Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1999.03.01 |
Object Name |
Desk, Slant-Top |
Date |
1850 |
Year Range from |
1825 |
Year Range to |
1850 |
Features |
Slant-top desk (lift-top desk), made of wood. Exterior is painted dark brown/Red in colour with black spots and swirls. No backboard. Horizontal flat portion at the back, 18cm in width. The remainder of the top, 39cm in width, slants down, and is a lid to the inner compartment. The lid has two metal hinges at the back, and swings upward. Inside is an open compartment with three hangings cubbies at the back, 23cm in length, 18cm in width, 22cm in height. There is a functioning key to the desk in one of the cubbies. There have been several repairs to the desk. The four inner corners have been reinforced with small pieces of wood. Behind the lock mechanism the wood has been repaired with wood filler, and sanded down. There are two pieces of wood going across the lid. |
Object Story |
Henry Walrath (1808-1878) was a fanning mill maker in MacKeesport, Pennsylvania. By 1831, Henry and his wife, Nancy Reuff, had immigrated to Canada. According to the family, Henry crossed the border at Prescott but was unable to pay the high duty on his machinery. He was forced to leave his tools in storage at the border while he and Nancy continued on to the Centreville area. When he returned later for his tools, he discovered that they had been stolen. By 1851, Henry, Nancy and their 10 children were living in a one storey log house on lot 22, concession 8, Richmond Township. Henry supported his family by farming and making chairs as well as other furniture. Travelling by horse and wagon, he sold his furniture as far south as Picton and north as Denbigh. |
People |
Walrath, Henry Walrath, Henry, 1808-1878 Reuff, Nancy |
Subjects |
Furniture Making Furniture Furniture Design Desks Immigrants Immigration |
Search Terms |
Pennsylvania, MacKeesport Richmond Township Richmond Township, Conc.8, Lot 22 Centreville |