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Secretary

Object number72.111

Datec.1820

Possible OriginPA

MediumWood; Brass; Glass; Felt

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Edward B. Henesey.

DescriptionCurly maple secretary desk. Slant top desk topped by a bookcase with two hinged glass doors.Dimensions68.7499 x 19.5 x 35.7499 in. (174.6 x 49.5 x 90.8 cm)
Historical NotesThis secretary desk was orginally owned by Judge Nathaniel Breading. He was born in Lancaster County in 175, moved to Fayette County in 1784 and settled at Tower Hill Farm. A common pleas judge, then a member of the supreme executive council of PA until 1790 when PA adoped a new constitution and allowed for election of a governor. He was also active in trade between PA and New Orleans, boat building, and a surveyor of Indian lands. The desk was donated by Mrs. Edward B. Henesey in 1950.Label TextDuring the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Western Pennsylvania cabinetmakers relied on local woods for furniture construction, especially walnut and cherry. Limited means of transportation and crude roads made it difficult to transport imported mahogany and other exotic woods into the region. This chest features two bands of light wood inlay around each drawer, giving the piece a feeling of understated elegance.

Related person Hogg, George

Related person Breading, Nathaniel

Related institution Tower Hill Farm

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