13 stems/lengths of broom corn: smooth stems with straw (14-15" long) at ends. Cord string through some of the stems. Whiter string wrapped around the outside of the bundle of 13 with older string and descriptive card tied on. In black ink, handwritten, the card reads:
(Side 1)"Lancaster, Penna./October 31, 1961/ This broom corn was left over from the sale of George F. G. Erisman (Doll Hospital) belongings of (February 23, 1863 birth) And belonged to his great grandfather John Erisman Sr. born March 20,1765 died April 9, 1853; after he was retired from his carpender (sic) trade, grew broom corn in his back lot #315 West Orange St. and made brooms complete. (over)
Side 2: "That would make this broom corn about 150 years old. Presented to the Lancaster county/ Historical Society./By Martin Garfield Kreider/Lancaster/Panna."
Handmade wooden clothespin, flattened torpedo shape with one solid end with blunt top and the other end having twin carved arms extending outward with an inside bulge on both arms just before attenuated ends.
Handmade hardwood clothespin, carved with a long, rounded body with a shaped finial at the solid end and extending in opposite direction are twin carved arms with attenuated tips.
Heavy rectangular iron base with attached ribbing, rectangular slot at one side of base. Curved 'iron' with corrugated ribbing and iron handle. Long hexagonal bar attached to 'iron' with curved iron. Handle: 'Geneva. Ill, Iron: Geneva Hand Flutter' Base:
White cotton dish towel. Dirty, white, plain, with unfinished edges.
Provenance
Belonged to Harriet Lane Johnston, passed to May Kennedy (Harriet's cousin), passed to Julia Kennedy (Taylor) (sister), passed to Taylor daughters, passed to donor (Edmund R. Taylor III).
