Bookcase composed of two sections. The upper cabinet has two hinged doors that latch at center. The shelving is adjustable and both doors feature 12 oblong-shaped glass panes and mullions. The lower cabinet has two hinged wood doors that latch and lock at the center; each door features a square recessed panel.
Provenance
Thomas Potter
To - William Morris Meredith
To - James Buchanan
To - Harriet Lane Johnston
To - John Newton Lane
To - James Buchanan Lane II
To - Thomasina Thomas Lane
To - James Buchanan Foundation
Thomas Potter - 2nd owner of Wheatland
Sold to - William Morris Meredith for $75
Sold to - James Buchanan for $75
Bequeathed to - Harriet Lane Johnston
Bequeathed to - John Newton Lane, Harriet's nephew
Bequeathed to - James Buchanan Lane II, John N. Lane's son
Bequeathed to - Thomasina Thomas Lane, James B. Lane II's spouse
Balloon back walnut chairs with serpentine splat. Louis XV style back is rounded and finger molded with no additional carving. Flaring upholstered seat-black horsehair-with serpentine front with beaded molding at bottom of skirt. Cabriole front legs, rounded, with slightly curved square back legs terminating on flat feet.
Artifacts mentioned by Ara Hatch in New York Dalily Times 11/10/1856. Person had visited Wheatland.
Height (cm)
87.15248
Height (ft)
2.8593333333
Height (in)
34.312
Width (cm)
45.72
Width (ft)
1.5
Width (in)
18
Depth (cm)
40.9575
Depth (ft)
1.34375
Depth (in)
16.125
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-04-20
Condition Notes
Reupolstered; James Buchanan Foundation records indicate the seats were originally covered in green morrocan leather.
Object ID
W.1936.001.015
Notes
The chair was presumed to belong to James Buchanan by the James Buchanan Foundation representatives in 1936 when they bought certain furnishings that were still in the mansion during the Willson-Rettew Estate sale.
Mentioned by Ara Hatch in the N.Y. Daily Times (visited Wheatland 10 November 1856.)
Cherry writing desk, front of the desk, 4.25" below the top, has piano hinges that allow the top to converts to a writing surface covered with green felt. When closed, the piece serves as a chest with four progressively larger drawers. Both sides have recessed panels and the chest is supported by four vase and ring-turned legs.
This mirror is mounted in a Cassetta Frame. cassetta frame, a design that has been in use for over 500 years. This Renaissance frame design, which are also called plate frames and box frames (the word cassetta means "small box"), were developed in Italy during the late 15th century. This frame has gilt surface on the inner molding.
Year Range From
1830
Year Range To
1850
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
North Middle Bedchamber
Storage Wall
East Wall
Object Name
Mirror, Wall
Material
Wood, Glass
Height (cm)
56.1975
Height (ft)
1.84375
Height (in)
22.125
Width (cm)
81.5975
Width (ft)
2.6770833333
Width (in)
32.125
Depth (cm)
2.54
Depth (ft)
0.0833333333
Depth (in)
1
Dimension Details
Mirror (excluding frame)
H 22.25"
W 13.25"
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-06-22
Condition Notes
Spots of desilvering on glass. Chip on wood frame, ~5in below top right corner. Minor scratches on veneer
Object ID
W.1996.003.001
Notes
Renumbered because it shared the same number with another object. Formerly G.35.42, now 96.3.
Contoured brown satin vest has standing collar of brown velvet with floral motif. Long sleeves have velvet cuffs attached. Center front embellished with velvet. Back flaps have velvet between two sating flaps. 16 hand-finished buttonholes; 13 cicular (5/8") bronze-colored shank/loop buttons with figure and silver-colored crescent moon. Inside, 2 loops of brown fabric tape sewn at underarms. Fully lined. All seam edges hand overcast. There are pockets for 10 stays: 2 each side for bodice darts; 2 either sied of underarm and 2 to contour back.
Year Range From
1800
Year Range To
1815
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Butler's Pantry
Storage Wall
East Wall
Object Name
Bodice
Material
Mahogany
Length (cm)
48.26
Length (ft)
1.5833333333
Length (in)
19
Width (cm)
34.29
Width (ft)
1.125
Width (in)
13.5
Dimension Details
Width measurement is shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-07-07
Condition Notes
Left cuff loose. Some seam wear at underarms & right sleeve exterior; some underarm stains from wear. 2 buttons are sewn with white thread & one is upside down. One button hole torn.
Empire mahogany and mahogany veered sideboard. Back glazed gallery in five panels with center larger. Three drawers over pair of swing flame flat paneled doors with side swing single doors. Stiles are diamond shapes, plinth base with turned feet. Tradition is the piece belonged in the home of President Buchanan.
Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Long believe the provenance to be James Buchanan based on the fact that the donor's mother, Mrs. B.F. Lewis Sr., recieved a letter from the James Buchanan Foundation requesting that she consider donatining the sideboard.
Bowfront mahogany veneer chest of drawers in the Hepplewhite style. Four drawers have progressing depths from the top to the bottom, each with overpressed drawer pulls two per drawer. At the top center of each drawer is a brass escutcheon keyhole. The top of the chest and each drawer are decorated with satin wood inlay. Chest is supported at its base by four french feet which feature a slightly outswept bracket foot combined with a valence skirt.
Provenance
Dr. Alexander Speer (James Buchanan maternal cousin)
Seven 4" x 3" color paintings of pairs of seven different birds. Paintings have white backgrounds and are mounted on pale yellow fabric.
Date Range
1840s
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 5
Storage Cabinet
Unit 46
Storage Shelf
Shelf 4
Object Name
Picture, Animal
Object Names
Water Color Bird Paintings
Material
Fabric, paint
Height (cm)
46.355
Height (ft)
1.5208333333
Height (in)
18.25
Width (cm)
50.8
Width (ft)
1.6666666667
Width (in)
20
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-08-04
Condition Notes
Decorative fabric tape on frame's front is soiled and torn in spots. Backer paper is torn along upper sides and corners. 4 of small paintings appear to have shifted: Lower right painting is crooked and painting in center on right is angle down.
Object ID
W.1938.004.002
Notes
These paintings are done on small oblongs of bamboo pith painted with heated paint with small brushes (perhaps only two or three hairs). The heated paint on the bamboo gives the raised effect that looks like embroidery.
Framed by The James Buchanan Foundation in 1938. One of a series of three.
Linen edging around pale red painted frame. Adhered within frame on a cream colored fabric are 8 small watercolor paintings (approx. 4.125 inches x 3.125 inches) of Asian sailing vessels.One of three framed by The James Buchanan Society.
Date Range
1840s
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 5
Storage Cabinet
Unit 46
Storage Shelf
Shelf 4
Object Name
Seascape
Object Names
Junk Sailing Vessels
Material
Wood, paper, glass
Height (cm)
46.6725
Height (ft)
1.53125
Height (in)
18.375
Width (cm)
50.8
Width (ft)
1.6666666667
Width (in)
20
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2000-08-10
Condition Notes
Frame is worn. Most paintings are excellent.
Object ID
W.1938.004.001
Notes
Small oblongs of bamboo pith on which are Chinese figures, boats and birds. They are painted with heated paint with a small camel hair brush (perhaps only two or three hairs.) The heated paint on the bamboo gives the raised effect which looks like embroidery.
Linen edging around pale red frame. Adhered to a cream colored fabric within frame are eight (4 inch x 3 inch) watercolor paintings. 5 sets of Asian men (1 enthroned in middle) and 3 sets of women in Asian dress, mostly upper class.
One of three framed by The James Buchanan Society in 1938.
Date Range
1840s
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 5
Storage Cabinet
Unit 46
Storage Shelf
Shelf 4
Object Name
Picture
Object Names
Paintings of Asian Men and Women
Material
Fabric, Wood
Height (cm)
46.6725
Height (ft)
1.53125
Height (in)
18.375
Width (cm)
50.8
Width (ft)
1.6666666667
Width (in)
20
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2000-08-10
Object ID
W.1938.004.003
Notes
Painted Asian people on small oblongs of bamboo pith. They are painted with heated paint with a small brush (perhaps only two or three hairs). The heated paint on the bamboo gives the raised effect that looks like embroidery.
Framed theorem of stencil-painted fruit on light brown cotton velvet. Painting is a still life of variously colored fruits: melons, peaches, apricots, a half-eaten pear, grapes with leaves, plums and a pomegranate. Composed on a blue-colored base or table. An insect is depicted near bottom center below grapes.
There is no border signature or date. Frame is a flat-profiles with walnut veneer facing.
Provenance
Found in the Slaymaker attic among other framed objects, in very dirty conditions. Unknown maker, but possibly done at a Moravian school such as the one at Lititz. See Slaymakers at Linden Hall on page 147 of Slaymaker history.
Taken to Dottie McCoach for conservation June 1, 1998. Returned Sept. 17, 1998. See report in this file. After treatment the piece is still dark, stained and moisture damaged along the bottom.
Decorated wedding handkerchief, square shaped, of plain weave bleached linen. Three sides arrow hemmed and one is selvage.
Embroidered in multicolored cotton and silk. Along with the normal cross stitch is extensive use of chain stitch. Within a red chain-stitched border is sparse decoration: a tulip variant is embroidered near each corner, and a symbol similar to an infinity symbol is located along the center of each side.
"CATY CASSEL 1808" extends along one side of border. A multicolored alphabet is done in upper-case script along two sides (except for a distant 'z') and 'a b c d' in lower case script is embroidered near one corner.
In 1997 exhibit "Just For Show," Tandy Hersh noted that scholars are puzzled by the presence of decorated handkerchiefs among the Pa. Germans. They are very rare. This is one of only 20 that have been documented. In Europe, handkerchiefs celebrated betrothal or marriage. It is unknown if the tradition continued in America, though one handkerchief made in 1787 in Warwick Twp. is associated with the maker's wedding. Tandy notes the Pa. German women produced handkerchiefs between 1768 and 1830. Motifs were apparently arranged so that they could be viewed from all four sides.
(Written by Wendell Zercher.)
Provenance
The Wedding Handkerchief is one of five items given to the society by Hampton C. Randolph, Sr. of Lansdale, PA, in 1997.
Clarke Hess purchased from dealer, Jean Cook, who states this came out of a home in Montgomery County. Hess then sold to donor. Cassels were living in both Mongomery and Lancaster Counties.
Wool work picture of a basket of flowers on a buff cotton background in a frame. A wide range of stitches was use, including satin stitches and French stitches. Brown, lattice-worked basked holds a very full arrangement of variegated flowers in bright hues. Flower types include tulips, carnations, forget-me-nots and a tiger lily. The arrangement also has leaves and branches. The double frame is molded and deep and woolwork is covered by old bubbled glass. The cotton background is stitched to an underlying fabric whit is in turn glued to the cardboard backing.
Inscription on reverse of cardboard backing is faintly printed in pencil:
WORKED IN WOOL BY MARY
BRINTON LEACOCK TOWNSHIP
IN PENNSYLVANIA 1849
(Written by William Carter.)
Provenance
Stitched by Quaker Mary Brinton in 1849.
Bought at sale at Brinton property by Vernon Gunnion. Same as drawing by Susan Brinton (P.96.11.1) 259-A Mascot Rd.
Pole firescreen with mounted sampler by C. Carpenter. Late Federal style firescreen, tripod form, with Hepplewhite legs supporting a tapering, turned pillar with urn and inverted trumpet turning above legs and a ring and button turning below legs. Turned ball-and-ring finial doweled into top.
Sampler is set into a walnut frame (22.75 inches square) and attached to pole by two loops of strap iron screwed to back of frame. Sampler is worked on scrim with polychrome wools. A floral vine border has a spray of flowers inside each corner and a large floral bouquet at center. Underneath central bouquet are three lines: "Wrought by /Christiann Carpenter/ AD 1843."
The outside border of green silk is over 2 inches wide and has a pleated circle of the same silk at each corner. Reverse side is covered by green velvet.
Provenance
Mrs. Isaac (Hilda) Weaver states she is unable to track down maker. Isaac Weaver's mother was Dorothy Christine Hartman (m. Herbert Bachman Weaver); her father was Isaac Carpenter Hartman; his parents were John Ives Hartman and his first wife Anna Weidler; and Ann's father was Dr. Isaac C. Weidler of Upper Leacock. Mrs. Weaver surmises the Dr. Weidler's middle name was Carpenter.
Given in memory of Dorothy Hartman Weaver, mother of donor.
Top of standard has repaired break (plugged hole at back). Scarring and screw holes along shaft. Legs reglued with nail heads visible near top of each as well as glue residue at joints and under turned bottom.
Sampler is generally good; scrim is puckered overall as is silk border. Marked moisture stains at top right and bottom center. Dark soil/stains in area of inscription.
Pictorial sampler on unbleached linen ground, all edges bound with many colors of silk thread, in modern frame. Mostly cross-stitch, but also satin and other stitches.
The central panel is surrounded by a variety of motifs and devices. Segmented border at top and sides consists of a dark blue flowering vine rectilinearly zig-zags between the edge and the central panel, forming squares. The area between the central panel and the edge is, on each side, divided thus into five squares, each of which contains an embroidered device, such as flowers, hearts, geometric designs, clover, etc. This vine begins 1/5 of the way in from the left on the bottom and continues clockwise across the top and 3/5 of the way down the right side. The devices are symmetrical on the left and right edges. The bottom and right of this periphery contains a pictorial embroidery of Trinity Lutheran church of Lancaster in profile, two women in dresses, and two trees with birds on top.
The square, central panel has a two double-rowed rectangular checkered borders separated by a zig-zag vine with flowers internally, this central panel is divided into five areas. The top panel contains the words: "Ann Herbst a daughter of Henry/ & Elisabeth Herbst was born the / 10th of August in the year of our/ Lord 1792 & made this sampler in/ the 9th year of her age in Miss Ar/ mstrong's school AD 1801." In the middle of the panel: "O come let us/ sing to the Lord/ come let us evry (sic)/ one a joyful nois/e make to the/ Rock of our salvation." Bottom left: "o Lord thou art/ my God and king/ thee will I magnif/ y and praise I will." On the right panel: "Ann Herbst is m/ y name Lancast/ er is my Habitati/ on Kings street is/ my dwelling place/ & christ is my sal/ vation the rose is/ red the leaves/ are green the/ day are past/ that I have seen."
Conserved by Dora Shotzberger at Winterthur in Jan. 1989. Four dark stains along top edge; hole in middle of right side; damage to embroidery in both bottom left corner of church and in third floor window of church.
Percussion pistol; octagonal iron barrel becomes round at muzzle end. It is 3 1/2 inches long. Full-length stock is faux-grained maple. Percussion lock is moderately decorated with engraving and is marked on plate: "DREPPERD/ LANCASTER."
Brass t
Provenance
01/23/95 - Purchase from Vernon Gunnion 2002 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603 7173947527
Scratches on wood; scratches and dents on brass. Iron parts are rusted; barrel pitted at lock. Finish on wood is worn at edges; minor wood loss at muzzle end.
Object ID
P.95.01.01
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Gift of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Gilded, ogee-molded frame with applied acanthus leaf design at two bottom corners. Top crest heavily molded with applied relief. Two sides have c-scroll with top crest of shield, shell, foliate floral design. Garlands of flowers across with central appled bunch of grapes. Crest curves out and forward.
Cartouch-shaped top of beige/yellow marble; out-rounded corners, serpentine sides; concave/rounded edge. Valanced skirt, also serpentine with carved medallions, on each of four faces with 'C' and 'S' scrolling and foliate motif. Cock-beaded molding around lower edge of skirt. Pedestal has an urn shape with cock-beaded molding with a round finial. Four incurved, shaped and carved cabriole legs terminate in small scrolled feet with casters.
Marble base is doubled, smaller chair on top of larger. Metal band separate them, molded in foliate design. Column is two-toned metal with marble-vein design, slightly tapering. Oil reservoir above is shaped like a top and has eleven sets of crystals hanging from the edge of the reservoir.
Stove Top hat, black with brim turned up greatly on sides, down front and back. Thin black grograin ribbon above brim. Crown tapers in, then out again slightly. Made by Schultz & Brothers, Lancaster, PA.
