Corn knife used by one of the Black resistors in the Christiana Riot on September 11, 1851. Wrought iron long curved blade of 19.5" is fitted into oak or ash turned handle rounded terminal end. Tang of blade extends through length of handle and protrudes at terminal where it is clinched.
The Christiana Resistance resulted from the efforts of a Maryland slave holder to claim fugitives hiding in the home of Willam Parker, a free black man living in Chritiana, PA. This corn knife was used by one of the black resistors during this confict. The bloody confrontation, occurring in September of 1851, resulted in the death of Edward Gorsuch, the slaveholder, and the escape of William Parker and the fugitive slaves to freedom in Canada.
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.
Survivors of the Christiana Resistance by W. S. Gleim
Provenance
See Object file 2023.001.163 for more information. Donation by Mrs. Margaret Smith in 1957 includes projector (2023.001.163) and slides 2002.091.38-40, 42, 43 & 2002.095.30,32.
See Object file 2023.001.163 for more information. Donation by Mrs. Margaret Smith in 1957 includes projector (2023.001.163) and slides 2002.091.38-40, 42, 43 & 2002.095.30,32.
Pownell House, near scene of the Christiana Resistance by W.. Gleim
Provenance
See Object file 2023.001.163 for more information. Donation by Mrs. Margaret Smith in 1957 includes projector (2023.001.163) and slides 2002.091.38-40, 42, 43 & 2002.095.30,32.
Lancaster County Historical Society Front Entrance
Description
Framed print (1/74) of a watercolor painting of the Lancaster County Historical Society building in 1974 done by Dan Bare. Sealing paper on back of frame is torn along top and sides where it is glued to the frame.
Glass goblet commemorating the 100th anniversary. "Lancaster County Historical Society" is engraved on the bowl of goblet. "1886/ 1986" is engraved on the stem. Engraved on edge of base: "Presented To The L.C.H.S. by James McMullen"
Colorized print depicting the violent 1763 attack by the Paxton Gang against the local tribe of Susquehannock peoples, called "Conestogas" by the English. This print was created in 1841, for Events of Indian history by James Witmer.
Ribbon from the 10th reunion of the veterans of the 45th Pa. Volunteers held at State College, PA on 26 September 1919. Likely attended by Blanton C. Welsh.
Provenance
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend.
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This ribbon was in an envelope which contained item numbrs #24-#31.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Papercut or Scherenschnitte wrought by a student at Linden Hall Seminary, Lititz. Mounted on dark red balanced weave fabric on board. Design has a flowerpot base; tree with leaves, birds (including a peacock), tulips, and girl with watering can held over a plant/flower. The girl is wearing pantaloons under a full skirt.
Inscribed on reverse: "Lizzie Lauber cut this for me when (at) Lititz school I was 15 years old then we were chums" and "Cut out be (by?) a school friend of G-Mother's. Done when they were at Linden Hall- Lititz about 1818. Mother was born 1836 went Linden Hall when about 12 years."
Provenance
Typewritten inscription on reverse side of back board states: "From the sale of Anna Elizabeth Martin, 242 N. Charlotte St., Lancaster. 94 years old, 6-21-58" Perhaps written by auctioneer?
Crease down center of papercut, slight discoloration here. Two pinholes in center, near crease. 2 distinct dark stains, and a few other lesser stains. Several outer portions have folds or creases, and there are many places where the piece has torn, but the pieces are still present. One bird at the top right of the tree is in very bad shape, with missing pieces. One 'leaf' missing on the lift side of the tree. Remounted by conservator Brian Howard with a new window mat & Plexi glazing. Repairs done.
Object ID
P.91.7
Notes
All notes and descriptions prepared by Michael Martin, 24 September 1997.
