Family & Social Life

Bennet Family Record

Donations to the Museum have preserved irreplaceable evidence about generations of ordinary Americans. Objects from the Copp household of Stonington, Connecticut, include many items used by a single family from 1740 to 1850. Other donations have brought treasured family artifacts from jewelry to prom gowns. These gifts and many others are all part of the Museum's family and social life collections.

Children's books and Sunday school lessons, tea sets and family portraits also mark the connections between members of a family and between families and the larger society. Prints, advertisements, and artifacts offer nostalgic or idealized images of family life and society in times past. And the collections include a few modern conveniences that have had profound effects on American families and social life, such as televisions, video games, and personal computers.

Topic: Engineering

Toy Punch Press

This toy punch press was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. The toy punch press was made of cast metal and could be powered by connecting its pulley directly to an engine or a line shaft.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This toy punch press was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. The toy punch press was made of cast metal and could be powered by connecting its pulley directly to an engine or a line shaft.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.329086
catalog number
329086
accession number
278175

Essex Patented Engine

Henry Essex of Buffalo, New York received patent number 723,660 in 1903 for this design of a caloric engine. The engine is a “hot air” or caloric engine, where heated air powers the piston before being cooled and returning to be heated, continuously producing work.
Description (Brief)
Henry Essex of Buffalo, New York received patent number 723,660 in 1903 for this design of a caloric engine. The engine is a “hot air” or caloric engine, where heated air powers the piston before being cooled and returning to be heated, continuously producing work. The engine consists of a flywheel at one end with displacing rod, a heating element in the center with two piston inside, and cool air pockets on either side of the center.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1903
ID Number
MC.329058
catalog number
329058
accession number
278175

Ernst Plank Steam Engine Toy with Marx Lights

Ernst Plank produced this toy steam engine during the early 20th century. The toy has a tan fire box below a horizontal boiler with steam whistle, safety valve, and throttle.
Description (Brief)
Ernst Plank produced this toy steam engine during the early 20th century. The toy has a tan fire box below a horizontal boiler with steam whistle, safety valve, and throttle. The steam line powers a small oscillating engine mounted on a two pole generator that provides electricity to twin Marx-manufactured lamps on metal scaffolding.
Ernst Plank founded his company in Nuremburg, Germany in 1866. The company was well known for manufacturing a variety of metal toys like steam locomotives, stationary steam engines, early photography equipment, and magic lanterns until its dissolution in 1935.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329059
catalog number
329059
accession number
278175

Märklin Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company during the early 20th century. This toy steam engine consists of a firebox, horizontal brass boiler, chimney stack, and horizontal engine with flyball governor that powers a flywheel.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company during the early 20th century. This toy steam engine consists of a firebox, horizontal brass boiler, chimney stack, and horizontal engine with flyball governor that powers a flywheel. The boiler and engine are mounted on a tin base.
The Märklin Company was established in 1859 in the town of Göppingen, Germany by tin smith Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Märklin began his business with the production of tin doll houses, but the company soon began producing a variety of tinplate and metal items, eventually specializing in toys that included steam engines such as this one.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
MC.329031
catalog number
329031
accession number
278175

Carpenter's Pencil

This pencil was grouped with a number of pencils found in the pocket of a tool belt used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
Description
This pencil was grouped with a number of pencils found in the pocket of a tool belt used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. Carpenter pencils have two wide, flat sides to keep them from rolling. The graphite core is generally wide and flat, making it easy to mark course materials when using the flat side while using the thinner side for precision marks.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.27
catalog number
2005.0276.27
accession number
2005.0276

Glazier Knife

The glazier knife has multiple uses: scraping, roller squeegee, spackle spreader, crack or crevice cleaner and can opener. Made by Warner Manufacturing Company, Plymouth, Minnesota, makers of hand and edge tools and light equipment.
Description
The glazier knife has multiple uses: scraping, roller squeegee, spackle spreader, crack or crevice cleaner and can opener. Made by Warner Manufacturing Company, Plymouth, Minnesota, makers of hand and edge tools and light equipment. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution. The glazier knife was kept in the pocket of a tool belt.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.25
catalog number
2005.0276.25
accession number
2005.0276

Retractable Utility Knife

A utility knife is a general purpose cutting tool. This knife has a retractable steel blade and a red painted aluminum holder. It was made in China for the American home improvement store Lowe's Task Force brand.
Description
A utility knife is a general purpose cutting tool. This knife has a retractable steel blade and a red painted aluminum holder. It was made in China for the American home improvement store Lowe's Task Force brand. The manufacturering company that produces their tools can vary from year to year. The knife was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution. The notebook was kept in the pocket of a tool belt.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.21
catalog number
2005.0276.21
accession number
2005.0276

Ball Point Ink Pen

This pen was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
Description
This pen was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. This red transparent plastic pen has a rubber grip, retractable point and pocket clip.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution. The pen was kept with her notebook.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.36
catalog number
2005.0276.36
accession number
2005.0276

Common Nail Hammer

This general purpose or common hammer is used for pounding nails and prying nails or other light material such as molding. The hammer is all one forged steel piece with a blue nylon grip. It has a smooth striking face and straight claw.
Description
This general purpose or common hammer is used for pounding nails and prying nails or other light material such as molding. The hammer is all one forged steel piece with a blue nylon grip. It has a smooth striking face and straight claw. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and trucked off to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Estwing
ID Number
2005.0276.10
catalog number
2005.0276.10
accession number
2005.0276

Double End Nail Puller

This nail puller, also referred to as a cat's paw, is designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a hexagonal shape, each end is curved, tapered and slotted.
Description
This nail puller, also referred to as a cat's paw, is designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a hexagonal shape, each end is curved, tapered and slotted. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.12
catalog number
2005.0276.12
accession number
2005.0276

Small Pry Bar

This short flat pry bar is for pulling nails and performing light work such as prying paneling or molding. Both ends are curved and slotted.
Description
This short flat pry bar is for pulling nails and performing light work such as prying paneling or molding. Both ends are curved and slotted. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.19
catalog number
2005.0276.19
accession number
2005.0276

S-Clip

This belt clip was distributed in a Swanson speed square package. The clip hooks on to a belt and holds a speed square or other tools.
Description
This belt clip was distributed in a Swanson speed square package. The clip hooks on to a belt and holds a speed square or other tools. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.17
catalog number
2005.0276.17
accession number
2005.0276

Small Pry Bar

This short, flat pry bar is for pulling nails and performing light work such as prying paneling or molding. Both ends are curved and slotted.
Description
This short, flat pry bar is for pulling nails and performing light work such as prying paneling or molding. Both ends are curved and slotted. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.18
catalog number
2005.0276.18
accession number
2005.0276

Märklin No. 5 Toy Steam Engine

This Märklin No. 5 toy steam engine was built by the Märklin Manufacturing Company of Göppingen, Germany during the early 20th century. This toy steam engine consists of an externally fired horizontal brass boiler on top of a simulated brick firebox and chimney.
Description (Brief)
This Märklin No. 5 toy steam engine was built by the Märklin Manufacturing Company of Göppingen, Germany during the early 20th century. This toy steam engine consists of an externally fired horizontal brass boiler on top of a simulated brick firebox and chimney. The horizontal slide valve cylinder engine drives a flywheel with slip-eccentric reversing gear. The boiler and engine are mounted on a tinplate base.
The Märklin Company was established in 1859 in the town of Göppingen, Germany by tin smith Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Märklin began his business with the production of tin doll houses, but the company soon began producing a variety of tinplate and metal items, eventually specializing in toys that included steam engines such as this one.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
ID Number
MC.322911
catalog number
322911
accession number
220719

J. L. Hess Toy Motor

This toy motor was manufactured by the Hess Company in Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. The “J.L.H.” makers mark on the base of the toy dates the motor to between 1906 and 1930, when John Leonard Hess took over the company.
Description (Brief)
This toy motor was manufactured by the Hess Company in Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. The “J.L.H.” makers mark on the base of the toy dates the motor to between 1906 and 1930, when John Leonard Hess took over the company. This type of friction-inertia motor was marketed as the Dynamobil. The motor is a crank operated friction-inertia toy. The winding of the crank builds up inertia and when the switch is turned on, the engine spins its axel, which would power machine accessories connected to the engine either directly or through a line shaft.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329043
catalog number
329043
accession number
278175

Weeden "Favorite" Toy Steam Engine

The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts, manufactured the Weeden “Favorite” engine from around 1880 until the middle of the 1890s. The vertical boiler powers a vertical engine, with built-in fuel tank for a self-contained burner.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts, manufactured the Weeden “Favorite” engine from around 1880 until the middle of the 1890s. The vertical boiler powers a vertical engine, with built-in fuel tank for a self-contained burner. The “Favorite” engine was sold alone or with attachments like a force pump or pile driver.
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
MC.328955
catalog number
328955
accession number
278175

Märklin Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company during the early 20th century. The engine consists of a firebox that is painted to simulate brickwork with a green chimney stack.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company during the early 20th century. The engine consists of a firebox that is painted to simulate brickwork with a green chimney stack. The horizontal boiler has a steam whistle and throttle that is connected to a horizontal slide valve engine that powers a flywheel. The generator was added by hobbyist Greville Bathe at a later date.
The Märklin Company was established in 1859 in the town of Göppingen, Germany by tin smith Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Märklin began his business with the production of tin doll houses, but the company soon began producing a variety of tinplate and metal items, eventually specializing in toys that included steam engines such as this one.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329032
catalog number
329032
accession number
278175

German Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine was made by an unknown German maker around the early 20th century. The toy consists of a vertical boiler, vertical engine, and flywheel.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was made by an unknown German maker around the early 20th century. The toy consists of a vertical boiler, vertical engine, and flywheel. The chimney stack is in the shape of a hexagon.
Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s. The miniature steam engines were marketed as both toys and instructive devices that mimicked full-scale steam-powered machines and allowed every boy and girl to be their own engineer. In toy steam engines, a heating source is introduced into the firebox below the boiler (early toys used lit wicks fueled by denatured alcohol, later toys used electricity) which heated the water to produce the steam pressure that ran the engine. A variety of accessories could be powered by the engine; attachments included windmills, pumps, grinders, and electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328983
catalog number
328983
accession number
278175

Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine consists of a vertical boiler and horizontal slide valve engine. The museum’s catalogue records indicate that the toy was manufactured in the late 19th century, possibly by the J.E.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine consists of a vertical boiler and horizontal slide valve engine. The museum’s catalogue records indicate that the toy was manufactured in the late 19th century, possibly by the J.E. Stevens Manufacturing Company or the Buckman Manufacturing Company, but no manufacturing marks can be seen on the object.
Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s. The miniature steam engines were marketed as both toys and instructive devices that mimicked full-scale steam-powered machines and allowed every boy and girl to be their own engineer. In toy steam engines, a heating source is introduced into the firebox below the boiler (early toys used lit wicks fueled by denatured alcohol, later toys used electricity) which heated the water to produce the steam pressure that ran the engine. A variety of accessories could be powered by the engine; attachments included windmills, pumps, grinders, and electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
MC.328981
catalog number
328981
accession number
278175

German Toy Steam Engine

The Bing Company of Bavaria, Germany manufactured this toy steam engine during the early 20th century. The horizontal boiler has a steam whistle and sight glass above a black firebox with a simulated brickwork chimney.
Description (Brief)
The Bing Company of Bavaria, Germany manufactured this toy steam engine during the early 20th century. The horizontal boiler has a steam whistle and sight glass above a black firebox with a simulated brickwork chimney. The boiler powers an orange horizontal slide valve engine and flywheel. Everything is mounted on a tin base that measures 9.25 by 9.5 inches.
The Gebrüder Bing (Bing Brothers) toy company was founded in Nuremburg, Germany by Adolf and Ignatz Bing in 1863 and operated until 1932. The company was renamed Bing Werke (Bing Works) in 1918 when Ignatz Bing died. While very successful from 1863 until 1912, World War I created an unfavorable export market for German products, and the hard post-war years caused additional financial hardships. The harsh political climate in Germany forced the Jewish Bing family to flee to England in 1932, and Bing’s assets were acquired by rival toy company Bub in 1933.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
ID Number
MC.328991
catalog number
328991
accession number
278175

Model Engine

This toy engine consists of a vertical duplex oscillating engine that consists of some homemade parts and some parts from the J.E. Stevens Company. The donor of this item, Greville Bathe, was a machinist who would fashion his own parts to complete engines and models.
Description (Brief)
This toy engine consists of a vertical duplex oscillating engine that consists of some homemade parts and some parts from the J.E. Stevens Company. The donor of this item, Greville Bathe, was a machinist who would fashion his own parts to complete engines and models. The engine could be powered by an external boiler.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329016
catalog number
329016
accession number
278175

Hess Toy Stamp Machine

This toy stamp machine steam engine accessory was manufactured by the Hess Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. The toy could be connected to a steam engine or Hess’s Dynamobil friction-inertia motor as a power source.
Description (Brief)
This toy stamp machine steam engine accessory was manufactured by the Hess Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. The toy could be connected to a steam engine or Hess’s Dynamobil friction-inertia motor as a power source. The engine would rotate the central shaft, which rotated the two cams, lifting the hammers in succession.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.329066
catalog number
329066
accession number
278175

Toy Trip Hammer

This toy trip hammer was manufactured by an unknown maker during the 20th century. The trip hammer toy could be powered by connecting its pulley directly to an engine or a line shaft, and raised and struck via the cam on its central axel.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This toy trip hammer was manufactured by an unknown maker during the 20th century. The trip hammer toy could be powered by connecting its pulley directly to an engine or a line shaft, and raised and struck via the cam on its central axel.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329084
catalog number
329084
accession number
278175

Langes Legetoy Toy Circular Saw

This toy circular saw was manufactured by the Danish company H. Langes Legetoy around the middle of the 20th century. The circular saw is in a cast metal base painted red and could spin when its shaft was attached to an engine. H.
Description (Brief)
This toy circular saw was manufactured by the Danish company H. Langes Legetoy around the middle of the 20th century. The circular saw is in a cast metal base painted red and could spin when its shaft was attached to an engine. H. Langes Legetoy produced a variety of toy machine tools including a trip-hammer, grindstone, drill press, shaper, punch press, circular saw, tumbler, lathe, and grinder. These tools would often be arranged on a single board with a line shaft allowing all the machines to be operated simultaneously from a single power source.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
ID Number
MC.329079
catalog number
329079
accession number
278175

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