This frog doorstop serves as an iconic symbol of James Buchanan's attachment to his favorite spring at his Wheatland farm, and was donated because it was an appropriate piece.
Lignum vitas wood caster with round, bowl-like top, pierced for shaking out pounce. Base is ring-turned tapers smaller to broad top, flat bottom. Small, shallow dotted pattern in two bands near bottom. Lip at top has thin groove. Top screws onto base that would be filled with pounce, which is a fine powder made from powdered cuttlefish bone. Pounce was used both to dry ink and to sprinkle on a rough writing surface to make it smooth enough for writing.
Esther 'Hetty' Parker, James Buchanan's housekeeper, chose this among several other household items that Buchanan noted she was to be allowed to choose after his death. Miss Hetty gave this to the daughter of her neighbor. Miss Steckman donated this to the Wheatland collection in 1938.
Sheraton-inspired mahogany veneer night table with satinwood inlay accents that outline the apron, drawer and keyhole, as well as the legs. The table top has eight sides and surmounts four saber legs that also support a lower inward-curved shelf.
Rectangular pieces of woven linen. Sections of stitch 'samples' are woven in various colors (blues, reds, greens, browns, yellows, whites and pinks) [Several of the original pieces are missing] The following is unverified: Sample stitches of embroidery i
Object was found in Wheatland at time of sale to the James Buchanan Foundation.
Original accession record stated: "Sample stitches of embroidery in colored silks and wools on ecru linen material. Belonged to Miss Mary Ross, niece of George Ross who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Made early 1800s."
As of 07/27/2023 This artifact is missing. Reported by Patrick Clarke