Empire style chest of drawers, mahogany veneer on pine or poplar. Four drawers, each with two pressed glass pulls & keyhole and each with bookmatched veneer of highly figured mahogany. The top drawer overhangs lower drawers and has a curved front (top-to-bottom), while the three lower drawers have flat fronts. Freestanding ionic columns flank drawers with carved plinths. Sunken panel construction at sides. Two extensively carved paw feet in front; two ball feet in back.
In April 1982, the entire case was disassembled and discovered to be signed and dated by Markley, behind the left front stile above the column. (Not seen in 2011. Inscription appears on top of thick drawer divider supporting top drawer.) Also stamped by maker within oval on upper surface of top drawer bottom: "J.F. MARKLEY/ CABINETMAKER/ Locust Street/ COLUMBIA."
According to file, the 1830-1846 Columbia Borough tax records list Markley variously as a doctor, cabinetmaker, contractor or gent.
See also a gentleman's dressing table with mirror, P00.39.01.
Piece of veneer 1.5" x 0.5" is missing from top right above drawer. Small spots and scratches overall, and two large cracks on top: one near front right corner, and one at rear center, partially filled in. The left pull on the second drawer up from the bottom is split in half; held in place with string windings.
Two toes on the right front foot were pieced and recarved by Joseph Molz of Lancaster City. Some veneer was also pieced.
Object ID
P.77.02
Notes
More info in file. There was a discrepancy in the research with two different Jacob Markleys. It appears that the maker of this chest of drawers was Jacob Fry Markley (1800-1854), born in boro of Strasburg to parents Jacob Markley, Sr. (1765-1829) and Barbara Fry Markley. Jacob Sr. was also a cabinetmaker.
Son Jacob is listed with different occupations over the years. He was living in Columbia in 1830 and possibly as late as 1841. He moved to Spring Grove, Philadelphia County by 1850 and is listed as a druggist in the 1850 Census with wife Ann & 5 children. "JACOB F. MARKLEY M.D." is on his tombstone in the Hatboro Cemetery. Thus Jacob Markley claimed to be a cabinetmaker, druggist and doctor (Doctor is perhaps what he called a pharmacist).
Place of Origin
Columbia
Role
Cabinetmaker
Credit
Gift of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Coll
Landscape, The Barns at Norwood, by Lloyd Mifflin, circa 1900. Oil on board with gold-painted floral-and-wheat -decorated flat frame w/ corner blocks.
Reverse is covered with grey-painted linen and is protected by Plexiglas. Central paper sticker reads "RUSSELL'S / CANVAS BOARD / " and "PATENTED MARCH 18, 1879." The number "120" is handwritten in ink in corner of sticker. At upper right is taped a magazine clipping depicting outbuildings and fencing surrounded by grass and trees. Entitled "Farm Scene - Autumn." A few lines follow, noting his (Mifflin?) return from abroad" and the pleasure of enjoying the "sheltered pastoral environment of his choice." A poem follows. Finally, a small paper sticker near top reads "RICHMAN / Bainbridge / Pa. 17502 / (717) 426-1860 / Cat: / P86 / 054-32-1198 / 181-32-7788". Written in marker in large letters at bottom right is "Local Scene / Norwood, Pennsylvania / near / Columbia, Pa. - About 1900 / (1846-1921)." Below this, In pencil, is "Painted by / Lloyd Mifflin / artist. Houston Mifflin, M.D. / Brother."
Provenance
Apparently purchased by Richman from the Minich sisters estate sale.
Flat profile wooden frame with raised corner blocks having gold-painted wheat, daisies and carnations.
Image Size
16 x 22 inches
Object Name
Painting
Material
Paint, Canvas, Wood
Medium
Painting, Oil
Height (in)
21.5
Width (in)
27.5
Dimension Details
Frame dimension is H: 21.5 inches x W: 27.5 inches.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-03-30
Condition Notes
Overall good condition, both painting and frame. On reverse of board are water stains. Glass covers board & secured with primitive wood strips.
Frame has multiple cracks, especially at miter joint at corner blocks.
Object ID
2015.017.1
Notes
The son of John Houston Mifflin, Lloyd followed in his father's footsteps. He also studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, studying under Thomas Moran, and would further his studies with a trip to Europe. He returned to settle in Columbia in 1873. Lloyd has gained greater recognition than his father, primarily due to his landscapes, particularly those of the areas surrounding his home in Columbia and scenes of the Susquhanna River. Lloyd Mifflin died in 1921.
Cabinet card. Woman in dark dress with beaded detail at collar. Possibly Christina Mischlich McLaughlin, sister of Elizabeth Mischlich Etter.
Provenance
This collection of photographs is from the estate of Esther Etter Rebman, and is mostly of the Etter, Falk and Kriegelstein families. Some of the photographs may have belonged to her aunt, Mary Etter (b. 1897, d. 1960).
