| Object ID |
1974.71 |
| Object Name |
Chest of drawers |
| Dimensions |
H-59.5 W-49.25 D-23.25 inches |
| Early Date |
1825 |
| Late Date |
1825 |
| Made By |
Jonathan Hastings Kendrick |
| Description |
This chest of drawers with cupboards and four locks was known as a "locker," and functioned as a sideboard for the storage of tablecloths, drinking glasses, dishes, bottles, and silverware. According to family tradition, Judge John H. Olin of Shaftsbury, Vermont had this chest made as a wedding present for his daughter Mary Ann, who married George Walbridge of Bennington, VT. on November 10, 1825. It remained in the Walbridge family until it was donated to the Museum in 1974.
The left-hand drawer directly under the top bears the pencil inscription "Shaftsbury/Oct. 7, 1825 AD H.K." The initials almost certainly stand for Hastings Kendrick, who advertised a similar sideboard in 1829 when he moved his shop to Bennington and announced that he produced "a variety of rich and tasty FURNITURE. All kinds of CARVING done on short notice."
The broken pediment, finely carved columns, and hairy paw feet with acanthus leaves on this locker are similar to those found on Empire style furniture made in Troy and Albany, New York in the 1820s and 1830s. This is not surprising since there was extensive commercial activity between Southern Vermont and Eastern New York at that time. |
| Credit |
Gift of Mr. Richard L. Hughes |
|
