Deed printed on laid paper (with scalloped top edge) by Francis Bailey. Heading at top has "This Indenture made" in large fraktur-like lettering, surrounded by ornamentation including architectural device of architrave supported by squat columns of balusters with the words 'Peace and Plenty" interspersed within. At very top is "LANCASTER: Printed by FRANCIS BAILEY, in King's-Street."
Printed text has blanks filled in by hand in black ink as well as signatures below, on June 18 & 20 of 1774. Walter and Elizabeth Newman of "Hydelberg" Twp of Lancaster County are selling to "Frederick Kapp of "Hydelberg" Twp. Berks County a piece of ground in Heidelburg Twp of Berks Co. (at or near the "Town of Newbury"). Signed three times at bottom by Justice of the Peace Peter Spycker.
Two overlapping diamond shapes of paper affixed with sealing wax near bottom right. Reverse side has handwritten description of legal deed transaction for a Berks Co. property being sold by Walter Newman and wife to Frederick Kapp.
Bailey was the official printer to both the U.S. Congress and the Commonwealth. He operated a printing office at 14 W. King St. from 1773-1780, from where he produced many historic imprints including Thomas Paine's "Crisis No. 4" and the Articles of Confederation (1777).
Generally good with weakening fold lines and small holes at the intersections of fold lines. Minor soiling and staining, especially along the three vertical and one horizontal fold lines as well as edges.
Deed (indenture) printed by Ephrata Cloister on vellum for John Miller, blacksmith of Lancaster Borough, and his wife Elizabeth, for use in selling lots in the "Town Called "Millers Burgh." Blank areas are filled in by hand for sale of property to Margaret Stout for 50 pounds. Initially filled in on May 1, 1764, and completed at bottom on March 8, 1765. Pink linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed at bottom right. The headpieces printed at top left is done in elaborate letter style using the first two words "This indenture." Each initial line is done in the distinctive illuminated manner of Ephrata Cloister, employing floral and foliate designs.
Reverse is also used as a deed for the transfer of property for Margaret Stour to Patrick McElkar, begun 1770 and completed 1771. Red linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed to bottom right (of reverse).
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
Framed for 2006 Printed Word Exhibit.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2004-07-28
Condition Notes
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
Chippendale high chest, mahogany, ornately carved, Phila-inspired Rococo style. Top section has scrolled broken arch pediment with central cartouche (attrib. to Phila carver, Martin Jugiez) and fully relief-carved vine tympanum, leading down to large central drawer w/ large carved shell & surrounding vines. Two small drawers flank center drawer, under which are 4 full-length, graduated drawers with original Chinoiserie brasses. Fluted corner columns on upper case; vine & leaf-carved corner columns on lower case.
Lower chest has top full-length drawer over 3 small drawers that mirror the 3 drawers at top. Again, the center drawer is fully carved. Below drawers is a fully vine-carved skirt w/ shaped bottom. Has 4 carved fully articulated cabriole legs w/ acanthus knees and ball and claw feet and original brass casters.
Original owner Matthias Slough was a colonel in the Rev. War, a superintendent of the Philadelphia to Lancaster Turnpike, a county coroner and treasurer, and tavernkeeper of the White Swan. Buried in St. James Episcopal Cemetery.
Made by unknown Lancaster Borough workshop.
Provenance
Original owner believed to be Mathias Slough, based on a 1934 letter from Ethel Torrington Davis to Mr.(James?) McCormick. Ms. Davis states her mother received story from her mother Mrs. Beatty. Mathias Slough married Mary Gibson and had three daughters. The oral tradition is that each daughter was given a high chest. These chests then descended in the family, one of which descended through the mother of Ethel T. Davis to James McCormick (in payment of an outstanding debt). This info researched by John J. Snyder.
From a July 1975 letter, donor George J. Finney recalls the highboy in the home of James McCormick of Hbg, his grandfather. After his death in 1917, it stayed with the house & his son Donald McCormick until his death in 1945. It was then put up for sale at auction of household good but failed to sell due to price not meeting expectations of executors. Donor learned of this, and in 1946 he offered to buy it for $2,500 and the estate accepted. Donor has owned highboy since 1946. Upon the death of the donor, it was bequeathed from his estate.
Multiple repairs (e.g. pieced out around drawers); refinished; some losses, most noticeable in some cartouche elements and leaves of rosettes. Finials missing the ball at mid section. Cosmetic conservation done by Cory Berrett April 1992.
Repairs made 12-2-09 by Winterthur conservator in consultation with curator Wendy Cooper (see conservation report in file). Major changes: broken off rosette leaf tips replaced; missing finial balls and top plates of plinths replaced.
Object ID
G.92.06
Notes
John Snyder states that mahogany is unusual for Lancaster Co. high-style pieces. Secondary woods are poplar and pine.
He notes six or fewer high chests of this Lancaster County Chippendale design are known to exist, and that of these six, "this piece is unquestionably the finest example." (Based on artistic evaluation, condition and provenance. Of these other chests, 2 are in private collections, one is in the State Department collection at Yale University, and the others' whereabouts are currently unknown.
Snyder says this high chest is closely related structurally to the famous Chippendale desk and bookcase acquired by the Winterthur Museum from the Withers family, living near Strasburg, Lancaster Co.
OBITUARY
May 14, 2009 FRANCES DAVIS HASSINGER EVERHART, of Lower Allen Township, Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2009, in Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg. Frances was born March 1, 1916, in Harrisburg, PA, the daughter of CARL W. AND ETHEL TORRINGTON DAVIS. She was a 1938 graduate of Vassar Co...
Matthias Slough (1733-1812) was the tavernkeeper of the White Swan. The high chest was made at an unknown Lancaster Boro workshop, except for the carved cartouche of Philadelphia.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection, bequest of George J. Finney Estate
Printed document is a naturalization certificate infilled for "Jacob Dickart" (sic), a prolific gunmaker of Lancaster. Printed on now-brown laid paper, it is a printed form for naturalizing foreigners who did not swear oaths. Now mounted in a modern black frame.
The certificate was designed for non-Quakers who had resided in the Commonwealth for seven years and who had never taken an oath of allegiance to King George II because of conscience, eg. Mennonites, Moravians & other sectarians who believe the Bible prohibits the swearing of oaths. Although Jacob is believed to have been raised in a Lutheran home, he later followed the Moravian faith.
Edward Shippen, Jr., Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of the Province of PA filled out this form for Dickert, who appeared before Judges William Atlin, William Coleman, and Alexander Stedman, in Phila. on Sept 24, 1765. An embossed seal is created out of a small square of paper and affixed to the upper left corner of the document.
HJ Kauffman notes that Dickert was born in Mainz, Germany in 1740, came to America with his parents in 1748. Family settled in Berks Co. and later, son Jacob moved to Lancaster in 1756, where he likely apprenticed with the gunmaker Matthias Roessor (as did Wm. Henry). Dickert worked c. 1760-1820. In 1764, he married Johanetta Hofer of York, PA, and the following year he travelled to Phila. to obtain this document. Kauffman states he was active in the Moravian church.
He died 1822.
See G90.7.1 file on Dickert rifle with family info. Transparency of a document with
General signs of age: soiling, minor foxing, dog eared corners with some minor losses. Fold line 3" from top, small holes along bottom. There is a backing of acidic paper which is attached with adhesive.
Mounted in a modern black frame by Lancaster Galleries for 2006 exhibit.
Large fraktur is both a Vorschrift & Taufschein, done on laid paper, for Johan Philip Grunewalt, born June 17, 1756, in Cocalico Twp. Mounted in modern red-painted frame with window mat. Has watermark of a shield with a fleur-de-lys at top and "GR" at bottom.
Large religious text at top begins: "Dass walt der Trey Einige Ewige un Endliche und Allmachtige gott der gott, Abraham der gott, Isaac der gott, Jacob der heylige In Israel Auser welche..." followed by 2 more lines of in smaller font, then13 lines of German script filling center of fraktur. Below this is a line of large fraktur style alphabet, then numerals, and finally a line of German script.
At bottom is the taufschein section noting Johan's birth and baptism. German script at bottom right Alan Keyser identifies as simply completing the previous sentence due to running out of space. It is "auffer stehung(en)" which ends the thought of eine seelige... "toward a blessed after-life" (or resurrection). Following the mention of holy baptism are sponsors names, Jorg Weber and his wife Ann Eliza. No date of baptism.
Around entire fraktur is a 3-line border of red, yellow and blue, with a religious text dated 1767 between red & yellow lines. Decoration at top, within border, are simple leafy vines with stylized tulips of red, yellow, green and black.
Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin Co., p. 300 ff.
Height (in)
19
Width (in)
23.875
Dimension Details
Unframed dimensions. Frame is 25" x 31"
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-08-04
Condition Notes
Damp stains mostly at top border and some foxing across surface. Significant damage to paper from multiple tape repairs at fold lines. (Conserved in 1996 by Marilyn Kemp Weidner of Phila. and placed in a sealed Mylar package on acid-free corrugated board).
Object ID
P.94.21.2
Notes
Recipient of Vorschrift, John Philip Greenawalt, was born in Cocalico Twp. to parents Philip Lorentz and Maria (or Margaret?) (Foesser) Greenawalt. He apparently settled in Ephrata where he was a farmer and a hotel keeper.
Son John Philip served as first lieutenant in the Rev. War (and his father served as a colonel with Washington at Brandywine, Germantown, Trenton, Princeton, etc.). The Dauphin Co. Biog. Encyclopedia, p. 300, states Philip became a hotel keeper at Lebanon after the war. He apparently left Cocalico Twp. no later than 1763.
Place of Origin
Cocalico Twp.
Usage
Grunewalt, Johan Philip, 1756-1834
Credit
Heritage Center Collection, gift of James Hale Steinman Foundation
Bookplate on a page from a Martyrs Mirror, done in the style of Ephrata Cloister with a flowing hand using strong, bold letters. Letters are black with green and orange infill. Bookplate simply reads: "Carl/ Christo/ phel." One flower is at top right and a stylized pot with plant having 3 flowers is at lower left. Page is float-mounted in a window mat with a handmade cherry frame.
Ephrata Cloister, Lancaster Co.
Removed from Martyrs Mirror by a previous owner (Evelyn Good) due to water damage to the book which was then discarded. The opposing page was also saved and is mounted in Mylar on reverse side of frame. It carries a ghost image of the bookplate; string from binding is visible.
Acquired with typewritten inscription mounted on back of frame states: "BOOKPLATE MADE FOR CARL CHRISTOPHEL FOR/ HIS COPY OF THE EPHRATA MARTYR'S MIRROR-1748./ WORK OF SISTER ANASTASIA THE PEN-ARTIST OF THE CLOISTER ABC PATTERN BOOK OF LETTERS."
According to Clarke Hess, the penwork is by an unknown Ephrata Cloister artist. Clarke notes that Carl Christophel was a deacon at New Danville Mennonite Church in Conestoga Twp.(now Pequea Twp.) He died in 1767.
In Masonic Lodge Fraktur exhibit for several years. Removed circa 2008.
On short-term exhibit at Historical Society of Cocalico Valley, 2010.
Unknown Ephrata Cloister artist
Provenance
Dr. Robbins purchased framed pages from Evelyn Yingst Good's sale, Sat., May 11, 1991, lot #152, for $3,800. Evelyn Good was an Ephrata librarian. Valued at $5000, Robbins sold to museum for $2,500, donating the other half. Irene Walsh then reimbursed museum for the $2,500.
Acid burned edges are brown; soiled along outside edges; stains and foxing. Moisture stain at top left. Remains of binding still attached at left. Moisture staining at upper left corner. Two minor tears at top center, with ragged edges overall. Paper losses within black ink.
Conserved by Marilyn Kemp Weidner of Phila.
Object ID
P.98.52.1
Place of Origin
Ephrata
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of Irene Walsh and Dr. Warren Robbins, Heritage Center Collection
Fraktur on laid paper in polychrome lettering. Within a cross-hatched border is a birth record for Andrew Bare done in five lines of German above a heart containing eleven lines of text. Decorated with vining flowers at top and large flowers around heart.
Accompanying translation at right was written and signed by J. Watson Ellmaker (1840-1921), but undated. It states that the text within the heart is a baptismal prayer for Andrew Bare, born March 9, 1768, and gives an English translation.
Fraktur was originally purchased in a vertical frame with the translation below it, both glued to the same backing. Both pieces were conserved, matted and reframed side-by-side by Elizabeth C. Hollyday, April 1981. See NOTES
Fraktur has significant damage. Multiple losses, staining overall and mended tears and creases.
Translation paper has several light brown stains, esp. at top.
Conserved and reframed by Elizabeth C. Hollyday, April 1981. Edges of fraktur appear to be lifting somewhat. There still remain dark, hazy areas over much of surface.
Object ID
P.80.136
Notes
Published in Fraktur: Folk Art and Family, Russel & Corinne Earnest, 1999, p. 30.
Noted genealogist Jane Evans Best wrote a letter 9/27/84 correcting the genealogical info written by Ellmaker. She states that Andreas was not the father of noted publisher John Bear. This Andrew Bear was born 2/9/1768 and died 6/22/1797. He was baptized June 12, 1768 at Zeltenreich Reformed Church in Earl Twp. Best suggests it may have been the schoolmaster of the nearly Laurel Hill school who created this fraktur. The school was mentioned in a deed dated July 22, 1765 and was one of the earliest on record in Lancaster Co.
Also, Andrew Bear Jr. was not married to Mary Showers, but was married 12/22/1790 at New Holland Lutheran Church to Susanna Mayer, daughter of Abraham Mayer of Leacock Twp. The Bears had two children, John b. 7/31/1791 and Christina, born after 1792. The two children were mentioned in their grandfather Andrew's will dated 9/21/1805.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Dial scribe used originally for engraving circular lines (chapter rings) in brass dials. Converted for use with later white-painted dials (probably held a pen, according to clock expert Ed LaFond). Used by Jacob Gorgas (1728-1798). Maker unknown; most likely Lancaster Borough.
The tool arm is created from a foot-long bar of iron, rectangular in section. One end is enlarged and fitted with a vertical attachment made of cone-shaped iron surmounted by a turned wooden (walnut?) handle. This vertical attachment comes to a blunt point at the bottom. A shaped sleeve fits onto the horizontal iron bar and is fitted with a vertical hexagonal hole at one side. Two iron thumb screws are positioned at each side of sleeve.
Provenance
Owned by two brothers, Samuel K. and William L. Fraser, clockmakers who lived in Lincoln (just west of Ephrata) and grandsons of clockmaker William Fraser (1801-1877), then to early collector Earl T. Strickler (FNAWCC) who had it on display at the Columbia Clock and Watch Museum. Upon Strickler's sudden death circa 1974, it was sold by his widow, Mary Jane Strickler, to Edward F., Jr. and Virginia A. LaFond who owned it for "20 some" years. They then traded it to dealer Jamie Price for some clocks. Price had it on sale at the 2004 Philadelphia Antiques Show in mid-April where, as representative for the von Hess Foundation, Tom Cook, purchased it for this museum's collections.
Ed LaFond believes the Fraser family was related to the Gorgas family, thus they were in a position to inherit tools. Due to this, it was believed at first that both the machine and the scribe were from the Gorgas family. However, LaFond believes the Frasers were also related to the Shreiners.
Iron surface is pitted from corrosion, now stable. Turned wood handle is moderately worn and scarred with a broken off piece creating one flattened side. Wood is also checked (cracked) throughout neck.
Object ID
G.04.19.2
Notes
Stacy Wood researched origins and provenance of these tools and wrote an article in Vol. 96 #4 of LCHS Journal. Conversations with Virginia LaFond ( 5/19/04) and Ed LaFond (7/6/04).
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Usage
Gorgas, Jacob, 1728-1798
Credit
Gift of the Richard C. von Hess Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Tall case clock w/ 8-day movement housed in a cherry Chippendale style case with scroll pediment, carved floral rosettes and three flame finials. Arched glass door and side lights. Partially engaged, smooth columns at front corners, forming part of the hinged door.
Brass dial has Roman numeral chapter ring, C-scroll and vining foliate engraving at spandrels as well as above and below moon wheel which is painted with a star-spangled sky and moon with face. Engraved "Wilton Atkinson" on lower dial.
Waist has broken arch door and recessed, plain quarter columns. Base has raised, scalloped panel at front with quarter columns that match those in the waist section. Feet are bold ogee bracket style.
Atkinson is believed to have been the son of Matthew Atkinson of Lampeter Twp. Wilton was in the Borough as early as 1763 as a cutler. In tax records, he was listed in 1770 as a watchmaker and in 1772 and 1773 as a clockmaker. He married Anna Maria, daughter of the early Borough clockmaker Abram Laroy. Legend states that Anna Maria also made clocks in Lancaster that were sold bearing her husband's name. The Atkinsons eventually moved to Baltimore where, following his death, Anna Maria conducted business until 1819. (Clockmakers of Lanc. Co.)
Snyder notes on p. 40 of Clockmakers of Lanc. Co, that this case is considered one of the earliest examples of the Chippendale style in Lancaster Co., based on the brief working career of Atkinson (1770-1773).
Provenance
Owned by Dr. George Rohrer, then to son Henry A. Rohrer, then to daughter Mary Louise Webster. Tape adhered to reverse side of dial has the name of the donor's father, "Henry Rohrer/ 9-22-87."
Case has been overcleaned, finished with a glossy varnish then handrubbed with steel wool to remove gloss. Vertical scratch on right side of base; feet marred. Crack at lower right corner of base, below raised panel. There are about nine nail holes over the expanse of the tympanum suggesting missing carving. Heavy dent on dial at left edge, center, and hammer marks at this point on reverse side. Lower left corner distorted.
Object ID
G.01.49.1
Notes
Entry for Wilton Atkinson in "Clockmakers of Lancaster Co. and Their Clocks 1750-1850" notes that: "Atkinson married Anna Maria, a daughter of the early Borough clockmaker Abrum Laroy and legend states that she also made clocks in Lancaster that were sold bearing her husband's name. "
Brochure of the First Reformed Church (UCC) notes that in the 1760s, "the French Laroys" belonged to this church. "One chronicler called the LeRoy sisters (four daughters of a local clockmaker) the 'Belles of the congregation.'... Anna Maria, the youngest of the sisters, learned her father's trade and was said to be 'as good a clockmaker' as he was. She and her husband, Wilton Atkinson, took over the family business." (Note: Abrum Laroy died in 1763).
Above brochure is http://visithistoricalancaster.com/pdf/02LP109 HOW-FR-UCC
Call to church office & conversation with paster Dana Schlegel offered no clues to source of above information (Jan. 2017).
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
In memory of Dr. George Rohrer and Mrs. & Mrs. Henry A. Rohrer by Mary Louise Webster, Heritage Center Collection
8-day musical clockworks by Mennonite Christian Eby (c.1768-1803) of Manheim. Housed in a large, inlaid cherry case attributed to Emanuel Dyer. Case is transitional from Chippendale to Federal, although strongly Federal due to inlay of eagle and floral motifs on tympanum, quarter fan inlays and another floral inlay on waist section, and a patera centered on the base within a cartouche of line inlay.
Notes: Weight, key, and various parts located in box on Unit 52, Bottom Shelf.
Hood has side lights, fluted colonettes at sides, swan's neck scrolls terminating in inlaid paterae, three ball and spire finials (spire missing on center finial). Waist and base have fluted quarter columns. French bracket feet.
White-painted iron dial w/ Roman numerals on chapter ring. Seconds use Arabic numerals. Floral spandrels, lunar dial and inscription "C EBY Manheim under XII. Above lunar dial are ten names of tunes played by the musical works. Dial attributed to Reading area due to a dark moon wheel and the 2 hemispheres for the moon phase are identical (per Gary Sullivan). He also notes that brass-clad weights are very unusual, and usually an English practice.
Provenance
Ex Renner (per Gary Sullivan, clock dealer). Later from estate sale of Pauline Heilman of York, PA by Sotheby's July 17, 1982. The buyer, a private client of Citibank, put clock in storage in Florida, then consigned it Christie's where HCLC purchased Jan. 1992.
John and Carol Pyfer paid $800 for Quentin Johnson to repair the clockworks and get it running in 2004. Clock hands have losses (pieces in a box stored in clock bottom), repaired by Johnson. Case refinished (see early photos in file). Scratch on side to left of pendulum door; nicks & scratches at left side vertical member of opening to pendulum. Marred overall. Split at left side of front section of molding under hood. Pieces of string inlay replaced. Proper left back foot loose; proper left front column loose. See Gary Sullivan condition report (loan to Willard House)
Object ID
P.92.02
Notes
Made by Christian Eby (c.1768-1803), working 1792-1803. Case attributed to Emanuel Deyer.
J.J. Snyder notes, "The clock is significant because it is the only known Lancaster Co. eagle-inlaid clock with a musical movement. Musical movements predating 1840 are quite rare, and fewer than eight Lancaster Co. musical clocks prior to 1840 are known to survive. The inlay is unique in the placement of the eagle in the center of the pediment rather than in an oval medallion above the pendulum door and in the use of floral inlay in addition to the eagle. In summary, the Christian Eby clock is a masterpiece of not only regional but also national importance."
Snyder also states "Unquestionably, this is one of the most elegant and sophisticated pieces of Lancaster County Federal furniture now known." He adds "Of all the known Lancaster County eagle-inlaid clock cases, this one alone has floral inlays. In view of the fact that this case must predate Christian Eby's death in 1803, it stands as the earliest known use of the eagle as a patriotic device in Lancaster County furniture."
Snyder also suggests Manheim cabinetmaker Emanuel Dyer (1760-1836) as the probable casemaker. Working for about a half century starting in the early 1780s, Dyer was the leading Manheim cabinetmaker.
Place of Origin
Manheim
Credit
Gift of members and friends of the Heritage Center, Heritage Center Collection
Bookcase on desk, Queen Anne, walnut, owned by the Jenkins family of Churchtown area in Caernarvon Twp. Upper section has a scroll pediment with shallow-carved round rosettes with button centers above a plain tympanum. The three turnip finials are replacements. Distinctive chamfered, fluted front corners terminate in lamb's tongues. Two doors have two raised panels and stationary shelves within. Maker is unknown.
Restored straight bracket feet, four lipped graduated drawers with two candle drawers flanking the top drawer. Interior has a central prospect door with tombstone shape and applied outer moldings creating the impression of frame-and-panel construction; center panel has highly figured wood. Flanking manuscript drawers faced with wide fluted columns on plinths with capitals. Each side of central section has four pigeon holes above two tiers of drawers, four each side.
Snyder states most of the brass hardware has been "correctly restored." Inscription on the side of one drawer reads: "David and Martha Jenkins" in script. David Jenkins (1731-1797) was the ironmaster at Windsor Forge near Churchtown.
Snyder notes the distinctive chamfered, fluted corners of this secretary relate to the Old family highboy (P78.76) as well as to a highboy in Winterthur collections originally owned by Christopher Marshall who moved to Lancaster on the eve of the Revolutionary War. In addition, there are similar corners on a George Hoff clock w/ brass face as well as some Reading clocks, and some furniture made by Phila. and Maryland cabinetmakers.
Provenance
History of ownership is soundly documented, according to Snyder. (See his appraisal in file, pp. 5-6). It passed down within the Jenkins family until sold at public auction in Churchtown from the estate of Miss Mary Irwin, a direct Jenkins descendant. Purchased by Elaine Holden.
Robert E. Jenkins, Jenkins Family Book, Chicago, 1904.
At LHO are:
- Jenkins family file
- 1797 David Jenkins estate inventory
- 1815 Direct Tax for Caernarvon Twp.
David Jenkins' 1797 Will, # G-1-98, is in the Archives, Lancaster Co. Courthouse.
Height (cm)
264.16
Height (ft)
8.6666666667
Height (in)
104
Width (cm)
96.52
Width (ft)
3.1666666667
Width (in)
38
Depth (cm)
57.15
Depth (ft)
1.875
Depth (in)
22.5
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2017-03-08
Condition Notes
Finish has been stripped; metal polish residue clogs pores of wood around hardware. Restoration and replacement of various parts, including feet, finials, patch on upper lip of upper drawer, and all large drawer bottoms. Breakout at points above bottom drawers where lock strikes.
Object ID
G.03.01.01
Notes
Furniture Exhibit in Gerhart Gallery
Related Item Notes
John J. Snyder notes the distinctive chamfered, fluted corners of this secretary relate to those of the Old family highboy (P.78.76) and a Q.A. Phila. highboy in Winterthur collections originally owned by Christopher Marshall who moved to Lancaster on the eve of the Revolutionary War. In addition, there are similar chamfered corners on a George Hoff clock w/ brass face, some Reading clock cases and some case furniture made in Maryland and Philadelphia (Joseph Armitt and Jonathan Gostelowe).
Credit
Gift of Elaine Ewing Holden, Heritage Center Collection
Eight-day tall case clock signed by Daniel Forrer of Lampeter and dated 1814. Clockworks housed in a c. 1760s walnut sarcophagus top case by unknown maker.
Clock has 12" solid brass arched dial, matted dial-plate center, pewter chapter ring and cast brass spandrels. Above center arbor is seconds chapter ring of pewter and below arbor is calendar window. Engraved pewter medallion in arch reads "Daniel Forrer/ Lampeter." Above calendar window is a small plate engraved "1814." (Dial is very similar to one by brother Christian Forrer pictured on page 97 of "Clockmakers of Lancaster Co...").
Sarcophagus bonnet top has 3 urn finials on plinths (corner plinths are plain; center one is fluted). Thin crestboards extend to sides of central finial. Bonnet has 3/4 colonnettes in front and 1/4 in back, all plain & tapered. Arched sidelights.
Body of case is pegged construction w/ front having mitered half-lap joinery at top & through-tenon joints at bottom. Front corners are stop-chamfered between joinery. Tombstone pendulum door (replaced). Cove molding leads to plain base section with chamfered corners. Feet and base moldings replaced (see condition notes). Now rests on reeded board base only.
1814 date plate likely mounted on dial when the Sheraton style details (reeded base, turned feet, urn finials) were added. Changes were evidently prompted by moisture & worm deterioration of original feet & base moldings.
Clock has winding key and door key (in clock key box). See NOTES.
Clockmakers of Lancaster County and Their Clocks by S.B.C. Wood, Jr., S. Kramer, & J.J. Snyder, 1977, pp. 19, 97.
Mennonite Arts by Clarke Hess, 2002, p. 80 (nearly identical Christian Forrer dial).
Photocopies of Warfel documents & previous contacts (in file). MESDA has photo of a c.1770 clock w/ "D.Forrer/ FrdkTown."
Height (cm)
238.76
Height (ft)
7.8333333333
Height (in)
94
Width (cm)
53.975
Width (ft)
1.7708333333
Width (in)
21.25
Depth (cm)
30.48
Depth (ft)
1
Depth (in)
12
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2017-06-19
Condition Notes
Case refinished & restored with Sheraton feet, reeded base molding & urn finials. Pendulum door & hardware are replaced. Bonnet door loose from "hinge" column at top (nail failing). Multiple gouges, chips & scratches. Heavy loss at left front corner of bonnet cornice. Pieced-out repair at back edge of left side of waist. Backboard at bottom shows significant rot & worm damage, explaining the replaced base that now is reeded-edge boards to which turned Sheraton feet were nailed (now removed). On seatboard of works is old sticker of Joseph R. Bates, clock restoration in Vermont. In 1968, he performed "complete restoration & overhaul including extensive repairs" to clockworks & resilvering of dial.
Object ID
G.08.16.1
Notes
Swiss-born brothers Daniel & Christian Forrer both apprenticed w/ same clockmaker in the Jura region of Switz., following their father's death, then emigrated to America with their sister in 1754, settling in Lampeter where they each made clocks. It is claimed there were clocks jointly signed "C & D Forrer", denoting a partnership. Clarke Hess notes that Daniel sold his Lampeter Twp. lands to his brother in 1762 at which time he likely moved to Frederick, Maryland.
Ed LaFond believes there may be about a dozen clocks by Christian but only two clocks by Daniel were previously known, both privately owned and one signed Fredericktown. Ed believes Forrer eventually ended up in Virginia.
Walnut side chair, wainscoat type, frame construction with pinned mortise and tenon joints. Shaped crest rail secured with one pin. Baluster-shaped center splat secured with a double pinned mortise and tenon joint and rests on rail above seat level; rail has molded lower edge. Rail at seat back is raisedabove seat level & has same molding as above rail. Plank seat (replaced) of two boards is pinned to chair rails. Bottom edges of all 4 chair rails have molded lower edge. Front legs are baluster-shaped; back legs are square, although they taper in thickness from seat level to top. Back legs also have a backcut front face from stretcher to floor, and curve back. Box stretchers have the same molding as rails above, but are molded on both upper and lower edges.
Probably Lancaster Boro
Provenance
Probably owned by Anthony Schneider (1725-1774) due to the belief that this chair was in his inventory after death. His 1774 Inventory lists a set of 4 walnut chairs. At his death he was living on the site of the Kirk Johnson Building on W. King Street. Anthony Schneider was the father of Gov. Simon Snyder(1759-1819) who was born in Lancaster Borough.
Chair descended through the Fisher and Mertz families. Chair believed to have been purchased by antiques dealer Dick Jones of Muncy, PA, at the "Fisher family sale" at the Isle of Que (section of Selinsgrove), circa mid-1960s. Purchased by restorer Peter Deen, who replaced the seat. Deen sold to Vonnie Haynes, a "minor dealer & major character in Adamstown" who sold it to Neil Kamil, then to museum. (See letter of 18 Apr 1991 from N. Kamil in file.)
Moderate wear overall. Front stretcher very worn. Previous chair owner and furniture conservator, Peter Deen, of Nottingham, PA, replaced seat. Metal corner braces & screws removed. Scratches on left chair rail.
Object ID
P.92.01
Notes
Patricia J. Keller states "a similar side chair is in a private collection outside Pittsburgh, PA, and another is in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (#'28-10-99, see photo in file).
Peter Seibert notes this chair relates closely to the furniture made in rural northern England during the 1600s and 1700s. It combines elements of different styles, William & Mary and Queen Anne.
Gov. Simon Snyder (1759-1819) served three terms from Dec. 20, 1808 - Dec. 16, 1817 as the first of many Penna. German governors of Pennsylvania. After his election of 1808, he was reelected a few years later by a landslide.
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
NOTE: Gift of Irene N. Walsh (reimbursed purchase price).
Birth record in German for Barbara Eschlemann made on laid paper by the Johannes Schopp/Schopf Artist. Paper has Ephrata watermark (CIB with tulip design). Framed in old frame of softwood with dark, crazed finish and applied blocks at corners.
Execution is typical of this artist's design. Horizontal orientation has outer and inner double-line borders with central heart having an open ring at top from which emanate vining flowers. Space between inner and outer borders is especially full with typical flowers of muted colors as well as a crown at top and shells both at top and a large one at bottom center.
Within heart is the text: "Barbara Eschlemann/ Ist gebohren im Jahr unsers Herrn und Heilandes Jesu/ Christi Anno 1777 den 8 Januarius. Morgens um/ 4 uhr, im Zeichendes. Steinbock." Additional text is added in muted ink within the space between heart and inner border. At left is: "Gott allein/ Hilf dahichseyvonher(?)/ heu from(?) ohn alle heucheley(?)." At right is: "die Ehre/ damit mein gankes(?)/ Christenthum, dir Wohlgefalligley(?)."
Breaking at fold lines; two corners missing and two corners with small holes. Three-inch tear extends from left bottom corner to right side. Tear at bottom, 2" from right corner, extends upward 1/2-inch. Additional tears with losses at bottom, esp. at center. Reverse has paper tape repairs: vertical strip entire length of center fold line and shorter strip along bottom from center to torn corner. Several moisture stains along bottom.
Frames\'s wood backing removed and replaced with acid free backing, Dec. 2004.
Object ID
P.05.51.1
Notes
Gift of Irene N. Walsh (reimbursed purchase price).
See G77.50.11 for another Birth Record by Schoff Artist (done for Anna Schenck). Additional Schoff pieces are photocopied in this file.
Earnest, Papers for Birth Dayes, pp. 675-676.
Earnest, Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, pp. 99, 109.
Weiser & Heaney, Pa Germ. Fraktur in the Free Library of Phila. #870-872.
Copper teakettle with round body, gooseneck spout, very low domed lid w/ scrolled knob of sheet copper riveted onto lid with a hand-cut washer added under lid, suggesting repair or replacement. Curved handle hinges onto tapered plinth tab bases with two rivets each. Vertical dove-tailed side seam opposite single-seamed spout. Dove-tailed bottom.
Touchmark on top of handle is "R..REED." within a rectangular reserve with serrated ends.
Made by Robert Reed, working in Lancaster 1771-1779, then 1785-1795.
Provenance
Purchased by Heritage Center from Philip Bradley Antiques
Transferred from Heritage Center to LancasterHistory.org December, 2012.
Tax assessment lists Robert Reed 1786-1793.
Kauffman, Henry J. American Copper and Brass. New York: Bonanza, 1979.
Coppersmith info from Shelley Horvath Posten (dau. of Don Horvath), 2009
Copper dented and scratched overall, polish residue at handle hinges. Side handle break repaired with sheet iron patch secured to outside with two iron rivets. Knob appears to be a repair or a replacement.
Object ID
P.80.131
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Purchased through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation,
Pair of English Queen Anne brass candlesticks, marked 'A' and 'B'.
Baluster shaft mounted on wide, square base with stepped edging. Circular indentation in top of base. Very low feet at corners. Vertical seams on shaft indicate cast parts. A and B differ slightly in height.
Details very worn. Candlestick 'B' is split at seam on shoulder below cup and split at both sides of candle cup top edge at seams. "A" has small split at lip seam. Both sticks have distortions at various places, especially at base and lip.
Object ID
P.78.86.2a-b
Place of Origin
England
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Purchased through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation
Strainer of glazed redware, but with a lighter brown color than most redware. Resting on three tapered 1-1/8 " long feet. The flat-bottomed dish has straight sides that flare out to a molded, high lip. Applied handles at sides. Large holes in bottom and three rows of smaller holes at sides.
Lead glaze overall with some streaks/runs of a darker brown.
Numerous chips on body overall; some large ones on underside and a large chip on the side; handle edges have suffered the most significant chipping loss. Glaze is crackled overall and has some staining, particularly on the interior. Feet are moderately worn.
Object ID
G.98.12.17
Place of Origin
Pennsylvania
Credit
Gift of Mrs. S.R. Slaymaker II, Heritage Center Collection
Large scale pedimented door surround of painted softwood and replaced slate, from the George Ross mansion built on the NW corner of Duke & E. King Sts., Lancaster. Doric Order doorway with full treatment of the entablature. A projecting pediment rests on two fluted, engaged columns flanking a recessed, arched doorway with raised panels at sides and top. A keystone is centered at top of door casing. Fanlight with tracery above doorway. Bold moldings at cornice of pediment decorated with mutules. Triglyphs below.
"This painted doorway is the most elaborate now known to survive from pre-Revolutionary Lancaster County", states John J. Snyder.
Provenance
Removed by Ross' gr. granddaughter Ann Coleman Hopkins Lightner when house was razed in 1851 or 52 to make room for the oldest section of the present Lanc. Co. courthouse. Reinstalled at Lightner mansion at corner of N. Duke & Lemon Sts. Removed when house was razed in 1963 and given to LCHS.. Then placed on permanent loan with the Heritage Center where it was installed in the Masonic Lodge in 1977. Transferred Dec. 1997 to Heritage Center. Removed in 2000 and reinstalled at 7 W. King St. in museum lobby in 2002 where it is now on loan to Lancaster City.
Generally intact with presumed replacement parts due to multiple usage. Any replacement parts not visible under multiple coats of paint. Some missing elements such as circular pieces of "leggo block" moldings under cornice and part of projecting portion of the right capital. There is no door and slate is not original.
Object ID
G.97.45.1
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection, gift of Lancaster County His
Saltcellar of Stiegel-type clear glass, blown into a 3-piece mold. Body is an inverted pear form on a pedestal base. Upper body decorated with 25 slightly slanted vertical ribs. Bottom is slightly concave with pontil mark at center.
Provenance
Donor bought cellar for $70.00 at Horst Auction on 10-19-96, from the collection of Edward Miller.
Small free-blown wine or dram glass, Stiegel type. Conical form. Low profile knop on stem. Round pedestal base with concentric ring created by folded foot. Pontil mark on bottom.
Provenance
Purchased by donor Hampton C. Randolph, Sr., for $65 at the sale of the Henry E. Balmer estate, Lancaster, PA on April 20, 1996, then donated to the Heritage Center of Lancaster County.
