Upholstered wingback commode chair has four turned Sheraton legs. Has replacement of original soiled handsewn homespun linen (remnants in this file), now an orange fabric with potted and vining flower design. Solid pinewood seat under cushion has center hole with fitted removable wooden disc.
This chair was from the Pownall home at Gap, where it was used by Dickinson Gorsuch, Maryland slaveholder, during his recovery from wounds sustained during the Christiana Riot of Sept. 11, 1851. His father and two others were killed during the skirmish at the home of freedman William Parker, and Dickinson was transported to the Pownall home for recovery. William Parker later published his story in the "Atlantic Monthly" in 1866, making it highly publicized.
This incident "is an important example of the struggle over the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act and the escalating tension between the North and the South. This act gave slave owners broad powers to recapture runaway slaves". (ExplorePAhistory.com)
Polaroid photos of chair before re-upholstery, in file.
Likely Lancaster or Chester Co.
Provenance
Provenance: Chair owned by the Pownall family & given in 1973 to the Lancaster County Historical Society by Mrs. Levi Pownall of Lancashire Hall (569-7279).
It was initially loaned to the Heritage Center (# L.77.9 and # 161.64.80) but soon donated to HCLC. Board minutes of Dec. 8, 1975 include Richard F. Smith's Museum Committee report noting a donation of a "Sheraton armed wing chair commode, used by the Pownall home in nursing Dickinson Gorsuch following Christiana Riot in 1851." Later unsigned note (Bruce Shoemaker?) states John Aungst of LCHS was consulted & chair was removed 11/9/84 from list on LCHS loan form, settling an apparent question of ownership.
Bridge over Susquehanna River Between Columbia and Wrightsville
Description
Color painting of bridge over Susquehanna River between Wrightsville and Columbia with three Canada geese landing on water in right foreground. Print 15/500. Signed by artist in lower left corner: copyright by Kristin Hill, 2005, ASAA.' Framed with double mat. TruGuard UV glass sticker on back. Framed by Lancaster Galleries, Lancaster, PA..
Volunteer badge for the 2015 US Women's Open at the Lancaster Country Club. White plastic badge with grey stripe on left side, offset logo of US Women's Open at top left of white portion. In black text is printed at the bottom center "Volunteer/Spectator Services," a barcode and the number "0770000." The USGA name and logo are at the bottom right. In the grey portion "Volunteer Headquarters" printed on left (with top of text to the left) and "V" is printed in the top left corner. "Beth" written in black ink at the center. Attached to a blue lanyard with white logos of USGA and 2015 US Women's Open.
Volunteer badge for the 2015 US Women's Open at the Lancaster Country Club. White plastic badge with grey stripe on left side, offset logo of US Women's Open at top left of white portion. In black text is printed at the bottom center "Volunteer/Spectator Services," a barcode and the number "0770000." The USGA name and logo are at the bottom right. In the grey portion "Volunteer Headquarters" printed on left (with top of text to the left) and "V" is printed in the top left corner. "Rick" written in black ink at the center. Attached to a blue lanyard with white logos of USGA and 2015 US Women's Open.
Pin from the US Women's Open held at Lancaster Country Club June 2015. White metal circular pin with green lettering. 2015 US Women's Open, Lancaster C C around outside, black and yellow borders. In center logo of Lancaster CC, L flanked by smaller Cs in script.
Dinner napkin from 2015 US Women's Open held at Lancaster Country Club. Disposable felted fiber napkin with logo of 2015 US Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club.
Birth Record in German for Nancy Haberstich is hand executed on laid paper. The folksy design is a central heart with rope-like edging. Within is written Nancy Haberst / ich Ist Gebohren den 22 den / October 1799 Conostogo / Town Ship." Letter colors vary from black to red to yellow. Below text is a running stag and a nearby tree. Resting atop the heart is a large crown with red, yellow and green bands. Painted into the yellow band is "AM US 1812", perhaps indicating an artist w/ date of execution. Flanking crown are two angels with black wings, additional red wings on footheels and a snake-like object encircling their loins. Each angel extends a leafy branch toward the crown as in homage. Large red tulips with black leaves fill sides of fraktur, sheltering a pair of confronting birds standing at bottom.
Mounted in a modern brown natural wood frame with white window mat. Kraft paper dust paper on back has "#3" written in lower right corner. Inscribed at top left in pencil is "Anna ? " Inscribed in pencil on back is "#3".
Paper has light acid burn overall with several darker brown stains such as one above right tulip.overall yellowed from age and acid burn. Strong fold lines, especially the three vertical ones at center. Cellophane tape mends tears in fold lines at center and left. Fold lines are breaking and one is separated and curling. Several scattered brown stains. Paper losses, particularly at right top corner, some at top left corner and top center. Small holes at various points and tears extend into paper from edges. Bottom edge particularly damaged. Strong losses and breaks especially at bottom center and at left.
Object ID
2017.999.7
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988.