Artifact of the Month Archive
Hem Weights
Hem weights were often sewn into the hem of a woman’s dress prior to baptism to keep the water from floating her dress up in a revealing manner. These circa 1900 weights were discovered . . .
Toothpick Holder
In the late 1940s Roy Ritter, a pioneer in the Arkansas poultry industry, was raising broilers at his AQ (Arkansas Quality) chicken farm in Springdale. At that time Ritter played host to . . .
Football Helmet
Donald Gregory wore this helmet in the 1940s. He was born in Mountainburg (Crawford County) in 1932, where his father Floyd ran a mercantile. The Gregorys later moved to Fayetteville, where Floyd . . .
Gibson Basket
This basket made by Lifus Gibson, a descendant of Christopher Columbus “Lum” Gibson (1865-1947), who settled near the Spring Valley area in northeast Washington County. Lum Gibson originated a basket design . . .
Serving Set
Elegant pattern names accompany this circa 1890 serving set: “Assyrian Head” for the fork and “Fontainebleau” for the spoon. These pieces no doubt saw their share of holiday meals. . . .
Flask
Stamped on the spine of this circa 1850 earthenware “book” is the title, “Departed Spirits.” The yellow earthenware flask was made by Lyman Fenton & Co., Bennington, Vermont, between 1849 and 1858 . . .