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.

Topic: Peters Prints

Protector Engine No. 2

Color print of fire engine (Protector) on a residential street. There are four uniformed firemen on the sidewalk in the foreground and two houses in the background.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Color print of fire engine (Protector) on a residential street. There are four uniformed firemen on the sidewalk in the foreground and two houses in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
distributor
Needham, D.
maker
Kelloggs & Comstock
ID Number
DL.60.3304
catalog number
60.3304

View of a Farm Below the Blue Ridge Mountains near Gettysburg, Pa.

Color print of a log house with a yard enclosed by split-rail fence. A woman stands by the fence while a man on horseback speaks with a man standing near a covered wagon and four horses.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Color print of a log house with a yard enclosed by split-rail fence. A woman stands by the fence while a man on horseback speaks with a man standing near a covered wagon and four horses.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
Maker
Kodak Corp.
artist
Kollner, August
ID Number
DL.60.3653
catalog number
60.3653

When, in the Course of Human Events It Becomes Necessary

Black and white print; a lion and an eagle confronting each other across a stretch of ground in which the date "1776" appears.
Description (Brief)
Black and white print; a lion and an eagle confronting each other across a stretch of ground in which the date "1776" appears. The lion is surrounded by caricatures of British forces, while the eagle has more realistically rendered American Colonists gathered around him.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
artist
Willard, Archibald M.
publisher
Ryder, James F.
ID Number
DL.60.2580
catalog number
60.2580
accession number
228146

The Home Preacher by Endicott and Company

This black and white print is an allegorical representation of the path to eternal damnation. It depicts a city, "The City of Corruption," surrounded by erupting volcanoes, with a fiery, roiling lake in the foreground.
Description
This black and white print is an allegorical representation of the path to eternal damnation. It depicts a city, "The City of Corruption," surrounded by erupting volcanoes, with a fiery, roiling lake in the foreground. The path of damnation is crowded with people walking toward the lake, while some are tumbling into it. A placid river, calm ocean and setting (rising?) sun are in the background, representing God's love and salvation. The image is keyed, with numbers corresponding to the text below.
This print was produced by Endicott and Company, the successor to the New York firm of Geo. & Wm. Endicott Lithographers. George (1802-1848) and William Endicott (1816-1851) were born in Canton, Massachusetts. George Endicott began working as a lithographer in New York in 1828. He partnered with Moses Swett in the company Endicott & Swett from 1830 to 1834. William Endicott joined the company in 1841. Following George Endicott's death in 1848, the firm continued operating as William Endicott & Co. Francis Endicott (born ca. 1834) worked at the company from 1852 to 1886 and George Endicott, Jr. ran the firm from 1887 to 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1857
copyright holder
Fuller, George L.
maker
Endicott and Company
ID Number
DL.60.2489
catalog number
60.2489
accession number
228146

First Blood

Black and white print; four scenes depicting Indians killing the Baker and Jones families in the town of Acton, Minnesota, August 18, 1862.
Description (Brief)
Black and white print; four scenes depicting Indians killing the Baker and Jones families in the town of Acton, Minnesota, August 18, 1862. The scenes are labeled: "No.1, The Approach.";" No.2, Cabin as now Stands.";"No.3, The Massacre.";"No.4, The Trial of Guns."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
maker
Charles Shober and Company
Chicago Lithographing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2562
catalog number
60.2562
accession number
228146

The Great Fire at Boston, November 9th & 10th 1872.

Color print of a large fire along the waterfront of Boston.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Color print of a large fire along the waterfront of Boston.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1872
maker
Haskell & Allen
ID Number
DL.60.3299
catalog number
60.3299

Public Wrongs

Colored print of main branch and sub-branches of a tree representing public wrongs and their punishments.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of main branch and sub-branches of a tree representing public wrongs and their punishments.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1838
maker
J. H. Bufford and Company
ID Number
DL.60.2453
catalog number
60.2453
accession number
228146

Ocean House Nantucket, Massachusetts

Black and white advertising print for a hotel (Ocean House) with a view of a three-story Federal style building above the text.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white advertising print for a hotel (Ocean House) with a view of a three-story Federal style building above the text.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1862-06-01
maker
Daniels, J.H.
ID Number
DL.60.3664
catalog number
60.3664

Portraits and Autograph Signatures of the Framers and Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia, July 4th, 1776.

Black and white print; bust portraits of the framers and signers of the Declaration of Independence. Each is identified by a facsimille of his signature below the portrait.
Description (Brief)
Black and white print; bust portraits of the framers and signers of the Declaration of Independence. Each is identified by a facsimille of his signature below the portrait. Inserted drawings of the Liberty Bell, a militia hat, arms and parchment, wreaths, Carpenter's Hall, and "the State House in 1876".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
publisher
Centennial Portrait and Autograph Co.
depicted
Adams, John
Jefferson, Thomas
maker
Hunter, Thomas
ID Number
DL.60.2592
catalog number
60.2592
accession number
228146

To the Brethren of the Order of I.O.O.F.

Colored print; group portrait of members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and some of their beneficiaries. The group is gathered in a large hall with four windows separated by 3 portraits in the background. The center portrait is large and full length.
Description (Brief)
Colored print; group portrait of members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and some of their beneficiaries. The group is gathered in a large hall with four windows separated by 3 portraits in the background. The center portrait is large and full length. The men in the crowd are wearing membership regalia of fringed and embroidered collars and aprons.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
Associated Name
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
maker
Edward Sachse and Company
E. Sachse and Company
ID Number
DL.60.2379
catalog number
60.2379
accession number
228146

The Second Great Match Game for the Championship

This colored print depicts a championship baseball game in progress between the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia and the Atlantics of Brooklyn.
Description (Brief)
This colored print depicts a championship baseball game in progress between the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia and the Atlantics of Brooklyn. The game is being played on the grounds of the Philadelphia Athletics at Fifteenth & Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia on October 22nd 1866. The Philadelphia Athletics are at bat and the Brooklyn Atlantics are in the field. The players are identified by numbers corresponding to team lists below the image. There is a low stand on the left with spectators. The park is fenced and two men are seated at a table on the sidelines, beside them are three men in chairs and players relaxing in the grass. More spectators are depicted along the bottom edge of the print. one man engages in a fight while thwarting a pickpocket, while other men converse, keep score or gamble.
This was the final game of that year's 3 game World Series. The first game in Philadelphia on October 2, 1866 had to be called due to mob violence on the field at the bottom of the first inning, and Philly forfeited the game. Because the teams split the win of the following 2 games with Philly beating Brooklyn 31-12 and Brooklyn beating Philly 27-17, the end result was that Brookly was able to reclaim the championship.
John L. Magee was born in New York around 1820 and was employed by the lithographic firms of James Baillie and Nathaniel Currier. He started his own business in New York City in 1850, but moved to Philadelphia sometime shortly after 1852. He was known mainly for his political cartoons, which he produced until the 1860s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1867
date of event depicted
1866-10-22
maker
Magee, John L.
ID Number
DL.60.2809
catalog number
60.2809
accession number
228146

Margaret

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1833-1842
maker
D.W. Kellogg and Company
ID Number
DL.60.2513
catalog number
60.2513
accession number
228146

Game Birds of America / Snipe

Colored print; still-life oval portrait of three birds (snipe) suspended by their legs before a block wall.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print; still-life oval portrait of three birds (snipe) suspended by their legs before a block wall.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861
maker
Clay, Hugh M.
J. Sage and Sons
ID Number
DL.60.2705
catalog number
60.2705
accession number
228146

Bar Room in the Mines./ Long Tom.

Black and white print of two views in the California mine fields. The upper view depicts the interior of a wooden structure with a crude bar and table around which six men are gathered.
Description (Brief)
Black and white print of two views in the California mine fields. The upper view depicts the interior of a wooden structure with a crude bar and table around which six men are gathered. The lower view depicts men working a flume at a mine site in a hilly area.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Britton & Rey
ID Number
DL.60.3802
catalog number
60.3802

The Life & Age of Woman by James S. Baillie

This colored print shows a female at different stages from infancy to old age. This was a popular and recurring theme of genteel society during the 19th Century.
Description
This colored print shows a female at different stages from infancy to old age. This was a popular and recurring theme of genteel society during the 19th Century. The figures are depicted in ascending steps to middle age and then descending, with old age being the lowest to the right. Each image portrays a well-dressed girl or woman in appropriate attire for her position in society (i.e., bride, mother, matron). There are verses beneath each figure and vignettes that symbolize various stages of life. A small vignette of two people standing beside a man digging three graves is in the center foreground.
This print was produced by James S. Baillie, who was active in New York from 1838 to 1855. James Baillie started as a framer in 1838, and then became an artist and lithographer in 1843 or 1844. He discovered how to color lithographs while working as an independent contractor for Currier & Ives in the mid 1840s. He was a prolific lithographer and colorist for Currier & Ives, and his prints were extremely popular with a wide distribution. James Baillie spent his later years concentrating on painting instead of lithography.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1848
maker
Baillie, James S.
ID Number
DL.60.2936
catalog number
60.2936
accession number
228146

Washington./ First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.

Color print, full length portrait of a man (George Washington) standing with a sword in his left hand and gesturing with his right.
Description (Brief)
Color print, full length portrait of a man (George Washington) standing with a sword in his left hand and gesturing with his right. The background is an interior scene depicting an ornately carved table with books both on top of and under it, columns and red drapery with tassels.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
depicted
Washington, George
maker
Kellogg & Bulkeley
ID Number
DL.60.3217
catalog number
60.3217

The Mammoth Grove. Plate XI. Hermit.

Black and white print of a huge tree in the center foreground with other trees behind it and a charred trunk of a tree in front of it to the left.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print of a huge tree in the center foreground with other trees behind it and a charred trunk of a tree in front of it to the left.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1862
maker
Vischer, Edward
ID Number
DL.60.3842
catalog number
60.3842

The Famous Roan Horse Capt Mc Gowan as He Appeared in His 20th Mile

Color print of a trotting horse (Capt. McGowan) pulling a sulky on a racetrack. A white picket fence borders the track. The caption indicates that this is River Side Park, Brighton, Mass. on Oct.
Description (Brief)
Color print of a trotting horse (Capt. McGowan) pulling a sulky on a racetrack. A white picket fence borders the track. The caption indicates that this is River Side Park, Brighton, Mass. on Oct. 31, 1865.
Description
A color print of a brown horse attached by a light harness to a sulky with a driver who is intent on holding the reins. The driver wears a heavy red sweater and beaked cap. The sulky is red and highly polished. A picket fence borders the track. Pretentious country homes are in the wooded area beyond the park. It is a scene of River Side Park, Brighton, Mass. on Oct. 31, 1865.
Captain McGowan was bred in 1857 by Sovereign and Sally Miller, but his pedigree is debated. It is believed that he was born in Kentucky and owned by Samuel Emerson of Boston. He set a record in 1865 of trotting 20 miles in one hour (56 minutes, 25 seconds).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1865
maker
J. H. Bufford and Sons
ID Number
DL.60.3595
catalog number
60.3595

Wanda}

A black and white print of a standing race horse with a jockey.Wanda was foaled in 1882 by Mortimer and Minnie Minor, making her a descendant of Lexington. She was bred and owned by Pierre Lorillard.
Description
A black and white print of a standing race horse with a jockey.
Wanda was foaled in 1882 by Mortimer and Minnie Minor, making her a descendant of Lexington. She was bred and owned by Pierre Lorillard. Some of her wins include the Flatbush Stakes, the Monmouth Oaks, and the Mermaid Stakes. She won 12 of out her 24 starts and collected $57,310 in prize money.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
unknown
ID Number
DL.60.3625
catalog number
60.3625

The Winning Brace, Nellie & Dan

Colored print of two dogs, the winning brace (a setter and a pointer?), followed by the judges on horseback and spectators in the background watching the dogs work.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of two dogs, the winning brace (a setter and a pointer?), followed by the judges on horseback and spectators in the background watching the dogs work.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
maker
Clay & Richmond
ID Number
DL.60.2677
catalog number
60.2677
accession number
228146

Maggie Mitchell

This colored print is a signed oval bust portrait with a light green background on a red banner with gold fringe. The portrait depicts auburn haired actress Maggie Mitchell, wearing a white earring, a white dress and a matching hat. .
Description
This colored print is a signed oval bust portrait with a light green background on a red banner with gold fringe. The portrait depicts auburn haired actress Maggie Mitchell, wearing a white earring, a white dress and a matching hat. . The caption stamped at the top of the poster announces the location and date of the performance as “Park Theatre, Tuesday, March 14.”
The Park Theater was built in 1798 on Park Row in Manhattan and was New York City’s premiere performance space in the early 19th Century. It attracted a diverse audience with each class sitting in its preferred section. Working class men sat in the pit; members of the upper class and women in the boxes; the least affluent sat or stood in the balcony. These included immigrants, people of color, and prostitutes.
Maggie Mitchell (1832-1918) has been described as a pioneering example of "the personality actress," a performer whose onstage persona was almost indistinguishable from her image offstage. ( The History of North American Theater). She was born Margaret Julia Mitchell in New York City. As a young girl, she performed in silent roles before making her speaking debut as Julia in The Soldier's Daughter in 1851. Petite and curly haired, with a childlike energy, she was often cast in sentimental comedies and in male or “tomboy” roles, including the title role in a stage adaptation of Oliver Twist. Mitchell's sprightly charm sparked what would later be called a "Maggie Mitchell craze" in Cleveland, Ohio, and she eventually became one of the most celebrated actresses of her era. She appeared in Jane Eyre, Little Barefoot, The Pearl of Savoy, and other dramas, but her best-known role was as a simple country girl in a comedy called Fanchon, the Cricket, adapted from George Sand's story "La Petite Fadette." She made her debut as Fanchon in the early 1860s and continued to perform the part, along with her trademark “shadow dance,” until she was in her fifties. Abraham Lincoln, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow were said to be among her admirers. Maggie Mitchell retired from the theater in 1892.
This lithograph was produced by Henry Atwell Thomas. Henry Atwell Thomas (1834-1904) was an artist, portrait painter, and lithographer especially well known for his theatrical portraits. His New York firm was called H. A. Thomas Lith. Studio until 1887, when it became H. A. Thomas & Wylie Lithographic (sometimes cited as Lithography or Lithographing) Company.
The collection contains a duplicate of this same print.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
depicted
Mitchell, Margaret Julia
maker
Thomas, Henry Atwell
ID Number
DL.60.3049
catalog number
60.3049
accession number
228146

Genl Tom Thumb & Wife, Com. Nutt & Minnie Warren at their marriage at Grace Church, N.Y., Feb. 10, 1863 by Currier & Ives

Color print, central image depicts General Tom Thumb and his bride, Lavinia Warren, flanked by Commodore Nutt and Minnie Warren, at their marriage at Grace Church, N.Y., Feb. 10, 1863.
Description (Brief)
Color print, central image depicts General Tom Thumb and his bride, Lavinia Warren, flanked by Commodore Nutt and Minnie Warren, at their marriage at Grace Church, N.Y., Feb. 10, 1863. This image is surrounded by small views of the midgets in a variety of costumes and roles with the largest of them being a view beneath the central image of a coach and horses labeled "Splendid Equipage of Genl. Tom Thumb & Suite, Cost over $2000."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1863
depicted
Thumb, Tom
Warren, Lavinia
Warren, Minnie
Nutt, Commodore George Washington Morrison
maker
Currier & Ives
ID Number
DL.60.3492
catalog number
60.3492

View of Woburn, in 1820

Black and white print of the layout of a small town (Woburn). The buildings are identified in a key beneath the image; they include a church, the town hall, numerous houses and barns and a common.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print of the layout of a small town (Woburn). The buildings are identified in a key beneath the image; they include a church, the town hall, numerous houses and barns and a common.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
unknown
ID Number
DL.60.3669
catalog number
60.3669

A Hunt Above The Timber Line

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 13. A hunt above the timber line [Big-horn]. Edward Knobel. Depicted are four big horn sheep running across boulders in the foreground. A fifth sheep falls, shot by one of two hunters visible in the left background.
The artist was Edward Knobel (1839-1908), noted for his illustrations of plants and animals.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
publisher; copywriter
Bradlee Whidden
lithographer
Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company
artist
Knobel, Edward
ID Number
DL.60.2730
catalog number
60.2730
accession number
228146

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