Domestic Furnishings

Tiffany Floor Lamp

Washboards, armchairs, lamps, and pots and pans may not seem to be museum pieces. But they are invaluable evidence of how most people lived day to day, last week or three centuries ago. The Museum's collections of domestic furnishings comprise more than 40,000 artifacts from American households. Large and small, they include four houses, roughly 800 pieces of furniture, fireplace equipment, spinning wheels, ceramics and glass, family portraits, and much more.

The Arthur and Edna Greenwood Collection contains more than 2,000 objects from New England households from colonial times to mid-1800s. From kitchens of the past, the collections hold some 3,300 artifacts, ranging from refrigerators to spatulas. The lighting devices alone number roughly 3,000 lamps, candleholders, and lanterns.

Place: Boston

Child's Rocking Chair

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1825
ID Number
DL.323496.0001
catalog number
323496.0001
accession number
323496

Armchair

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1808 - 1812
patent date
1808-08-31
maker
Gragg, Samuel
ID Number
DL.67.0041
accession number
267508
catalog number
67.0041

Mallard Duck

Colored print of two ducks, male and female, swimming in a marshy pond.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of two ducks, male and female, swimming in a marshy pond.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
artist
Pope, Jr., Alexander
lithographer
Armstrong and Company
ID Number
DL.60.2717
catalog number
60.2717
accession number
228146

F.F. Oakley, Lithographic Drawing & Printing Establishment

Black and white print on blue paper; billhead for the lithographic firm of Francis F. Oakley. Across the top are three small vignettes, one depicting a lithographer drawing on a lithographic stone, another depicting men inking a stone and printing a lithograph.
Description (Brief)
Black and white print on blue paper; billhead for the lithographic firm of Francis F. Oakley. Across the top are three small vignettes, one depicting a lithographer drawing on a lithographic stone, another depicting men inking a stone and printing a lithograph. The center view depicts an allegorical figure of a woman.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
before 1850
maker
Oakley, Francis F.
ID Number
DL.60.3098
catalog number
60.3098
accession number
228146

Ethan Allen

Color print of a trotting horse (Ethan Allen) pulling a wagon on a track.A color print of a liver bay trotting horse with a harness pulling driver along a track.Ethan Allen was foaled on June 18, 1849 by Joel W.Holcomb of Ticonderoga, NY.
Description (Brief)
Color print of a trotting horse (Ethan Allen) pulling a wagon on a track.
Description
A color print of a liver bay trotting horse with a harness pulling driver along a track.
Ethan Allen was foaled on June 18, 1849 by Joel W.Holcomb of Ticonderoga, NY. He was sired by Vermont Black Hawk, a distant descendant of the thoroughbred Messenger, and birthed by Poll. On the Holcomb farm, he was treated as a family pet, admiration that continued through his public career. Orville S. Roe of Shoreham, Vermont, bought half an interest in the colt, so during his earlier years, he was owned jointly by Holcomb and Roe. That was the beginning of his many owners. In 1862 he was sold to Frank Baker, who, after a time, sold him to Dan Mace and I. D. Walton. In 1866 he was purchased by J. E. Maynard of Boston, who sold him to Eph. Simmons, but afterwards bought him back, and again sold him, November 5th, 1868, to Wesley P. Balch of Boston, who in turn sold him to Col. H. S. Russell of Milton, Massachusetts. Ethan Allen was known for being the most handsome trotter in the races and had one of the longest racing careers, spanning 18 seasons. In 1853 he set the 4-year-old record of 2:36. In 1858 he reduced the stallion record to 2:28 for the mile. The great achievement of his life occurred on June 21, 1867, when, at age eighteen, and hitched with a running mate, he defeated Dexter, at the Fashion Course in Long Island in 2:15, 2:16 and 2:19. He won a total of 33 races, 22 in a single harness. His titles included Champion Trotting Stallion of the World, Champion of the World at Four Years of Age, and Champion of the World to Pole, with a best time of 2:25 ½. Ethan Allen was highly popular at stud, with his fees reaching $500. He produced six under 2:30 trotters. Ethan Allen died at Sprague and Akers Farm, owned by Colonel Amasa in Lawrence Kansas on September 10, 1876 at age 27 and was buried at the entrance of the trotting course in Kansas, with a monument to commemorate his career. Later, his skeleton was exhumed and displayed at the Museum of Natural History in Lawrence. He was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1999 as an “Immortal.” The popular trotting horse weather vane was based upon his silhouette.
Haskell and Allen’s most memorable productions were their horse prints. A Boston based publisher of lithographs, the firm seems to have issued more large folio images than small. Haskell began as a print seller with Haskell and Ripley (1868) but in 1869 he began a partnership with George Allen. In 1873 they moved to 61 Hanover St in Boston where they prospered for a few years. They went bankrupt in 1878.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Haskell & Allen
ID Number
DL.60.3603
catalog number
60.3603

Little Charlie Ross, the Stolen Child

Black and white print, bust length portrait of a child.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print, bust length portrait of a child.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1874
copyright holder
Smith, Dexter
maker
Barnes, S.
ID Number
DL.60.3205
catalog number
60.3205

Rev. John Prince L. L. D

Black and white print; bust portrait of a man in clerical garb (The Reverend John Prince of the first church in Salem, Mass. ).Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print; bust portrait of a man in clerical garb (The Reverend John Prince of the first church in Salem, Mass. ).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1828
depicted
Prince, John
maker
Pendleton's Lithography
original artist
West, T.
ID Number
DL.60.3131
catalog number
60.3131
accession number
228146

Catching a Tarpon

This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould.
Description (Brief)
This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould. These prints are based on watercolors that were commissioned for the publication, and illustrated by prominent American artists. Each folio illustration was accompanied by a single leaf of descriptive text followed by an account of the depicted sporting scene. The publication was advertised as having been reviewed for accuracy by a renowned group of anglers and hunters prior to printing.
This print was originally titled and numbered on the text page as 6. Catching a Tarpon. Fred S. Cozzens. It depicts a large tarpon jumping out of the water. Two men in a boat in the background are holding the line and attempting to pull the fish in. The scene was to have occurred in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida and the shoreline is depicted in the background.
The artist was Frederic Schiller Cozzens (1846-1928) who was known for maritime scenes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
publisher; copywriter
Bradlee Whidden
lithographer
Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company
artist
Cozzens, Frederic Schiller
ID Number
DL.60.2725
catalog number
60.2725
accession number
228146

Heel and Toe

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1873
maker
Armstrong and Company
Baker, Joseph E.
ID Number
DL.60.2378
catalog number
60.2378
accession number
228146

Trout Fishing

This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould.
Description (Brief)
This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould. These prints are based on watercolors that were commissioned for the publication, and illustrated by prominent American artists. Each folio illustration was accompanied by a single leaf of descriptive text followed by an account of the depicted sporting scene. The publication was advertised as having been reviewed for accuracy by a renowned group of anglers and hunters prior to printing.
This print was originally titled and numbered on the text page as 3. Trout Fishing. Henry Sandham. Depicted is a fisherman standing in a stream fishing. The scene is set in a forest.
The artist was Henry Sandham (1842-1910), a Canadian born illustrator and artist of hunting and fishing scenes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
publisher; copywriter
Bradlee Whidden
lithographer
Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company
artist
Sandham, Henry
ID Number
DL.60.2727
catalog number
60.2727
accession number
228146

Birds of Prey/Scratching Birds or Gallinaceous Birds

Colored print of individual drawings of birds who share similar characteristics. The birds on the left are birds of prey. Those on the right are scratching birds. Specific information for each bird appears below each drawing along with detailed drawings of their beaks and claws.
Description (Brief)
Colored print of individual drawings of birds who share similar characteristics. The birds on the left are birds of prey. Those on the right are scratching birds. Specific information for each bird appears below each drawing along with detailed drawings of their beaks and claws. Title and publisher information are printed in eight different sections, indicating that the print is meant to be cut.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
maker
L. Prang & Company
ID Number
DL.60.2703
catalog number
60.2703
accession number
228146

Catching a Mascalonge

This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould.
Description (Brief)
This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould. These prints are based on watercolors that were commissioned for the publication, and illustrated by prominent American artists. Each folio illustration was accompanied by a single leaf of descriptive text followed by an account of the depicted sporting scene. The publication was advertised as having been reviewed for accuracy by a renowned group of anglers and hunters prior to printing.
This print was originally titled and numbered on the text page as 8. Catching a Mascalonge. Frank H. Taylor. It depicts three men in a boat pulling in a fish identified as a mascalong or musky.
The artist, Frank H. Taylor (1846-1927), was an illustrator, author, and photographer based in Philadelphia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
publisher; copywriter
Bradlee Whidden
lithographer
Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company
artist
Taylor, Frank Hamilton
ID Number
DL.60.2724
catalog number
60.2724
accession number
228146

Mug

Straight tapered mug with high, wide fillet, molded rim and projecting flat bottom; quart size. Plain, hollow, shallow D-section, S-curve handle with spatulate or flat heel terminal; no thumbrest or struts. No touchmark apparent.Currently not on view
Description
Straight tapered mug with high, wide fillet, molded rim and projecting flat bottom; quart size. Plain, hollow, shallow D-section, S-curve handle with spatulate or flat heel terminal; no thumbrest or struts. No touchmark apparent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700 - 1720
ID Number
DL.300859.0027
catalog number
300859.0027
accession number
300859

Bowdoin College. Brunswick Me.

Black and white print of a cluster of multi-story buildings (Bowdoin College) set off from the road by a rail fence.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print of a cluster of multi-story buildings (Bowdoin College) set off from the road by a rail fence.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Bufford, John Henry
lithographer
Thayer, Benjamin White
ID Number
DL.60.3713
catalog number
60.3713

knife

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1866
maker
Landers, Frary & Clark
ID Number
DL.66.0562F
catalog number
66.0562F
accession number
265238

Green Winged Teal

Colored print of two ducks (green winged teal) in a marshy habitat beside a pond. The female appears ready for flight and the male lies dead or wounded.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of two ducks (green winged teal) in a marshy habitat beside a pond. The female appears ready for flight and the male lies dead or wounded.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877-1878
artist
Pope, Jr., Alexander
lithographer
Armstrong and Company
ID Number
DL.60.2716
catalog number
60.2716
accession number
228146

Sherman Black Hawk

A black and white print of a black stallion running on a hastily erected race track, pulling a sulky. The rider is in a vest, tight pants, a white shirt, and a Homberg hat. The horse’s neck is disproportionately wide.
Description
A black and white print of a black stallion running on a hastily erected race track, pulling a sulky. The rider is in a vest, tight pants, a white shirt, and a Homberg hat. The horse’s neck is disproportionately wide. The center of ring contains two center pole tents with banners which read M…RSHAL and PR…DENT. A judge’s stand is in a circular grandstand with cone-shaped roof and American flag. Spectators line the periphery. The flag in the center of grounds is labeled: US Cr… Society. The scene is the US Agricultural Fair held in West Philadelphia on October 8, 1856.
Sherman Black Hawk was foaled on May 30, 1845 in Bridport, Vermont. He was sired by Black Hawk and Smith Mare, both Morgans, and owned by B.J. Myrick. He was a direct descendent of the founding Sire of the Morgan breed, “Figure” owned by Justin Morgan. At 15.2 hands, Sherman Black Hawk was reputed to be spirited, compact, and well made, and he could trot a mile in 2:40. This enabled him to win first place at both the Vermont State Fair in 1854 and the US Agricultural Fair in Pennsylvania (pictured here) in 1856. The man in the picture is thought to be Hiram Woodruff, a well-known and successful driver of the time. 50,000 attended the race at the 1856 Agricultural Fair in West Philadelphia, PA. Temporary open stands were constructed to seat up to 8,000 people, but people also flooded the infield to watch the main racing attractions.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Bufford, John Henry
original artist
Humphrey, Charles S.
ID Number
DL.60.3529
catalog number
60.3529

The Landing of the Fathers at Plymouth, Dec. 22d 1620

Colored print of the landing at Plymouth Rock. A rowboat filled with men (Carver, Bradford, Wilson, Brewster and Standish, according to inscription written in the snow at right of image) makes its way to the rocky shore. On the right stands an Indian extending a welcoming hand.
Description (Brief)
Colored print of the landing at Plymouth Rock. A rowboat filled with men (Carver, Bradford, Wilson, Brewster and Standish, according to inscription written in the snow at right of image) makes its way to the rocky shore. On the right stands an Indian extending a welcoming hand. A three-masted ship is anchored in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1845
publisher
Eayrs, Thomas
maker
B.W. Thayer & Co.
ID Number
DL.60.2533
catalog number
60.2533
accession number
228146

City of Boston./ Fire Department

Black and white print of a fire in a public building, in the center of the image, being extinguished by a large corps of firemen. Spectator gather on the streets that are lines with other houses and public buildings.
Description (Brief)
Black and white print of a fire in a public building, in the center of the image, being extinguished by a large corps of firemen. Spectator gather on the streets that are lines with other houses and public buildings. The seal of Boston is printed at the bottom center of the print.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1833
associated institution
Boston Fire Department
maker
Pendleton, William S.
original artist
Salmon
ID Number
DL.60.3295
catalog number
60.3295
accession number
228146

The River Side

Colored print of a river. Cattle water on the right bank, a couple stroll along the left bank. Three small boats are moored on the right bank below a house and barn. A castle appears in the background.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a river. Cattle water on the right bank, a couple stroll along the left bank. Three small boats are moored on the right bank below a house and barn. A castle appears in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871-1875
maker
Haskell & Allen
ID Number
DL.60.2651
catalog number
60.2651
accession number
228146

Sailing for Bluefish

This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould.
Description (Brief)
This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould. These prints are based on watercolors that were commissioned for the publication, and illustrated by prominent American artists. Each folio illustration was accompanied by a single leaf of descriptive text followed by an account of the depicted sporting scene. The publication was advertised as having been reviewed for accuracy by a renowned group of anglers and hunters prior to printing.
This print was originally titled and numbered on the text page as 10. Sailing for Bluefish. Fred. S. Cozzens. It depicts three men in a sailboat. Two of the men are fishing and the third is steering the rudder. Other sailboats and a lighthouse are in background.
The artist was Frederic Schiller Cozzens (1846-1928) who was known for maritime scenes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
publisher; copywriter
Bradlee Whidden
artist
Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company
maker
Cozzens, Frederic Schiller
ID Number
DL.60.2719
catalog number
60.2719
accession number
228146

chair, side

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1750
ID Number
DL.64.0010B
catalog number
64.0010B
accession number
249394

chair, side

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1750
ID Number
DL.64.0010A
catalog number
64.0010A
accession number
249394

Pinnated Grouse

Colored print of two pinnated grouse, a male and female in a grassy field.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of two pinnated grouse, a male and female in a grassy field.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
artist
Pope, Jr., Alexander
lithographer
Armstrong and Company
ID Number
DL.60.2714
catalog number
60.2714
accession number
228146

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