Artifact of the Month Archive

Grape Carrier

Grapes became a major crop in Northwest Arkansas in the early 1900s thanks to the Italian settlers of Tontitown (Washington County).

While in Europe as a soldier during World War I, Nathan Bickford sent his wife, Naomi, this apron.

This circa 1920 ceramic lamp belonged to the Searcy family of Springdale. The only marking is “Germany” on the lamp base.

Before indoor plumbing, this 1880s tin water carrier was an inexpensive alternative to a fancy ceramic basin and pitcher set.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Native American tribes in upstate New York sold handmade beaded crafts like this to tourists.

The pattern of this circa 1915 quilt is called “Barn Raising,” a variation of the traditional Log Cabin pattern.