Cane or walking stick of wood. The handle end is carved with the bust of a man.
Carving is the likeness of General Lafayette (1757-1834) who, according to family tradition, presented this cane to Amos Slaymaker when Lafayette visited White Chimneys and dined at the Slaymaker's tavern/hotel "The Pennsylvania Arms" during his grand U.S. tour in 1825. Carved gentleman wears a coat, jabot and high collar and is highly detailed. Executed in light toned hardwood, hair has light brown stain and pedestal portion is stained dark. Band of copper alloy below pedestal. Shaft of cane tapers to an end and is stained brown. Two-piece copper alloy tip, secured with two small nails.
Provenance
Passed from Amos Slaymaker through 5 generations of Slaymaker family and donated by Mrs. Samuel R. Slaymaker II.
Multiple minor nicks in carving and shaft with some loss of finish, esp. near bottom tip. Superficial checking/splitting in wood. Copper alloy tip is discolored with minor corrosion and band at top has multiple small dents. Cane tip not worn, thus not used.
Object ID
G.98.12.8
Notes
See page 30 of History of the Slaymaker family.
Place of Origin
France
Credit
Gift of Mrs. S.R. Slaymaker II, Heritage Center Collection
Parts of four documents: 1. Inventory of Amos Slaymaker. 2. Will of Henry Slaymaker. 3. Account of Laurence Slaymaker. 4. Inventory of Henry Slaymaker.
Note signed by Peter Grubb and Amos Slaymaker, dated March 24, 1812. Marriage certificate of Samuel C. Slaymaker and Jane E. Redsecker dated May 28, 1862.
Three documents: 1. Stock certificated of Joseph C. Baker for two shares of Susquehanna Bridge at Colubmia dated January 6, 1815. 2. Amos Slaymaker stock certificate for 28 shares of the Good Intent Company dated October 22, 1834. 3. Certificated showing that Amos Slayaker paid ten dollars for first installment of payment for two shars of company erecting bridge over Susquehanna River dated August 18, 1812.
