Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Chair, Rocking |
Collection |
Lambton Heritage Museum Collection |
Accession number |
LHM 1999.012 |
Catalog Number |
LHM 1999.012.016 |
Description |
Intricately carved wooden rocking chair. The center of the backrest is comprised of a small section of wood with an asymmetrical edge. A depiction of two branches with leaves has been carved into the center along with a series of small leaves. The backrest is framed by two horizontal pieces along the bottom and top. The section located underneath the backrest is adorned with a carving of two large horizontal leaves while the top section is far more intricate. This section features four Maple leaves and a cluster of smaller leaves set against a stippled background. The top edge also features additional pieces that create an elaborate lattice design. The posts on either side of the backrest resemble balusters and consist of two separate sections adorned with teardrop shapes resembling leaves along with a prominent flower located near the top. The armrests are wide with rounded edges that tapers in size towards the back where it connects to the posts. A large flower and a vine have been carved into the surface. Underneath each armrest, there are P-shaped supporting pieces that mirror one another. This piece is adorned with a leaf design along with a separate piece attached at the side that resembles a leaf. The seat of the chair is covered in a piece of black leather. There are a set of two horizontal rails along the bottom of the rocking chair that continue along the sides, with a single wooden bar at the back. These pieces have been adorned with a teardrop design. The front two posts that connect from the arm rest to the feet have been adorned with a similar teardrop design. The feet are small and extend backwards, in a dramatic curve to form the rockers. The wood frame of the rocking chair has been finished with a dark stain. |
Provenance |
This item was donated to the Sarnia Public Library by Jean Deyo. This piece was owned by her great grandfather, William B. Clark who arrived in Sarnia in 1839 and lived there until his death in 1900. This piece was later transferred to the Lambton Heritage Museum. This rocking chair represents one of the triumphs of the Underground Railway. As slaves escaped from the United States and settled in Canada, many faced discrimination in their new communities. An escaped slave himself, Josiah Hension had a vision for a space where the Black population could support themselves. In 1841, ht established the Dawn Settlement near Dresden for fugitive slaves. There, a school called the British American Institute opened in 1842 to provide education and trades training. By 1847, the school had over 80 students and supported a vibrant community of Black settlers. They had cleared 100 acres of land, built seven institute buildings, and launched rope and brick making industries. This chair was likely created by a craftsman named Sam Arnold. The black walnut used for the chairs came from trees grown on the school grounds. In 1851, Josiah Hension travelled to London, England for the first World's Fair. There, he exhibited polished black walnut boards that were produced at the British American Institute's sawmill by its tradespeople. Uncle Tom's Cabin Historical Site have two similar rocking chairs from the British American Institute in their Collection. |
Dimensions |
H-121.92 W-81.28 L-96.52 cm |
Search Terms |
Black History Dresden Dresden Business Underground Railway British American Institute Slavery Uncle Tom's Cabin Dawn Settlement Furniture Furniture Maker Rocking Chair Woodwork Woodworking |
People |
Arnold, Sam Hension, Josiah |