Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1993.07.01.02 |
Object Name |
Washstand |
Date |
1878 |
Features |
Wood base with marble counter top and backsplash with two small shelves supported by a marble bracket each. The base consists of two drawers and two cabinets, each with a metal handle. The proper right cabinet has a shelf in it. |
Object Story |
William Miller was a dealer in dry goods, groceries and liquors. He shared his store at the east end of Dundas Street with his brother, Davis H. Miller, a grain merchant. Born near Bath, Miller had previously worked as a clerk in Gunn's general store, Kingston. In the 1860's Miller built a substantial brick house (still standing) on the southeast corner of Thomas and East Streets. In 1874, Miller turned his attention to land dealings and purchased the block of land adjacent to the Court House, bounded by Isabella, East and Thomas Streets, from the Cartwrights. The brothers retired from the mercantile business but continued to maintain offices in the Miller block. Family tradition indicates that the furniture was acquired by William Miller for his new brick house on the corner of East and Thomas Streets. This artifact was made by Gibbard Furniture, a company founded by John Gibbard who was born in 1813. Around adulthood he became an apprentice to his Father, who was a carpenter and millwright. In 1836 John Gibbard moved to Napanee where he at one point worked for John Benson installing doors and windows for Benson's store. In 1860 he leased a mill from William Bartels where he made furniture as well as doors, coffins, and more. His business grew throughout his life and managed to overcome the significant challenge of two separate fires. John Gibbard passed away in 1908. Gibbard Furniture remained in the his family until 1940 when it was purchased by Jack McPherson a former Gibbard sale's manager. It remained in the McPherson family until 2009 when the factory was shut down. |
People |
Miller, William MIller, Davis H. Gibbard, John Bartels, William |
Subjects |
Dressers (Furniture) Furniture industry Furniture Furnishings |
Search Terms |
Kingston, Gunn's General Store Napanee, Thomas St. Napanee, East Street Napanee, Miller Store Gibbard Gibbard Furniture Gibbard's Furniture Gibbards |