Name/Title
Teacart of E.K. Taylor, c. 1870sEntry/Object ID
2025.49.1Description
Acc. No. 25.49.1
Subject Category: Homes of Alameda, Interior Decor; Citizens of Alameda
Date or Period: 1870s
Object: tea cart
Description: A wooden tea cart (perhaps walnut?) with 2 larger back wheels and two small metal casters on the other side, a scrolled handle, a drop-leaf on the long sides, and a wood and glass tray with handles on the short sides which fits over the top of the cart. The legs and spokes of the bigger wheels are lathe-turned, and the drop-leaves have scrolled edges. The hinged leaves fold out supported by metal arms which have springs to keep them in place. A small drawer, lined with black velvet, is fitted under the top.
Size: tray: L 26 x W 16 inches. Cart: L 26 x W 16 1/2 x H 29 1/2 inches. drop-leaves: L 26 x W 10 1/2 inches.
History of Object: tea cart originally owned by Edward K. Taylor, the first Mayor of Alameda (1907-1909), and was at his home on Central Avenue, west of Grand St., one of the oldest homes in Alameda. E.K. Taylor was a son of Bishop Taylor, who introduced Eucalyptus trees to California.
The tea cart was later given to Wallace Merriam (1885-1976) - assistant manager of the Bank of Alameda and past president of the Rotary Club (1929) - and his wife Edna (née Moulthrop, 1889-1980), who lived at 1324 Caroline St. After that, the tea cart came to be owned by Richard McIntosh (1913-2009) and wife Betty (née Crawford, 1915-2006), uncle and aunt of the donors.
Donors: Heather Daroczi, Amy Cecchettini, Peggy Cecchettini
Donation Date: 2/20/2025
Catalog Date: 3/5/2025
