Powder horn, 1842
Signed “Adam Gaffield, 1849” this powder horn would have been slightly out of fashion with soldiers when made. Perhaps the horn dates from earlier period and was signed later or was simply used for personal use. Originally the horn would have had a long thong attached to it to hang over one’s shoulder and a stopper to keep the powder dry. Not visible in the image is a drawing of a man on horse back cut into the horn’s surface similar to the visible inscription.
Ox shoe, c.1800
A rare artifact, oxen of the 18th and 19th centuries would have been fitted with 8 shoes, two on each cloven hoof. The ox was the animal of choice for early farmers; they were stronger, ate less and were less appealing to thieves.
Flax hatchel, 1827
The hatchel was the second step in linen production. After the plant stalks had been rotted they were combed using the hatchel. The spikes would remove the shorter fibers, align the long desired fibers, and remove the woody stem debris. This Hatchel is signed “DP 1824” and is associated with David Pearson.
Cow horn footstool, c.1860
This cow horn foot stool dates to the 1880s. The footstool would originally have had a cross-stitched or brocade covering that is now lost. Cow horn furniture was very popular during the Victorian Period and was part of a broader interest in the exotic and eclectic brought on by British colonization. For example Egyptian motifs show up on the gas light in the Allison House’s parlour and Moorish inspired brickwork so indicative of Queen Anne style houses is used on the house’s facade.
Christopher Peterson’s Land Grant, 1798
The British crown awarded land to Loyalist settlers in reward for remaining loyalist to the king. The amount of land received was based on such as your rank, your involvement in key military battles, and your relation to other loyal individuals. This particular grant was awarded to Christopher Peterson on December 31st, 1798. The land was not a full 200 acres, however, this would not have been his first or only grant. Petitions for land were continually made as land was surveyed and for several decades loyalist settlers, later immigrants, and the children of both made claims for pieces of it.
