Images(4)

Fork, Eating

Object number2020.21.12

Manufacturer Gorham Manufacturing Company (1865 - 1961)

MediumSilver; Metal

Credit LineGift of The Twentieth Century Club

DescriptionShiny silver eating fork, possibly silver-plated. Four long, pointed tines. Tines have rounded square roots. Base of fork head is rounded square. Neck flares out slightly before narrowing to the handle. Neck and top of handle are arched. Top side of neck and handle have incised lines around perimeter. Handle tapers outward to wider handle end before narrowing to a dull point. Reverse of neck and handle have incised lines around perimeter. DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 7 x 0.938 x 0.938 in. (17.8 x 2.4 x 2.4 cm)
InscriptionsEngraved text on the end of the handle on the top: "CTC"; the "T" is slightly taller than the two "C's".
MarksRaised text on the back of the neck "GORHAM BP...S"; text is difficult to decipher.
Historical NotesFork from the Twentieth Century Club. The Twentieth Century Club was founded in 1894 with the aim to “create an organization for women’s work, though and activity, advancing her interested, promoting art, science and literature.” Women’s clubs were part of a greater social movement in the late 1800s that grew out of the idea that women had a moral duty and responsibility to transform society and public policy. This was a progressive era movement with links to suffrage and temperance, although not all members of women’s clubs adhered to either movement. The Pittsburgh club first met at the Thompson mansion at 408 Penn Avenue. They sponsored lectures and classes on language, literature, travel, history and science and were a member of the State Federation of Women’s Clubs. In 1910, they opened a club at their present location in Oakland, and in 1930 the clubhouse was redesigned by Benno Janssen. Many of these clubs saw a decline in the 1960s.

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