Anna's Sewing Chair

This is Anna.

And these are some of her things.



Anna was my great-great-grandfather's niece, or my great-grandfather's first cousin.

I have come to have a few of her things through a series of pleasant events which stemmed from researching my family history.

Anna's father, as well as my great-great-grandfather, came to this country from Pomerania, which was later part of Germany, then Poland. Anna was born in Wisconsin in 1868. She lived her entire life on the family homestead on the edge of the Horicon Marsh.

This was her sewing chair.

Sewing chairs were small rockers, usually with very low or no arms so that ladies could flex their elbows and hand sew without constraint (aside from the corsets they may have worn).

I think Anna may have done some fine stitchery in this chair. Perhaps these linens.

A few years ago, I made a pillow for the sewing chair. I transferred a picture of Anna onto fabric and embroidered around it.

How about that fancy hat and fur coat?

Anna's father Herman made a living as a merchant, farmer, market hunter, and guide. Fur trapping was one of his revenue streams as well. I wouldn't be surprised if this coat was muskrat.

Anna married husband Emil in 1898. They had no children. She was reportedly an excellent cook, using local ingredients that included wild game and fish. This is her hand-blown glass "vinegar jar," or cruet.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing a few of Anna's things. Thank you for stopping by, and be sure to visit Colorado Lady and the other Vintage Thingie Thursday participants for more treasures!