by Melody Amsel-Arieli Samplers are pieces of fabric worked to demonstrate mastery of ornamental embroidery stitches and motifs. This fine art arose in the late Middle Ages when English nuns and needlework professionals created exquisite, gold and silver-gilt embroidered…
Penny Candy by Jessica Kosinski This issue is devoted to the general store. When I think of a general store, several images come to mind right away. Near the top of the list are the jars of candy. Back in…
By Matthew Webster and Dani Jaworski When studying the building history of 18th-century Williamsburg, architectural fragments have proven to be valuable and fascinating research tools. Since the 1920s, architectural fragments associated with Williamsburg, Virginia were actively collected and studied. With…
Braided Beauties by Jessica Kosinski Braided rugs have been produced for centuries in some form, and they have also gone by many names, including rag rugs. Although we now consider them to be common household items, they have a very…
By Bill Thornbrook It seems people can find almost any excuse to throw a party. And a party is even more fun when the whole community is invited. That’s the principle behind fairs and festivals. Celebrations begin with “first night”…
Calm, Cool, and Collected There is no doubt that information is flowing to us in greater amounts and from different directions than ever before. What to buy, where to go, who to see, what to listen to… it has been…
By Erica Lome Basket making is one of the earliest and most prevalent forms of folk art in the United States. First developed by Native Americans and later adopted by early colonists and settlers, baskets have a long history as…
The J. Cheney Wells Clock Collection at Old Sturbridge Village The J. Cheney Wells collection of over 100 early New England clocks is not what one would expect to find when visiting Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, an early…
From Our Holiday Table to Yours Holiday dinner at my grandparents’ house when I was growing up meant the privilege of eating in the Dining Room, a formal, imposing, and mostly unused part in the house reserved for good company…
Bill Johnson was a colorful character that was well known throughout New England as a collector of antiques, advertising and items that reflected the local culture If you are a dealer or auctioneer in New England, chances are you knew…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles – 19th century carved eagle, $1,989, Copake Auction Recent Auction Results From Near & Far By Ken Hall A 19th century carved and gilded pilot house eagle sold for $1,989 at an unreserved estate auction held Aug.…
Gavels ’n’ Paddles: 1776 U.S. silver dollar, $1.41 million, Heritage Results of Recent Auctions From Around the World A 1776 Continental silver dollar – the finest of only four silver Continental currency dollars known to exist from the birth of…
