tulip wood, 588, 597. Turkey-work, 190. Turner, Capt John, 325. UPHOLSTERERS, 100-2, 175-6, 179, 278 9, 390-1. Upholsterer's goods, 394-5. Upholstery, 179, 193, 471-2. Favourite colours for, 41,1 89. Materials used for, 189, 631- 2, 634-7. - Beds, 645-54. For chairs, 637-9. Sofas, 642-4. Urn, 467, 471, 478. VALANCE, 17, 647, 649. Van Varick, Margarita, furniture of, 258-61. Vase, 478. (Adam), 467. Knife-case, 476 Vauxhall factory, 9, 58. Viol, 390. Violet ebony (palissandre), 589. Wood (palissandre), 587. Virginia, fashion in, 26. Virginals, 224, 389, 582. WAINSCOT, 23-4, 160. Chairs, 182. Settle, 23. Wall-paper, 97, 281-2, 374-5. Watchet, 632. Walnut, 63, 86, 139, 140, 141, 149, 160, 173, 209, 256, 17, 3'9. 3*0, 3*3, 338. 34', 3 6 S, 394, 39 6 , 5 86 , 589. Walnut, Black, 134, 139, 182, 202, 284, 318, 319, 322, 3*3, 335. 34*. 347, 395, 600. Burr, 412-4, 586. Walpole, Horace, 422, 424. Sir Robert, 412. Wardell, William, home of, 229-30. Wardrobes, 370. Warming-pans, 67, 251. Washington, George, home of, 500-9. in New York, 509-12. in Philadelphia, 512-14. Watteau, 428 Waxwork (lacquer), case, 259, 339- Wheeler, Francis, furniture of, 4i- Whitewood, i79,3>8, 335>33 8 , 34, 34', 341- Wilkinson, N. , furniture of, 1 10- il. Wilson, Major J, furniture of, 113-4. Winder, John, furniture of, 239. Windsor Chair, 89. Wine-coolers, 534-5. Woods for furniture, 63, 139, 140, 141, 145-6, 148-9, 160, 173, 201, 202, 214, 256-8, 268-9,270-1,284- 285, 585-600. Chippendale's use of, 452. Kalm on, 284-5. Reckless use of, 268. Sheraton's use of, 478. Work-boxes, 532. Work-table, 532. Lady Blessington's, 533. Work-tables, 482. Wren, Sir Christopher, 412. Wyatt, Nicholas, furniture of, 58-61. YALE, ELIHU, FURNITURE or, 336-7. Yew, 586, 587-8, 589. ZEBRA-WOO?, 588. Zumpe, 524. 664 U0efui J&oofc library oultry, entirely rewritten by many American specialists under the editorship of Prof. W. G. Johnson and George O. Brown. Published in three large volumes at $13.60. Sold of the expensive editions about 3,000 copies in six years. Added to the Useful Book Library in 191 2, complete in a single volume with all the original material 1,338 pages, 36 color plates and 636 black and white illustrations, at $1.50 net. It is now selling at the rate of 5,315 copies a year, and has just started Music Lovers 9 Cyclopedia THE POULTRY BOOK Net $1.50 MUSIC LOVERS CVCLOPEDIA By Rupert Hughes This is a greatly enlarged one-volume edition of a standard two- volume music cyclopedia. It has been thoroughly revised, is up-to-date in every respect and is a concise musical library in itself. Several thousand biographies have been added; phonetic pronunciation of proper names; and stories of sixty-one operas. Published in 1003 in two volumes at $6.00. Republished in January, 1913 with added material in one volume at $1.50 and more than 1,100 copies have been sold in three months. Net $1.50 The American Flower Garden i^ ~^^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ _ By Neltje Blanchan This work covers the American Garden as that famous work by Williams Robinson described the Knglish Garden. It shows the purpose of the different kinds of gardens, how to lay them out, what effects should be worked for, and covers adequately the needs of the amateur whose garden is either extensive or the reverse. First published in a limited $12.00 edition of 1,050 copies of which all were sold. Re- published in a $5.00 edition and thousands of copies sold. Put into the Useful Book Library in April, 1913, at $1.50 with the original "full-jKigc illustrations, 84 in number, and i ,540 copies have been sold in two months. AMERICAN FLOWDKMDEN V -fCCDC NANOWt Net $1.50 The Encyclopaedia of Etiquette By Emily Holt What to do What to say What to Write What to Wear A Book of Manners for Everyday Use, with added chapters on etiquette of travel and etiquette in foreign countries. It is a complete guide to social custom both in this country and abroad. Published in 1001 at $2.00 and more than 26,000 copies sold. Put into the Useful Book Library in April, 1912 at $1.00 net and more than 6,700 have been sold. 500 pages. Illustrated. Net $1.00 Net $1.50 The Country House By Charles Edward Hooper A practical manual of house building, absolutely invaluable to everyone with a country place. It covers every branch of the subject in detail and treats of the garden and its furnishings in connection with the dwelling. It is by far the most successful volume on this subject and goes far toward solving the difficulties of home planning. A unique collection of more than 300 photographs and plans illustrate the work. An exceedingly popular book as originally pub- lished at $3.00. Put into the Useful Book Library at $1.50 net, the same book at half the former price. (Will be published October, 1913). The Furniture of Our Forefathers By Esther Singleton Here for the first time is presented a clear and comprehensive account for the amateur of the different styles, the ways of telling the genuine thing, the historical associations with special pieces, technical details, values and marks, and all the other unwritten lore of the subject. The superb illustrations are a special feature of the book. "Beyond any doubt or question the grandest work ever published on the subject of furniture. "-The Furniture Worker. Thousands of copies have been sold at $20.00, $10.00 and $5.00. Put into the Useful Book Library with all the original material and illus- trations, 334 in number at $1.50. (Will be pub- lished October, 1913). THE FURNITURE OF OUR FOREFATHERS Net $1.50 b y DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY cd city, N.Y. I HI LIBRARY I MVKRSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. AN DEC 14 1987 ETDNOV301987 MM 1 1/86 Set wi 9482 A 001 003 392 6 WIMP