Home » Explore & Learn » What is it?

Here you can learn about some of the artifacts from the Old Sturbridge Village collection. Please check back as the featured item will change periodically.

Portrait of Dr. John Brewster and Ruth (Avery) Brewster November 2009 John Brewster, Jr. painted this portrait of his father and stepmother around 1800 in Hampton, Connecticut. Born a deaf-mute, John Brewster, Jr. (1766-1854) was the son of Dr. John Brewster (1739-1823) and his first wife Martha Durkee (1741-1783). Brewster worked throughout New England as an itinerant portrait and miniature painter, creating an independent living for himself despite his disability. Brewster was a member of the opening class of the Hartford Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, enrolling in 1817 at the age of fifty-one and remaining for the next three years. Brewster was a prolific painter and many of his pieces are known. His works are often characterized by well-drawn and precise figures, particularly the faces and eyes – a keen sense of observation that may have been heightened by his lack of hearing. This portrait is currently on display in Old Sturbridge Village's exhibit Convenient and Fashionable: Furniture of Inland Massachusetts, 1790-1830 in the Visitor Center Gallery.

---

Pieced Quilt by Besty Lyford Hutcins, circa 1840s October 2009 This quilt was made by Betsy Lyford (b. 1824) who married John Hutchins in 1849. The Lyford family owned a farm in Brookfield, New Hampshire which passed into the Hutchins family upon Betsy and John’s marriage. The cider mill at Old Sturbridge Village also came from the Lyford-Hutchins farm, making this quilt a very special recent addition to the Old Sturbridge Village collection. The quilt pattern is an eight-pointed star variation, a popular pieced design in the 1800s. It has the characteristic New England “T” shape with cut outs at one end allowing the quilt to fit well around a four post bed. The front of the quilt is pieced with factory-made printed cottons; the reverse is linen that may have been spun and woven at home. It is marked “M.L.” (possibly Mary Lyford, Besty's mother) and was most likely a re-used bed sheet. This recent acquisition will be on display in the Firearms and Textile Exhibit through the month of October.

---

Chest of Drawers by William Richardson, Charlton, Massachusetts September 2009 This four drawer cherry chest represents a simple, yet well-constructed, country style. Though the form is relatively plain, it has delicate bands of inlaid detail around the drawer fronts that give the chest a bit of visual interest. A significant recent acquisition to the Old Sturbridge Village collection, this chest of drawers was signed and dated by its maker, William Richardson. A piece of glued paper in the bottom drawer bears the ink inscription "Wm. Richardson/Charlton, November 10th, 1813." Look for this chest in the Visitors' Center this September and in Old Sturbridge Village's upcoming exhibit "Convenient and Fashionable: Furniture of Inland Massachusetts, 1790-1830" opening in the Vistors' Center Gallery October 24, 2009.

---

Sand on the Floor of the Towne Kitchen August 2009 In the kitchen of the Towne house you will find fine white sand in front of the stove. Often this sand is swept into decorative zig zag patterns. Most visitors want to know more about this. The sand was strewn on the floor to serve a practical purpose in that it absorbed grease and mess associated with cooking, but it also provided a way to decorate and embellish the kitchen floor when drawn into elaborate patterns with a broom. This practice was more common in the 1700s but continued to be used in New England kitchens well into the 1800s. Once a week the sand could be swept away, the floors were washed and then re-sanded. Next time you are at the Village, stop by the Towne House kitchen to take a look at this.

---

Tall Clock, Works by Simon Willard, 1801 July 2009 Many of the clocks in the collection of Old Sturbridge Village, including this tall clock by Simon Willard, were originally collected by J. Cheney Wells, brother to A.B. Wells. He prized clocks in particular for their elegance and historical innovation. Today, the collection includes a wide range of shelf and wall clocks, tall clocks, patent time pieces and clock making tools. Simon Willard (1757-1848) was a well-known clock maker operating in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Many members of the Willard family were also involved in the clock making business, including Simon’s brothers Aaron (1757-1844) and Benjamin (1743-1804). This particular clock, an eight day rack and snail movement of brass and steel, has an elegant mahogany and mahogany veneer case and holly inlay. The painted dial has a revolving moon mechanism as well as a fanciful mill scene with a small boy fishing in the foreground. Inscribed on the clock dial is “Warranted for Mr. Thomas Nixon by Simon Willard” and the original bill of sale glued inside of the case reads “Feb. 17, 1801/ Mr. Thomas Nixon/ Bout of Simon Willard/ Warranted 8 day clock $60.00/ Received pay in full/ Simon Willard.” Captain Thomas Nixon (1762-1842) was a Framingham, Massachusetts carpenter and builder. After his death the clock remained in his family until it was purchased in 1940 by J. Cheney Wells.

---

Embroidered Quilt by Nancy Newton (1801-1887) June 2009 Nancy Newton's quilt, made in Marlborough, New Hampshire, helps to illustrate rural style. The quilt is "T-shaped," with cut-out corners to fit around the bed posts and it is composed of an embroidered center medallion with printed cotton borders. Newton was apparently inspired to start her quilt by an earlier embroidered pocket that can be seen at the top center of the medallion. The pocket probably belonged to her mother, Miriam, who was born in 1764 in Southborough, MA. Miriam married Luther Newton (1759-1829) around 1784. The couple moved to Marlborough, NH in 1788 and had five children. Nancy, the youngest, was born on February 16, 1801, and never married. For Nancy Newton, incorporating the old pocket into her new quilt was not simply a practical choice; it most certainly held sentimental meaning for her, and reflected pride in her family's accomplishments. Nancy's quilt reflects the asethetic of its time: lots of white space, with delicate vines surrounded by geometric sections of printed fabric borders, creating a symmetrical bed covering. You can see Nancy Newton's quilt in our new mini-exhibit, Too Good to Be Rags: Mended and Re-Used Textiles, in the Firearms and Textiles Building.

---

Shell-Edged Sauce Boat May 2009 Sauce boats were quite common on the dining tables of 1800s New Englanders. They were used to serve not only meat-based gravies, but also various herb-flavored sauces and butters. Sauce boats allowed each diner to choose the sauces desired and add the proper amount to the meal. This interesting recipe from an 1851 American cook book recommends use of the proper serving vessel. "Nasturtain (sic) Sauce - This is by many considered superior to caper sauce and is eaten with boiled mutton. It is made with the green seeds of nasturtians, pickled simply in cold vinegar. Cut about six ounces of butter into small bits, and put them into a small sauce-pan. Mix with a wine-glass of water and sufficient flour to make a thick batter, pour it on the butter, and hold the sauce-pan over hot coals, shaking it quickly round, till the butter is melted. Let it just boil up, and then take it from the fire. Thicken it with the pickled nasturtians and send it to the table in a boat. Never pour melted butter over anything, but always send it to table in a sauce tureen or boat." Miss Leslie, Directions for Cookery (Philadelphia, 1851) You can find the sauce boat pictured in the new Culinary Herbs exhibit in the Herb Shed along with other examples including sauce boats from children's dining sets and covered sauce tureens. You can see pickled Nasturtium seeds in the exhibit as well. Look for more sauce boats at the Asa Knight Store and in the Towne House and Freeman Farmhouse.

---

Stone Fence Gateposts April 2009 Making and mending fences around fields and orchards was a chore that occupied many days of a Yankee farmer's year. Wooden fence posts eventually rotted and needed to be replaced. Although stone posts took longer to shape, they lasted indefinitely. If suitable stone was at hand, some farmers felt such durability was worth the inital investment in time and labor. These sturdy stone gateposts came from a farm in Randolph, Vermont. They were split out of shale, a relatively soft and easily worked rock. Each as four holes, or mortises, about 3'x4'. Poles can be slid through these holes to bar or open a way through a fence. They are now part of the stone fence around the Salem Towne orchard, in front of the Cider Mill.

---

Breech Loading Rifle March 2009 This flintlock rifle, patented by William Jenks (active 1839-1858), has a unique breech loading system developed to minimize re-loading time for the soldier or sportsman. When a lever on the left side of the gun is raised it draws back a cylinder (or bolt) in the barrel. This bolt opens and closes a loading hole on the top of the barrel through which a ball and powder can be inserted. The butt plate, trigger guard, and ramrod thimbles are all of German silver, a nickel alloy. The stock is walnut, with a stell forestock and ramrod. The lock plate is stamped: CHICOPEE FALLS CO., Ms (Massachussetts), and the butt plate has a letter "E" scratched in it. A star in a circle, engraved on the barrel behind the rear sight, may indicate it was used in the "Lone Star" Republic of Texas. This rifle, along with many others, is currently on exhibit in the Firearms Exhibit at Old Sturbridge Village

---

Printing Press February 2009 This Peter Smith printing press, circa 1830 is a handsome example of the best early 19th century American manufacturing know-how. Eleven stars ornament the inboard side of the "Acorn" frame with one star each on the forelegs for a total of thirteen stars. Nearly two hundred years after its construction, this press is still operational and is installed in OSV's Printing Office.

---

Pierced Tin Lantern January 2009 In the early 1800s, rural New Englanders had many lighting options ranging from simple candles to brighter, but more costly, whale oil lamps. Imagine lighting a room with only a single candle or lamp on a dark winter's night! This pierced tin lantern, circa 1800-40, is both decorative and functional. The tin pieces were pierced or punched with decorative designs that would shine brightly when the lantern was lit with a candle inside. The punched decorations also made it more difficult for the candle to be blown out by the wind or the rain. Tin was relatively inexpensive, making this an economical choice as well. This lantern, and many other early lighting devices, can be seen in the Early Lighting exhibit here at Old Sturbridge Village. Also, be sure to look for other period lighting devices from candlesticks to oil lamps throughout the Village households.

---

Empire Sofa December 2008 This empire-style upholstered sofa, decoratively carved with eagle and dolphin motifs., would have been an elegant addition to a parlor of the 1830s. While many rural New England homes did not have sofas in the early 1800s, they were becoming more common. Any number of different styles were available for purchase at furniture warehouses in the larger cities like Worcester. Unlike modern plush sofas, designed for lounging and comfort, sofas of the early 1800s were not comfortable by today’s standards. Ladies and gentlemen of the early 19th century would have perched elegantly at the edge of the sofa, sitting with their best posture, especially in the presence of company. Look for this sofa in the Fitch House parlor. This room was used for formal occasions and entertaining guests. The sofa may have been one of the more expensive pieces of furniture a family owned; naturally, it would have been placed in the best room in the home.

---

Salem Towne, Jr. Portrait November 2008 Salem Towne Sr. had the Towne House, which now sits at the foot of Old Sturbridge Village's Common, built in Charlton, Massachusetts in 1796. The size of the house, its decorative architectural elements, and its furnishings all reflected Towne's successful life. As a prosperous farmer, store owner and pulic servant, he could afford to build and furnish a large home for his family. When Salem Sr. died in 1825, he left the house and farm to his son, Salem Jr., who lived in the house with his family. During the early 1800s, painted portraits became more affordable. For successful men like Salem Sr. and Salem Jr., having a portrait painted to hang in the home was an additional sign of gentility. For many years, both portraits were attributed to the artist Francis Alexander, who was born in nearby Killingly, Connecticut. Salem Towne, Jr. and his father, Salem Towne, Sr. can both be found in the Salem Towne House.

---

Cook Stove by William V. Many, Albany, NY October 2008 This small cast iron cook stove represents the step stove style. It was made by William V. Many, who operated the Eagle Air Furnace in Albany from 1837 through 1843. It has a small oven compartment for baking as well as a bi-level cooking surface on the top of the stove. Small sliding dampers could be used to control the direction of the heat. Though many women in New England still cooked over an open hearth, cook stoves such as this one were gaining popularity. Cook stoves used fuel more efficiently, but they also had a much smaller cooking area than a traditional open hearth. Ladies were sometimes unwilling to convert to a newer cooking method. Look for this stove in the Salem Towne House upper kitchen; the older hearth has been bricked up behind the new stove. Notice that the old bake oven (to the left of the hearth) has been left accessible. The women of the household may have compromised by using the new stove for some cooking tasks, but continuing to use the old bake oven for large amounts of weekly baking.

---

Wash Bowl and Pitcher, "Columbian Star" Pattern September 2008 The election of 1840 is often considered the first “modern” election with catchy campaign slogans and the production of large quantities of political memorabilia such as ribbons, tokens and even ceramics and glassware. This ceramic wash bowl and pitcher were produced by John Ridgway in Staffordshire, England in 1840. Log cabin scenes like this “Columbian Star” pattern were often associated with General William Henry Harrison's campaign and the Whig party. Like today’s lawn signs and bumper stickers, owning and displaying campaign items was a way to show support for one candidate over another. During the 1840 election, Harrison items vastly outnumbered items supporting his opponent, Democrat Martin Van Buren. Harrison won the election by a landslide. The Whig victory was short-lived, however; Harrison contracted pneumonia and died one month after taking office.

---

Tin Serving Tray August 2008 Many household items were made out of tin, such as measures, canisters and boxes. This serving tray or waiter was made from two sheets of tin seamed together at the center of the tray. The octagonal shape of this two-sheet waiter is distinctly American. This tray may have been produced in one of the many tin shops in Connecticut and was probably made circa 1800-1840. Although many tin items were available undecorated, this tray has been japanned or decorated in imitation of Asian lacquered items. First the tray was coated with a dark varnish or japan. Then the brightly colored floral decorations were painted free-hand. The art of flowering or painting tin was often done by girls and women. They learned to work quickly and efficiently to decorate the tin with a variety of fanciful patterns. Flowers and leaves of all shapes and sizes, swags and even fruit were popular painted designs. Look for this tray in the upper kitchen of the Salem Towne house, along with other examples of early American painted tin.

---

Painted and Stenciled Chest of Drawers July 2008 Packages and mail as well as people traveled by stagecoach in the early 1800s. This painted chest of drawers, circa 1830, is stenciled with the names of three Worcester-area stagecoach routes. It was probably used to sort mail and packages for the different stagecoach lines. In the 1830s, stagecoach travel was being replaced by cars or steam-powered railroads. Many stage lines listed on the drawers of this chest were put out of business by new railroads that offered faster and more comfortable travel. The Worcester and Norwich railroad was completed in 1839 and had put the Worcester and Norwich stage out of business by 1840. Old Sturbridge Village's brand new stagecoach is the well-known Concord (New Hampshire) stagecoach design. Concord coaches were used throughout America in the 1800s. Imagine traveling in a crowded coach over rough and dusty roads for hours or even days. Be sure to visit the new mini-exhibit On the Road: Stagecoaching in Early New England in the Textile and Firearms Building where this chest of drawers is on display.

---

Quilted Petticoat June 2008 Ladies in the 1700s and 1800s often wore underskirts called petticoats beneath their gowns. Quilted petticoats like this one were worn for warmth, but they also supported the gown over it in a fashionable shape. This petticoat, worn in Massachusetts around 1770, is made of red wool. The elaborate quilting was visible underneath the open-skirted gowns that were fashionable at the time. The oblong shape of this petticoat helped the gown worn over it drape properly. As dress fashions changed, so did the shape of the petticoats. Come see this petticoat and other quilted clothing in Off the Bed: The Fashion and Function of Quilted Clothing, our new textile exhibit opening June 14th, 2008.

---

Freeman Family Register May 2008 Printed and freehand family registers became popular during the early 19th century, evolving from notations in the family Bible. Hanging a framed family register on the wall allowed families to keep track of births, marriages and deaths. Decorative family registers were often displayed in a family’s parlor. The Freeman family used this register as a practical record as well as a decorative piece. It was updated by various family members through 1894. This register was designed and printed by Kellogg and Comstock, a company with offices in New York City and Hartford, Connecticut. The company offered at least eight other family register designs. A reproduction of the original Freeman family was printed and hung in the Freeman parlor to protect the original from sun damage and wear. The Freeman Farmhouse re-opened in April 2008 after a chimney fire in June 2007. Though some things were kept the same, it was also an opportunity to bring in some fresh changes, like brand new wallpaper for the front rooms. Be sure to visit Freeman soon!

---

Bird Cage - Fishbowl April 2008 Parlor gardeners often added caged songbirds, most commonly canaries, to their indoor gardens. Goldfish were also popular houseplant companions. The double glass globe on top of this mahogany birdcage is designed so that the birds and fish can be kept together. This bird cage and fishbowl combination is made of mahogany and glass and was probably made in England circa 1800-1820. From the diary of William Bently, 1791: "(June) 12. Was politely received at dinner by Mr. Barrell, & family, who showed me his large & elegant arrangements for amusement, & philosophic experiments. His birds played in a globe surrounded with a globe of water in which the fish play."

---

Wallpaper in the Small House March 2008 This reproduction wallpaper was chosen for the Small House because it very closely resembles the first layer of wallpaper found in the Rice House, upon which Small House was modeled. This wallpaper is a block-print reproduction on hand-joined paper. Like its original, it was printed by hand using carved wooden blocks measuring about 19 inches square. The pattern is an exact copy of a wallpaper found in several houses and lining several trunks in Otsego County, NY. It is undoubtedly American and was probably produced in New York State although New England is a possibility. The original wallpaper dates about 1820, but may have been used as late as 1840 or 1850. It has only been found with a creamy ground or background, but at least two different blue variations were block-printed. The brilliant Prussian blue ground on this reproduction was produced especially for Old Sturbridge Village, to more closely match the first layer of wallpaper found in the Rice House.

---