Mennonite apron of bleached, plain-weave cotton and black two-ply silk embroidery. Apron is gathered at the top and sewn onto a waist band with a commercial tape string at each end.
At top center is a dark brown cross-stitched design of a central star flower on triangle base, surrounded by seven stars or crosses. The separated initials "M S" flank this design and large crosses flank initials. Three different embroidered borders of black silk combine with drawnwork at bottom above a one-inch self-fringe secured with black stitches.
Provenance
Purchased by donor from the Rev. Fred Weiser in 1997. Weiser notes there are about 15 aprons known; see article in Der Regebogge written "some years ago."
Staining around embroidered design and initials from bleeding embroidery, near top. Age discoloration with small stains overall. Stains along sides. Several thread "pulls". Areas of missing embroidery on three crosses at bottom. Small hole at lower right of design.
Conserved Nov. 1997 by Dorothy McCoach of Bethlehem, PA
Object ID
G.97.39.9
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of Hampton Randolph, Sr., Heritage Center Collection
Silver beaker or handless cup; flared form with double lip.
Engraved "J C M" in script lettering on the side; engraved "C. MAYER" in block letters on the underside of the base. The base also has maker's mark in the center, "W H" in a small rectangle with a scrolled serif on the bottom of the left stroke of the "H".
According to John J. Snyder, Jr, "C. Mayer" is Christopher Bartholomew Mayer (c. 1756 - Aug. 11,1815 and son of George Ludwig Mayer), a wealthy Lancaster hardware merchant who lived in the elegant stone house built by his father-in-law, George Burkhard (c. 1721-1783), a prominent Lancaster joiner, in 1764, at the NW corner of Orange and Duke Sts. Christopher B. Mayer married Jan. 2, 1783, to Susannah Burkhard(t) (1761-1848), later producing 8 children. Mayer was prominent in politics, and twice represented Lancaster in the state Senate."
Snyder continues: "The "JCM" of the monogram may be identified, tentatively, as Juliana (Julia) Catherine Mayer (1806-1857), later the wife of George May Keim of Reading." They married in 1827. Keim was a US Congressman, representing the 9th District in the U.S. House of Representatives (1838-1843) He also served as Mayor of Reading in 1852. They are buried in the Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading. Juliana (Julia) was apparently a daughter of Christopher & Susannah Mayer.
At time of acquisition,this beaker was believed to be the only piece of Wm. Haverstick hollow ware then known. With its history of early ownership by a very prominent Lancaster family, it adds a valuable historical dimension.
Provenance
Purchase from dealer Harry Hartman. Previous history unknown.
Broadside printed on white wove paper (now darkened) has bold title at top: "Haus-Segen." The smaller subtitle of two lines reads: "Das mogen meine Kinder lesen,/ Wenn ich in der Erde thu' verwesen." (Apparently "These words are something my children should desire to read when I am moldering in the grave".)
Within a variant of the Greek key border is the printed text, done in old German type. Underneath the two titles there are two columns of text, each with 28 lines. Text is a religious theme done in rhyming couplets. The name "David L. Beiler" is printed at bottom right. Beiler is most likely an Old Order Amish printer.
Broadside had been folded back along all four sides to make it fit a wooden frame (not original, since other screw holes indicate a previous use). Old acidic cardboard backing was originally used as a backing for an early 20th century photo of a group of firefighters dressed in full uniform with musical instruments, titled "Junior Fire Company -- Reading, PA." Photocopy of fire company in object file.
Provenance
Seller purchased broadside at Horst Auction, April 16, 2003, a sale of household goods consigned by Ruth E. Stoltzfus (Mrs. Morris A. Stoltzfus). There were a number of Amish items for sale that seller believes the family obviously had in storage for many years. Morris and Ruth Stoltzfus were far removed from Morris' Amish roots and would not have valued or displayed them. Mrs. Stoltzfus has since died (6-25-03). See obit. in object file.
Clarke Hess says David Luthy (Canada) would know who this David L. Beiler was. The 3 candidates in the Fisher book appear to all be too recent.
Darkened, some "bleached" damp-stained corners & edges, minor foxing. Embrittled and fragile; all edges folded over with resulting tears including nearly detached section at center left and upper left. Involved tear extends upward from bottom, 2" from bottom right corner. Another is 1" to left of upper right corner. Several interior tears at "Haus" and as well as several holes (near lower left corner and throughout lower right quadrant. Paper strip 1 1/4" wide pasted along upper edge at fold line. Acidic cardboard backing removed. Later conserved by Maria Pukownik (returned Feb.2004 - CD w/ photos in file). Then framed for 2006 Printed Word Exhibit.
Object ID
P.03.20.2
Notes
David Luthy is an Old Order Amish writer and editor for Pathway Publishers. (Their address: 10380 Carter Road, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R3). Clarke E. Hess suggests contacting him to learn the identity of David L. Beiler.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of V. Ronald Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Chest, red-painted poplar on four straight bracket feet. Lid with molding pegged to 3 sides, supported by strap hinges. Brass escutcheon at keyhole. Wrought iron bail handles on a heart-shaped plate at each end. Till at left end of interior.
White-painted platter-shaped panels at each end, two on lid and two on front. Above the painted front panels is a very thin, long, white-painted cartouche containing a painted inscription with geometric floral/star motifs. Inscription: "17 BARBARA POTZERIN 95."
On underside of the lid, left side, is a pasted-on fraktur (6.5" x 8"), hand-drawn, hand-colored, hand-lettered, on laid paper. Text within a rectangular frame at center of document, flanked by two people: at left is a woman wearing a red gown and bonnet, and on right is a man wearing a red coat, knee breeches and tricorn hat. Red and blue flowers above.
Fraktur has a "sponsor's letter" text done for "Maria Barbarra" Potzer, born March 11, 1768 in Warwick Township, Lancaster Co. Document was given to Barbara by the godparents / sponsors, whose names appear at upper left and lower right corners: Maria Barbara Fockt [?] and Jakob Zook [?]. Central text block expresses good wishes for the child (translation in file). This form was used in the Alsace/Palatine areas according to Pastor Weiser.
The maker of the chest is unknown. The fraktur was done by Sussel-Washington artist (active c.1760-1779).
Provenance
Chest was purchased by seller, H. William Koch, in approximately June, 1979, at a sale near Harrisburg. It is a twin of the "Anna Nislesin" chest (G.95.29.1) except for paint color and feet. Several other similar chests (see file).
Multiple large marks and stains on lid, including two blotches of a varnish-stain. The edges are worn, and bits of wood are missing in several areas. Base is separating from the front and sides. The iron hinges are rusted. Top has a long split along grain.
A condition report and treatment proposal for the fraktur were done by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia in May 1986, but no treatment was done.
Object ID
P.79.103.1
Notes
Pictured on p. 180 of Corinne & Russell Earnests' Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, 1999.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
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
8-day clock works by George Hoff, Jr. (1788-1822) installed in a curly maple Federal style case signed by either J(acob) Stein/Stine or J(osiah) Shufflebottom (inside waist section). White painted dial signed with maker's name and "Lancaster". Moon wheel above. Scroll pediment has turned roundels and urn finials. Bonnet has applied carving under center finial, free-standing turned columns at front and back, arched side lights and reeded base moldings. Chamfered quarter columns on waist and base. Reeded moldings at top and bottom of waist. Door has shield inlay at lock escutcheon and ghosting from a now-removed metal escutcheon. French bracket feet.
"Hertzler" is etched onto top surface of bonnet top. Signed inside waist: appears to be either Josiah Shufflebottom or Jacob Stein/Stine.
Provenance
Donor states clock was part of the furnishings in the home of her grandparents John B. and Emma (Groff) Hertzler at 131 E. Orange St., Lancaster. Hertzler was a banker at The Lancaster Trust Company in early 20th c..
John J. Snyder states Stine was listed on tax lists 1817-19 and Shufflebottom worked c. 1811-1848. Both were cabinetmakers in Lancaster Borough.
Dial paint is crazed. Base has large cracks on both sides and lifting veneer and crack at front. Dents and other scarring on cove molding at top of base. Small cracks on left side of hood.
Works cleaned and repaired by Paul Warfel, 1980. Glazing in door replaced by curator Bruce Shoemaker, 1983, due to crack.
Object ID
G.77.25.1
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Gift of Elizabeth H. Nichols in memory of John and Emma Groff Hertzler, Heritage Center Collection
Copper measure of sheet copper with conical body. Beneath applied handle is a keyed seam. Rolled copper base and lip. Applied strap handle, attached with 2 rivets at top, 1 rivet at bottom. Handle terminates with heart form at bottom and two lobes at top. Interior is tinned.
The name "(E)ICHHOLTZ" is stamped onto top of strap handle. "E" of Eichholtz is hidden where handle is attached at top. Interior is coated with tin.
Jacob Eichholtz worked as a coppersmith/tinsmith with his brother George on East King St. until c. 1815, when he began focusing on portrait painting. 1830 Tax Assessment lists him as a portrait painter.
Research by Pat C. Keller at Historical Society of PA in Jacob Eichholtz's daybook, indicates he made measures, not mugs. Notes in file indicate purchase was contingent on results of an effort to x-ray upper handle for evidence of initial unseen letters of stamped name. No indication this was ever done.
Provenance: Sellers Jackie & Vernon Gunnion purchased measure at Conestoga Auction circa March 1986. Jackie reports Don Fennimore of Winterthur knows only two other signed copper pieces -- by Apple and by Schlosser.
Photos: slides #23-5-1 to 9 and multiple B&W 8x10s
Small to significantly larger dents on sides and bottom Some scratches from general wear. Surface has been polished and lacquered. Some polish residue visible at both the rolled lip and rolled base.
First "H" and "T" of "ichholtz" are very worn. Corrosion and wear to interior tin surface.
Upper terminal of handle has split at left rivet (stable).
Object ID
G.86.03
Notes
See accompanying P86.3 file for research done by Heritage Center Director Pat Keller-Connor to determine authenticity of the touchmark. There was a possibility of the first initial being "J" for Jacob or "G" for George, a brother. On Feb. 17, 1802 Jacob advertised with his brother George as "tin-plate workers". Pat K-C intensively did research to settle the matter before finalizing the purchase of the measure
studied Vol. 1 & 2
See Henry Kauffman, American Copper and Brass, p. 119.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Watercolor on paper of "Old Court House Lancaster" gives a head-on view of a 2-story brick building with four chimneys and a clock/bell tower. A wagon with a team of four horses and a driver a re shown in front of the building. (Written by Scott Sagar.)
The lower right corner is creased and partially detached. What appears to be an early sketch of the top of the bell tower can be seen to the right of painted bell tower. There are glue stains from a previous backing on the corners of the reverse.
The piece is currently mounted in hinged (on the left side) window matting and the area of the paper that shows through the window is slightly darker than the outer edges.
Object ID
P.77.31.15
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Watercolor on paper of "Plough Tavern. N.E. Cor. W. King & Charlotte. 1881." A 2-story gray stone building with multiple entryways, and green doors and shutters. A tilting lamppost is in front of the building. A sign for Charlotte Street can be seen at the corner of the building on the side facing to the viewer's left.
This building was apparently built in stages over many years, but the earliest elements were from 1745. It was demolished on April 1, 1924. (Written by Scott Sagar.)
There is some buckling along the top edge. Glue stains from a previous backing are visible on the corners of the reverse and have bled through slightly at the two upper corners.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.19
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Ink drawing over a pencil sketch of "Ye Fountain Inn- S. Queen St./ FD 1758" dated Nov. 1881. On lower right: "Lancaster. Pa./ Nov. 1881." In upper right corner there's a drawing of a sign picturing a fountain with "Fountain Inn" above it. Hanging below the sign: "Geo. Hastings."
Another building to the viewer's left has been drawn in pencil but not inked.
The site is presently (2000) occupied by the Lincoln Hotel building.
The left corners are 90-degree angles and the right corners are rounded.
The edges of the paper are slightly browned and the upper right corner is torn off. Some brown markings are visible in the lower right area of the drawing, to the right of the signpost. There are the remains of a previous backing on the corners of the reverse.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.18
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Pen and ink drawing of "Swan Hotel. /S. Queen & Vine Sts-./ Lancaster.-Pa.". Dated " Nov. 1881" in lower left corner with "Dr. P. Cassidy" written in lower right. In the upper left corner there's a small insert drawing labeled: "window Top-." A sign with a swan hangs in the upper right corner with "D.M.Moore" below it.
Watercolor on paper of the German Reformed Church: "GER.REF.CHURCH. BUILT. 1753. TAKEN.DOWN. 1852. LANC.PA:" Marked at base of drawing are streets: 'Orange St; on the left and "Christian St." on the right.
Watercolor drawing of "The Grape Tavern, N. Queen St. Lancaster" A 3-story building with 2 entryways and green-shuttered windows on the second and third floors. The tavern sign, a bunch of grapes, hangs out over the sidewalk from above the second story windows.
The edges are slightly darker than the rest of the paper, possibly as a result of being in window matting. There are the remains of a previous backing on the corners of the reverse.
Hinged within a window mat..
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-06-22
Condition Notes
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.22
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Watercolor on paper drawing of "Lamb Tavern, West King St. Lancaster. Built 1747." A 3-story brick building on a stone foundation with a raised double entryway and basement entrance. The tavern sigh is posted on the sidewalk in front, showing a lamb with the word "LAMB' above and the name "J.S. KAUFFMAN" below. There is a date stone on the third floor that says "1747".
Beneath the drawing, lower right: "Co. Frazer's House."
The edges of the paper are slightly darker than the rest, possibly to result of window matting. There are the remains of a previous backing on the corners of the reverse.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.24
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Ink drawing of 2-story stone building the sign "ROTHARMEL" on side facing viewer. Written at the base of the drawing (in the street) on left: Nov. '81."; and to the right: "Dr. Abra. Breneman./ S.W. Cor. S. Queen & German./ Lancaster: Pa."
Watercolor painting of a square-shaped 3-tiered wooden washstand. A tall ceramic pitcher with blue scenes painted on it is set in a circular area on the lowest level. Mid-level there is a small drawer with a metal hinged-handle. On the shelf there appears to be a piece of plain paper. The top shelf is a white insert with a white ceramic ewer decorated with blue painted mountains in its interior. This nightstand stands next to a wall with white wooden panels on the lower portion and wall above decorated with gray leafed fronds. There is a portion of a green throw rug with a red border on the floor (lower left corner of drawing).
There are brown marks in the paneling behind the washstand. There are the remain of a previous backing on the corners and side of the reverse which have partially bled through the upper right corner.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.37
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Watercolor painting of "Franklin College-Lanc- (Restored)/ Lime and Orange Sts." , a 2-story structure. A path leads to 3-steps at the entry, a center front door. There are three windows on both sides of the front door; and 8 windows on the front second story. A fence on the right behind separates the building from some trees. There's a tree to the left of the pink building.
Ink drawing: {"Graeff Hall"-Lanc.Pa- rear of Shobens Hotel - N. Queen St.} Written this in pencil: "Reitzels Hall-" / built by Reitzel about 1830-" On lower left, in ink: "July 3.'82." The structure fronts a cobble street with a pump next to a flat paved area along the building. the roof and right end of the building are cracked and in disrepair. 10 windows with 12 small panes run across the 2 story. On the street level there are two hinged-doors on the right, and narrower doors, one on with sign of a large sign decorated with posters, sale notices and one sign across the top that reads: FR RYNE. The visible side of the building (far left of drawing) show a set of hinged doors in the center with two windows above and to the left.
Watercolor aerial-angled view picturing the lower right corner of the bed. Green fabric curtains are tied to the slender fluted wooden column beneath the top decorative gray wooden edging. A square wood portion of the column supports the cross piece at the foot of the bed. A white covering on the bed has pink stripes along its edge and a green flounce matching the curtains above hangs between the mattress and the floor. Printed in lower left corner: "BEDSTEAD/ YEATES' HOUSE/1879."
Watercolor of "Mirror/ Yeates Mansion/ Lancaster/Pa:-" In lower right corner is a letter embellishment "m?n:" and beneath it, "-1879-" Oval-shaped mirror hanging on the wall is edged ornately with gold-colored curved leafy branches. On the top at the center is a gold lamppost/ torch.
There is a brown mark on the bottom edge, about 1.5 inches from the left corner. There are the remains of a previous backing on the corners and sides of the reverse which have partially bled through to the fronts, especially at the lower left corner. (by Scott Sagar, 12/06/2000)
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.42
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
