Click here for the article.
October 15, 2009
Theorem Painting
Stencil painting is an ancient art, but it became the rage in America in the early 1800s as artists created extraordinarily beautiful stenciled paintings on velvet, silk and paper. In this article I trace the history of stencil painting and explain why it became so popular in early America and why it declined. I also interview four of the country's leading theorem painters who are keeping this wonderful decorative artwork alive.
Click here for the article.
Click here for the article.
October 1, 2009
Colonial Cooking Hearths
Hearth cooking has sustained people for millennia and was prevalent in early America from the 1600s until popularity of the cookstove in the 1830s. This article discusses the American evolution of hearth cooking, colonial fireplaces and hearth utensils, plus explains some of the common historical errors people make in equipping their hearths. It also has a useful guide on who makes cooking-hearth equipment today and where it can be obtained.
Click here for the article.
Click here for the article.
September 27, 2009
The Malmberg House
John and Randee Malmberg have spent decades amassing an extraordinary collection of early American furnishings as well as prized Christmas ornaments. This article takes you through their beautiful saltbox in Rockford, Illinois, where the Malmbergs proudly display their treasures in the spirit of the Christmas holiday.
Click here for the article.
Click here for the article.
August 1, 2009
Colonial Punishments
America's earliest European settlers brought a fair share of Old World religious and punitive practices with them, relying on shame and humiliation to keep their fellow citizens in line. This article examines colonial punishment from the 1600s to mid 1800s, explaining the rationale behind these often harsh practices.
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Click here to read the article.
June 1, 2009
Silhouettes
Silhouette cutting reached its pinnacle in early 19th century Europe and America, when itinerant artists faithfully captured their subject's appearances and even personalities with only the use of paper and scissors. This fascinating article traces the history of silhouette cutting from ancient times and explains the reason for its popularity ~ and eventual decline ~ in early America. It also features interviews with four of the country's leading silhouette artists still practicing the art in a traditional fashion.
Click here for the article.
Click here for the article.
February 1, 2009
Chip Carving
Chip carving is an ancient skill that found great favor in early America as skilled artisans applied it to all sorts of domestic items and furniture. This article traces chip carving's history and explores its cultural implications in America. It also features interviews with three of the country's most highly skilled chip carvers still practicing this traditional art form.
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
December 1, 2008
The Geer House
An amazing account of one family's dedication to the Connecticut soil they've owned since the 1680s. It's a dramatic tale of deceit, struggling orphans, hard work and love, culminating in the story of a remarkable woman, Charlotte Geer, and the house she built on land held by her family for ten generations.
Early Tin Cookie Cutters
This article sheds fascinating light on the evolution of shaped cookies from ancient times to the 1850s, from pagan ceremonies to the heyday of the American tinsmith. It also features interviews with four of today's leading creators of tin cookie cutters, using the traditional methods.
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
October 1, 2008
Windsor Writing Chairs
Windsor chairs are a hallmark of American furniture making, and the Windsor writing chair is the pinnacle of the line. Throughout the 19th Century it was favored by statesmen, doctors and clergymen for its elegant lines and utilitarian appeal. This article presents the fascinating history of the Windsor writing chair and features a half-dozen of the country's most notable furniture makers who still create by hand this distinctive chair.
The Reeves House
Visiting collector Vernon Reeves in his unique eastern Missouri home that integrates an 1840 log cabin into a new structure designed to showcase his extensive array of antique furnishings. An antique collector since he was 10, Vernon's pieces span the 18th and 19th centuries, with emphasis on primitive pioneer pieces of the early 1800s.
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
June 1, 2008
Early Nails
A deeply researched article tracing the development and use of the common nail from the Stone Age to the mid 19th Century. A number of fascinating facts are included, as well as interviews with a handful of blacksmiths who still maintain the long legacy of creating nails by hand for historic homes and museums. The article also has a look at the one steel-cut nail factory still operating in the US.
April 1, 2008
Simplicity in Storage
The Shakers demonstrated an incredibly clean and ingenious approach to everything they created. One of the most lasting examples has been the simple Shaker box. This article presents a history of the Shaker box and features interviews with five of today's finest creators of things Shaker, plus a man who has taught more than 5,000 people to build the boxes.
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
Early Pistols
Early pistols were a sign of social prestige. Military officers carried them and duels were fought with them. Yet they were were difficult to handle and amazingly inaccurate. This article traces the history of the pistol through several centuries, culminating with the famed American flintlock pistol. Noted antique gun dealer Paul Ambrose was a great source of information of interest to today's collector.
February 1, 2008
Lighting the Night
We see quaint colonial lights on porches, lightposts and doorways of countless early American buildings. The fact is, these lights never existed during the period. This article was great fun to research, with comments from leading curators and from several of today's leading creators of early exterior lighting fixtures.
December 1, 2007
Pewter Tableware
Like many other common goods in pre-Revolutionary days, British law prohibited the colonists from creating pewter tableware. This lead to some fascinating developments for pewterers, as I discovered during my research. The article also features four of the country's best modern makers of traditional pewter tableware.
Men's Embroidered Pocketbooks
Few people today realize the social prestige a man's pocketbook created for him in 18th century America. These brightly colored, embroidered accessories still can be found and are highly collectible. This article explains the history and includes insights from leading historical clothing authorities.
October 1, 2007
Early Tea Tables
Tea tables were often the social center of the colonial American home and over time came to be created in a number of beautiful yet functional styles. This article traces the history of the tea table and presents photos of numerous examples, from the 17th century to now. It also features interviews with seven cabinetmakers who make outstanding tables.
April 1, 2007
A Tryal of Glasse
Commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, this article delves into the ill-fated first attempt to create glass in the New World. My research unearthed stories of murder, massacre, and even contemporary archeological disputes regarding the glassmaking site. It includes profiles of today's leading creators of what is known as Jamestown Glass.
February 1, 2007
Early Candlemaking
This article recounts the importance of candles in American history, plus provides some tips on achieving an early ambience. Also included are interviews with two purist candlemakers and a leading manufacturer of candles in traditional styles.
December 1, 2006
Painted Country Tinware
Painted tinware was big business in early America, including some of the nation's first factories. It was sold in city shops and by itinerant peddlers alike. This article explains this fascinating history plus features interviews with some of the most skilled artists painting country tin today.
Early Wooden Toys
This article discusses the role of wooden toys in American childhood since the earliest settlers, plus provides details on the changing nature of childhood itself since colonial times.
August 1, 2006
Tall Clocks
Tall clocks are among the most stately furnishings in American homes. I shared writing credit on this article with noted early clock expert Gordon Converse (Antiques Road Show), and interviewed a half-dozen of today's most skilled makers of early style tall clocks.
April 1, 2006
Floorcloths
Painted canvas floorcloths were both durable and attractive additions to the early American home. This article relates the history of floorcloths and features three of today's leading makers of floorcloths whose creations can brighten any room.
February 1, 2006
Finding Your Home's History
This article gives pointers on how to research the history of your home. It includes interviews with foremost researchers and authors of house genealogy and explains current trends in dating such as dendrochronology.
December 1, 2005
The Rhodus House
Betty and Jack Rhodus have spent a lifetime collecting and selling superb antiques, and today their prized reproduction 1715 home is like stepping back 300 years in time. Their house near Cincinnati is one of the best colonial reproductions I've had the pleasure to visit.
Click here to read the article.
Period Interior Lighting
Another article useful for decorating colonial-style homes, with tips on creating a period ambience. This one presents a history of authentic vintage lighting and includes interviews with four leading producers of reproduction early lighting fixtures.
The Curry House
Ginny and Bill Curry have created a primitive wonderland amid the rolling hills of southern Ohio, with several log cabins and a thriving antiques business.
April 1, 2005
The Fascinating Art of Fraktur
Here is an examination of an early and colorful Pennsylvania Dutch art form, with several photos of period Fraktur, plus interviews with three of the country’s most talented Fraktur artists whose work stands alongside any of the vintage best.
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
February 1, 2005
The Newkirk House
This is an unusually touching article. It features Wes Newkirk and his late wife Elizabeth and their long search for a house to restore and then the years of painstaking work to achieve what is now one of Kentucky’s most remarkable residential landmarks.
Door Hardware
Here is a history of door hardware from Plymouth through the colonial period, providing a useful restoration and decorating guide. It features discussions with four blacksmiths and manufacturers who create outstanding period hardware.
June 1, 2004
The Henson House
My first article for Early American Life and one of my favorites. Here's a visit with Joy and John Henson in their primitive home that recreates the early Ohio frontier. The article generated a number of letters from readers inspired by Joy’s lifelong search for rare furnishings on a tight budget, plus a glimpse into the fascinating mind of a reenactor.
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