The front hall represents the
laboring man of the time with a collection of agricultural tools and
some of those of the local tradesmen such as the cabinetmaker and
the harness/shoe maker.
Don't bump into our young girl with shawl and basket as you come
in. This mannequin is clothed as she might have been when she was
"farmed out" to another family to work.
Head into the Pettengill Room to further prove the adage,
A Woman's Work is Never Done. This room has been assembled to show
the clutter and hustle-bustle of the primary workspace of the women
of the house. They had to accomplish many tasks within a very small
area. Though the fireside may have been snug, it was certainly
crowded. There was the daily cooking, butter making, jelly making,
weaving, sewing, other needlework, washing and ironing, and the day
was a long one with perhaps only a candle or lamp light to see by.
Take a look into the Schooldays Room. The
needlework from past years has been removed and the writing exhibit
has taken its place. It seems appropriate with the other school
items. The "yo yo" coverlet made by the Turner girls should be
noted, as well as Rob Hall's collection of new folk art.
Saturday night bath time was a complicated process for Mother.
Water had to be heated, perhaps in the fireplace, and don't forget
she made her own soap from potash and fat! Girls bathed first (they
were said to be cleaner) then more water was added and the boys had
a turn. Usually there was little privacy... Who's Next?
The main room displays have been changed to
exhibit the museum's furniture collection. This was prompted by an
offer by Dr. John Barrett and family to return to Grafton the
original desk of Captain John Barrett, who built the first store in
the lower village, now the post office and town hall. The desk sits
in all its glory, on original carpeting, at the far end of the main
room.
photo by Jennifer
Karpin
The melodeon, a gift from Addie Vogel, was made by
Estey and Green of Brattleboro, c 1856-63.
The table setting which has been designed and
assembled by Karen Hall is of an early period before glass and
porcelain were readily available. Wooden ware (treenware) and pewter
were all that made up the table setting with here and there a clay
fired piece.
A handmade rug served as a table
cover. Napkins were not for this family, but a linen towel might
have been passed around. Probably an apron or a sleeve served the
purpose.
Another area of interest is the Soapstone
Collection, much of which was quarried in Grafton. Soapstone
was quite soft and it was easily carved. Shown are a number of the
many uses.
