Papers, 1707-1850.

ArchivalResource

Gaines, John, 1677-ca. 1750. Papers, 1707-1850.

Papers, 1707-1850.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/84666717

This collection contains letters, poems,tax notices, deeds, and an account book relating to several generations of the Gaines family. Some letters pertain to the power of attorney and administration of estates; others are personal. One letter details family history. The account book kept by chairmakers and turners, John Gaines II and Thomas Gaines, provides the earliest known account of an American chairmaker. Early on the book was used by John, but by the mid 1730s, entries were made by Thomas as well. Entries dating from 1707-1762 indicate that the Gaineses made great chairs, low chairs, banister back, slat back, crown back, carved back, and children's table chairs. Chairs were either painted black, varnished, or sold unfinished (white). The account book notes that a great chair in 1711 sold for nine or ten shillings, but by 1747, the price had increased to 40 shillings. White chairs were less expensive than black ones. They also turned table legs, bed posts, and stair banisters. Besides building chairs, the Gaineses also repaired them, most often replacing the rush seat bottom. They also repaired hand tools by making new handles and wooden parts for such items as hoes and knives. They fixed spinning wheels, made ladies' fans, and built button molds by the dozens. They also turned taps and "fassets," presumably for the kegs of cider they sold. The Gaineses farmed as well, selling corn, beef, veal, sheep, thatch, and other produce, and provided such sundry labor as weighing fish, "hanging a scythe," and transporting goods and people by horse. Written inside the back cover of the account book is part of the Gaines family genealogy.

43 items : ill. 26 cm.

Winterthur Library