Washington Doll
In the years immediately following the American Revolution, George Washington became a living symbol of a new nation. Across the young republic, admiration for him inspired countless small acts of devotion. This rare type of commemorative doll is an example of this admiration. It was crafted from wool in 1790. These were not toys but expressions of patriotism, Washington’s image carried deep symbolic weight.
This doll is dressed in a white lambskin apron which Washington wore as a dedicated member of the Masonic fraternity. Washington was initiated as a Mason in 1752 and later served as Master of Alexandra Lodge. At this time, Washington’s Masonic identity represented moral leadership, civic responsibility and the ideas upon which the new nation was built. To create a doll of Washington wearing a Masonic apron was to honor the man and the virtues he embodied. This wool Washington doll from this period would have been displayed in a home or lodge. It was not an object for everyday play.
Read More From Nancy
Edward A. Filene Plague
Walking along the fence surrounding the Boston Common, I came across this bronze plaque honoring Edward A. Filene. While many people recognize the Filene name from the famous Boston department store, few realize the tremendous influence he had beyond retail. Filene believed that ordinary working families deserved access to affordable credit and financial opportunity. His […]
William Diamond’s Drum
Among the treasures preserved in Lexington is this beautifully decorated drum that once belonged to William Diamond, the young drummer of Captain John Parker’s Lexington militia. According to tradition, Diamond beat this very drum to summon the townspeople on the night of April 18, 1775, after Paul Revere and other riders brought word that British troops […]
The Campbell Kids Shopping Game
One of the things I enjoy most about visiting local history museums is discovering artifacts that tell the story of everyday life. Community museums often preserve the objects that filled ordinary homes. This 1955 Campbell Kids Shopping Game is one of those treasures. Produced by Parker Brothers in partnership with the Campbell Soup Company, the […]
