Modern "revivalist" fraktur created by Professor H. J. Kauffman's caretaker/nurse, Arlene Harnish. Mounted in handmade wood frame with corner blocks.
Marriage and birth certificate done on tinted laid paper with various colors. Within a border are three panels, the larger central panel has the text: "Henry Ka/uffman/Son of David and Anna/Kauffman was born on/November 14, 1908 in Yo/ork County, Pa. Married/ Elizabeth Zoe Tomer/July 20, 1938." Signed at the bottom "A Harnish" The two side panels are nearly symmetrical, featuring flowering plants growing out of a colorful pitcher resting on a stepped pedestal. A large colorful bird is perched in each of the plants.
Frame was made by HJK in earlier years.
1704 Millersville Pike, Lancaster
Provenance
Made by Arlene Harnish (b. 13 March 1946), caretaker of Henry J. Kauffman. She stated on 30 May 2000, that she learned to make fraktur by taking a class at Landis Valley Museum taught by Jere Kickerman. This piece was only the second fraktur she made, the first being the project for the class, done for her granddaughter.
Harnish made this fraktur for HJK during working hours at his residence when another was pressing. She copied motifs from a book. When completed, HJK told her to look for a frame in the basement. The one she found turned out to be one made by Kauffman himself. Harnish expressed shock and embarrassment upon learning that Kauffman had donated her fraktur to a museum. Arlene is Mrs. R. Edwin Harnish, 1586 Georgetown Rd. Christiana, PA phone: 5292712.
Modern fraktur and frame in excellent condition. The handmade from has small crack in top left corner block where nailed. Wood stain shows brush marks. Brown paper backing.
Object ID
G.96.37.9
Notes
This fraktur is featured in Irwin Richman's book "Pa. German Arts," 2001, page 14.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Usage
Kauffman's home
Credit
Gift of Henry J. Kauffman, Heritage Center Collection
Henry Kauffman being wheeled out of the new Kauffman Wing addition at LancasterHistory.org by Gary Baer. Mortimer Kadushin is at left. On the occasion of Henry Kauffman's 90th birthday.
Henry Kauffman, in wheelchair, addressing guests at his 90th birthday party at the newly constructed Kauffman Wing of LancasterHistory.org. Also identified are Gary Baer, standing at left in front; James Jolly seated fourth from left; and Jack Loose standing at left in the back.
Gary Baer, standing at left, Tom Ryan, second from left and Mortimer Kadushing, standing at right, with Henry Kauffman, seated, at his 90th birthday part at the newly constructed Kauffman Wing at LancasterHistory.org.
Mortimer Kadushin, right, Gary Baer, second from right, and Henry Kauffman, in wheelchair, at Henry's 90th birthday party at the newly constructed Kauffman Wing at LancasterHistory.org.
