Deed (indenture) printed by Ephrata Cloister on vellum for John Miller, blacksmith of Lancaster Borough, and his wife Elizabeth, for use in selling lots in the "Town Called "Millers Burgh." Blank areas are filled in by hand for sale of property to Margaret Stout for 50 pounds. Initially filled in on May 1, 1764, and completed at bottom on March 8, 1765. Pink linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed at bottom right. The headpieces printed at top left is done in elaborate letter style using the first two words "This indenture." Each initial line is done in the distinctive illuminated manner of Ephrata Cloister, employing floral and foliate designs.
Reverse is also used as a deed for the transfer of property for Margaret Stour to Patrick McElkar, begun 1770 and completed 1771. Red linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed to bottom right (of reverse).
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
Framed for 2006 Printed Word Exhibit.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2004-07-28
Condition Notes
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
19th century wood pow wow doctor's cane made of a tree branch, tapers from bottom tip with a rubber cap, to the handle end which thickens to a twisting, spiraling 'burl' that juts out roughly perpendicular to the shaft. The handle tip has a shaped face fashioned with eyes drilled above a muzzle resembling a snake head.
Vestiges of black paint on top of what paint over minor portion of cane.
Described in auction catalog as a snake cane. Objects from this occult collection were collected during the 1950s-1970s from Lancaster, Berks and Lehigh Counties, mostly from the Kutztown area.
Provenance
None given.
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 5
Storage Cabinet
Unit 46
Storage Shelf
Shelf 3
Storage Container
Box 0382
Object Name
Cane
Length (cm)
91.44
Length (ft)
3
Length (in)
36
Condition
Good
Condition Date
1997-06-06
Condition Notes
Worn, but structurally sound. Black paint is mostly worn off and ribber tip at bottom has additional rubber piece nailed on end.
Three small bags created from blue and white ticking fabric, filled with mercury and nails and tied at the neck with string or yarn. Used in pow wowing, the bags were hung in cow stalls to protect from hexes. (Wendell Zercher)
Provenance
The sale catalog states that the bags were found in 1961 in a barn on Route 23 in Bareville, Lancaster County.
Umbrella Manufactured by Follmer, Clogg & Co., Lancaster
Description
Umbrella, black silk-cotton canopy, metal ribs and shaft, carved J-shape wooden handle finished with dark stain and glossy varnish. Canopy appears to be a black blend of cotton and silk, having no glossy sheen.
Initials "FUMC" printed in white on applied piece of fabric on the underside of the canopy crown, apparently representing the maker, Follmer, Clogg & Co. (FUMC = Follmer, (Clogg) Umbrella Mfg. Co.) of Lancaster.
Bottom of wooden handle is relief-carved with a heart, inside of which are 4 raised diamonds, separating two sets of 3 leaves. Heart is surrounded by vertically carved 'slices' into the wood.
Black cotton-silk tape secures umbrella when closed, using a metal ring at one end and small black button at other end where sewn to bottom of canopy. (Michael Middleton)
Provenance
Donor is niece of former umbrella hand-carver working for Follmer-Clogg (claims donor). John I. Hartman says the company did not have any carvers as actual employees.
Year Range From
1920
Year Range To
1944
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 5
Storage Cabinet
Unit 46
Storage Shelf
Shelf 3
Storage Container
Box 0382
Object Name
Umbrella
Length (cm)
90.17
Length (ft)
2.9583333333
Length (in)
35.5
Dimension Details
42 inches wide when open
Condition
Good
Condition Date
1998-01-02
Condition Notes
Wear to metal shaft, with paint losses. Shaft tip has wear and corrosion.
P.95.02.01 A: Crystal ball is a sphere of clear glass containing tiny interior bubbles and barely perceptible striations on the surface corresponding to lines of latitude. Used in Pow Wowing.
P.95.02.01 B: Base for ball is a turned disk of pine with recessed top in which to rest the ball. Appears to be a modern turning.
Provenance
The crystal ball and base are part of a pow wow collection belonging to Mrs. Gertrude (nee Teuch) Probst, who reportedly practiced the art of pow wowing. She was born July 1, 1879 in Coblenz, Germany, and died April 18, 1959 in Lancaster.
Glass ball has minor surface abrasions or imperfections; some small nicks and scratches in the base and a .5-inch area of finish loss on the center of the bottom.
Three fragments of a leather shoe: sole with attached raised and laminated heel(A), sole liner(B), and heel portion of upper(C). Appears to be for the right foot.
Fragments were found by donor in a beehive oven at rear of a log house on the Slaymaker tract, before house was disassembled in spring of 1999. House was behind the cattle auction building.
Date Range
19th century
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 2
Storage Cabinet
Unit 11
Storage Shelf
Shelf 1
Object Name
Fragment
Length (cm)
20.955
Length (ft)
0.6875
Length (in)
8.25
Condition
Poor
Condition Date
1999-11-18
Condition Notes
Heavily soiled, dessicated and brittle. Sole worn through at the ball of the foot.
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
P95.02.01A: Crystal ball is a sphere of clear glass containing tiny interior bubbles and barely perceptible striations on the surface corresponding to lines of latitude.
P95.02.01B: Base for ball is a turned disk of pine with recessed top in which to
Place of origin is unknown.
Provenance
9/07/2012 - Transferred from HC Collections; 12/29/94 - Purchase from Book Haven 146 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Glass ball has minor surface abrasions or imperfections; some small nicks and scratches in the base, and a 1/2" area of finish loss on the center of the bottom.
Small redware cream pitcher of ovoid form with flared lip; pinched spout and applied strap handle; rust covered with heavy mustard colored mottling on interior of rim and lighter mottling on exterior. "MADE BY BIXLER" hand-printed on bottom in white.
Pastel on paper with double mat in modern frame. Shows an empty canoe-like craft drifting along the bank of the Susquehanna River near Columbia, PA with the sun setting (or rising) on the horizon.
There are various pieces of information written on the back, including the title and date of the painting: "Sundown--Susquehanna River c. 1870 / Columbia, Lancaster County, Pa." The back also lists the provenance: "Presented to John H. Libhart / Family in 1948 by Grace & Loretta Minich, / Inheritors of the Mifflin Estate." This contradicts a notarized statement from the donor in the object file which states the title is "Sunrise".
Provenance
9/07/2012 - Transferred from HC Collections; 12/07/95 - from Mr. Lamar Libhart 4016 Green Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 717- 2344-7734.
H: 16.75 inches x W: 20.75 inches x D: .675 inches. Modern frame with double mat mounting
Object Name
Painting
Material
Paper
Medium
Painting, Pastel
Height (cm)
42.545
Height (ft)
1.3958333333
Height (in)
16.75
Width (cm)
52.705
Width (ft)
1.7291666667
Width (in)
20.75
Depth (cm)
1.7145
Depth (ft)
0.05625
Depth (in)
0.675
Dimension Details
Height: 16 3/4 In Frame; Width: 20 3/4 in frame; Length: ; Depth 5/8 in frame.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-03-18
Condition Notes
Some small punctures and dents. Buckling over surface, lifting towards the plexi glazing. Particles of color fallen to bottom inside, visible, esp. against mat. A significant semicircular tear is on the left side, about halfway down. Some scratches in the bottom left corner.
Back has tape separating / detaching at numerous points.
Sketch box made of brown alligator skin / leather over wood. Flat rectangular base w/ raised section at right end has two sunken containers. Top one is oval with ornate raised decoration on hinged silver(?) lid; beaded oval trim at base marked "PAT. March. 25.90." Oval well lined with suede. Lower container has alligator-covered round hinged lid leading to another hinged metal lid leading to a small ink jar within.
Place of origin is unknown.
Large part is a padded alligator-covered lid hinged at top. Underside of lid has pouches of light brown leather. Writing/sketching surface has a blue paper blotter secured by leather corners. Leather loop at hinge holds a metal pen decorated with raised beaded rings.
Inscription on underside is pencil script: "From Charles / Xmas 1890". Alongside is a sticker with name and address of donor.
Provenance
Donor acquired this and many other Mifflin pieces from the Mifflin estate and, then donated it to the Heritage Center in 1995.
The alligator skin and leather are cracked, especially along the spine and bottom of the folder. The box with the two compartments is uneven on the top. The lid of the oval shaped compartment is tarnished, and the snap is broken. The ink jar is staine
Object ID
G.95.36.2
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lamar L. Libhart, Heritage Center Collection
Pair of white dogs with hand-painted faces: orange snouts, black noses, mouths and yellow eyes. Paws are also painted black. Gold dots on fur. Their collars and dog tags are accented with gold paint. They are sit facing the viewer: 'A' with head to left, tail to right; and 'B' with tail on right and head on left.
The detail on 'B' is finer with deeper lines overall (chain, fur, collar and dog tag)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
West Wall
Storage Cabinet
Unit 33
Storage Shelf
Shelf 4
Object Name
Figurine
Material
Ceramic
Height (cm)
31.75
Height (ft)
1.0416666667
Height (in)
12.5
Length (cm)
2.54
Length (ft)
0.0833333333
Length (in)
1
Width (cm)
27.94
Width (ft)
0.9166666667
Width (in)
11
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-11-10
Condition Notes
A: a vertical crack up left front leg. Some paint (dots on fur & lock) has faded
Pencil and watercolor of the spring in Lititz, on age-darkened off-white paper, framed.
Artist depicts Lititz spring within a circle except for a fallen tree trunk and decaying tree at left foreground, leading the viewer into the circular-framed scene. Pool of water at center has stone wall behind with opening for water flow. Picket fence stretches across the background and the far distance is filled with open pasture and several trees.
Pencil drawing is colored with tones of gray and black.
Artwork has recently been reframed in an acid-free white window mat with an oval widow. Frame is colored gold with molded profile including a foliate design and a rope motif.
Artist has signed the piece at the bottom: "JA Beck." Julius Augustus Beck was the son of John Beck (1791-1873) and Susan Maria Kepple (?-1908), and he probably painted this piece later in life while a resident of Harrisburg. It has an illustrative quality and possible may have been used for publication. (Written by Wendell Zercher)
Provenance
Part of a collection of Beck family artwork acquired by donor, Mr. Peter Seibert.
Generally bood; overall darkening of paper and horizontal buckling across surface. Small areas of surface loss across lower area. Dark circular burn at lower left (caused by acid burn from a knothole in former back board). Re-framed within the past several years with acid-free materials.
Pair of hand-knitted woolen stockings, worn by Amish women, called 'wedding stockings' Done in purple. 3-inch decorative top border with bands of red, purple and white. Scalloped top edge.
Within a 1-inch white band wide beneath decorative edge is a red "B B" and "1873" cross-stitched in red wool. Two red flowers with purple leaves separate date from initials.
Seam runs at back of calf from top to heel.
2 bands of red at toes.
Probably made for Amish woman with initials "BB", perhaps standing for a member of the Beiler family.
McCauley notes the popularity of knitting i American during the 1850s-1970s. "Patterns for knitting initials and dates into sock were published in women's magazines during this period and would have been available to the Amish community." (Wendell Zercher)
Photo appeared in "Knitting America" (2007) Michael Dregni, editor. Page 65.
Date Range
1873
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 2
Storage Cabinet
Unit 13
Storage Shelf
Shelf 5
Storage Container
Box 0058
Object Name
Stocking
Material
Wool
Length (cm)
5.842
Length (ft)
0.1916666667
Length (in)
2.3
Dimension Details
5 inches wide at top (folded)= 10-inch circumference
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2006-08-02
Condition Notes
Very good condition; slight color fading. Darned at toes.
Pair of hand-knitted woolen stockings, called 'Wedding Stockings,' worn by Amish women. Done in a mixed blue-and-red yarn with two bands of white at top. White toes decorated with a single 2-row band blue-red yarn.
Top 1.25-inch is knit 2-purl 2 ribbing, .25-inch of white at top edge. Below ribbing is a band of white with 'CD' and '1876' separate by two sets of three all-red flowers. These are knitted into the stocking (unlike P.06.15.03). Seam runs at back of calf, from top to heel. Probably made for Amish woman with initials 'CD,' perhaps standing for the Amish name Diener/Dienner.
This pair of stockings is pictured in Decorative Arts of the Amish of Lancaster County, p. 96. McCauley notes the popularity of knitting in American during the 1850s-1870s. "Patterns of knitting initials and dates into sock were published in women's magazines during this period and would have been available to the Amish community. (Owned at this time by Anne and Tom Wentzel.)
(Written by Wendell Zercher.)
These stockings were also pictured in the book "Knitting America," edited by Michale Dregni (2007) on page 65.
Date Range
1876
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 2
Storage Cabinet
Unit 13
Storage Shelf
Shelf 5
Storage Container
Box 0058
Object Name
Stocking
Length (cm)
50.8
Length (ft)
1.6666666667
Length (in)
20
Dimension Details
5 inches wide at top with sock folded in half = 10-inch circumference
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2006-07-02
Condition Notes
Good overall with multiple small holes near tops--moth damage. No visible wear or fading.
Quilted black petticoat worn by Tillie Loose Showalter (Mrs. Elias Showalter). Maker unknown.
Fabric is a black cotton blend sewn together in two layers with machine quilting done in blue stitching. Quilted with rows of horizontal lines of varying widths. Interspersed in lower section of garment are two bands of decorative quilting: running cable (or rope) and zig-zag.
Apparently home-made, the petticoat was quilted first before being joined in a vertical seam running up to opening at waist where fabric is gathered into a thin waistband. Although now torn out at both corners waistband at opening. It appears to have been fastened with a button.
Donor states her great aunt, Tillie Loose, was born in northern Lancaster County near Reinholds in the 1890s and she lived to age 94. She and husband Elias Showalter had no children. She is buried in the Swamp Reformed Cemetery, Reinholds, PA. Tillie was locally recognized as an excellent cook of Pa Dutch cuisine. She worked as a cook in local restaurants.
Provenance: Donor received petticoat from her mother, Mildred Loose Wenrich, who received it from her father's sister (Tillie Loose Showalter). Mildred's father was John Bensing Loose. (Written by Wendell Zercher.)
Date Range
Early 20th century
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 2
Storage Cabinet
Unit 13
Storage Shelf
Shelf 5
Storage Container
Box 0058
Object Name
Petticoat
Material
Cotton
Height (cm)
91.44
Height (ft)
3
Height (in)
36
Width (cm)
97.79
Width (ft)
3.2083333333
Width (in)
38.5
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2008-01-14
Condition Notes
Minor soiling at lower areas (donor played with it as a girl); a 1/8" hole at inside of lower hem near seam and a larger torn-out hole 11" down from the waist; waist torn out/shredded where fastener (button & hole?) should be. About 1-inch section of quilting loss a bottom point of zig-zag.
Machine and hand stitched. Gray wool front. Turnover collar with black braided piping that continues down front. Two pockets each side with black braided piping. Five cloth covered button closures. Back is pieced dark gray silk-like twill fabric with tow gussets at base. V-shaped cut-out bottom in center. Pieced lining is cream twill cotton. Gussets on back bases to march front. Pleat in front lining, Right front with pocket.
Label stitched to back of inside: "Kendig-Whelan-Mason/ Philadelphia/ Mr. Chas. L Jackson/ Date 10/24/18 No. 10569." Inside proper right vest front is "B Spahr" in blue pencil.
(Written by T. Freidrich)
Matching gray wool coat, catalog number G.04.04.03
Date Range
1918
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 2
Storage Cabinet
Unit 13
Storage Shelf
Shelf 5
Storage Container
Box 0058
Object Name
Vest
Height (cm)
5.715
Height (ft)
0.1875
Height (in)
2.25
Width (cm)
50.8
Width (ft)
1.6666666667
Width (in)
20
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2004-01-20
Condition Notes
Slight wear on fabric covered buttons. Extreme spotting to lining. Hole in vest back and stitching lines.
Machine a zig-zagged stitch with hand-hemmed legs. 25.5-inch inseam. 15.5 inches at waist. Black turned twill wool with a black polyester/cotton blend lining. Broadfall has four black buttons. Four black buttons across waist. Watch pocket on right side. Interior waistband in black cotton twill with a gray wool underlining. Top stitching at broadfall, waistband, pocket, and tow dart in the back. Side pockets with dark gray polyester lining. Two black buttons in back.
Date Range
Late 20th century
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 2
Storage Cabinet
Unit 13
Storage Shelf
Shelf 5
Storage Container
Box 0058
Object Name
Pants
Oither Names
Trousers
Height (cm)
91.44
Height (ft)
3
Height (in)
36
Width (cm)
66.04
Width (ft)
2.1666666667
Width (in)
26
Dimension Details
26 inches a seat area.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2004-01-20
Condition Notes
Some minor holes in black wool fabric with hand mending. Some hems unraveling. Three black buttons missing at waist closure.
Machine and hand-stitching. Black crepe wool with a noticeable vertical pattern. Five hook and eyes for closure on lapel. Cotton padded shoulders. One inch standing collar top-stitched. Top stitching continues around exterior edges, including lapel area. Pieced dark gray wool lining. Left and right interior pockets with patches over pocket openings. Sleeves hand stitched in. Cloth label with inscription on right pocket. "S. Rubinson & Son/ New Holland, Pa." (T. Friedrich)
(Written in pencil below: "Used on male mannikin in Amish exhibit for many years until 2011.")
Date Range
Late 20th century
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 2
Storage Cabinet
Unit 13
Storage Shelf
Shelf 5
Storage Container
Box 0058
Object Name
Coat
Height (cm)
71.12
Height (ft)
2.3333333333
Height (in)
28
Width (cm)
46.99
Width (ft)
1.5416666667
Width (in)
18.5
Dimension Details
18.5 inches wide at shoulders
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2004-01-20
Condition Notes
Hole in left sleeve. Lining worn at neck, base, sleeve ends and interior pockets. Lining sagging. Left sleeve lining discolored. Slight soiling at sleeve base.
