Stretcher, Curtain

Object number2016.138.11 a-f

MediumWood; Metal

Credit LineEstate of Ann Toth

DescriptionSix wooden and metal elongated pieces of a disassembled curtain stretcher. Each piece is rectangularly shaped, with one edge that slopes downward, and features a row of metal nails.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth (a): 68.5 × 3.25 in. (174 × 8.3 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (b): 68.5 × 3 × 1 in. (174 × 7.6 × 2.5 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (c): 61.125 × 2 × 1 in. (155.3 × 5.1 × 2.5 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (d): 59.75 × 2 × 1.375 in. (151.8 × 5.1 × 3.5 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (e): 59.313 × 2.25 × 2 in. (150.7 × 5.7 × 5.1 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (f): 59.313 × 2.25 × 2.125 in. (150.7 × 5.7 × 5.4 cm)
Height x Length x Depth (Overall, flat): 68.313 × 119.5 × 3.25 in. (173.5 × 303.5 × 8.3 cm)
Historical NotesAnna Hertznell Toth used this wooden curtain stretcher to make the family home in Whitsett and attractive and comfortable place to life. After had washing in a basin or boiler, lace curtains were stretched over the nails on the frame and then placed outside to dry. An immigrant from Budapest, Istvan (Stephen) Toth came to Western Pennsylvania at the turn of the 20th century in search of work. He found his first job at the coal mine at Leisenring but soon moved to Connellsville, where he found strong camaraderie among his fellow countrymen who were members of the local St. Emory's church. Toth soon obtained a job at Whitsett, a mining town several miles upriver from the Darr Mine. When news of the Darr mine explosion reached Whitsett, Toth wasted no time coming to the aid of his fellow miners and raced several miles along the railroad tracks to the scene of the disaster. He was among the earliest rescuers on the scene and assisted with the removal of the first bodies.

Previous owner Anna Margaret Hertznell

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