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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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