Name/Title
Cup plateEntry/Object ID
I2018.004.002.043Description
Clear glass cup plate with some bubbles and a pressed design. CommonUse
To hold the teacup after pouring tea into a saucer to drinkContext
Josephine A. Meneely
New York and Ferrisburgh
1867-1948
Donor of paperweights
Josephine A. Meneely grew up on a farm in Troy, New York, and married William R. Meneely, also of Troy, in 1888. William came from a family of bell makers and became president of the company his father, Clinton, had founded in competition with two brothers.
Josephine and William lived comfortably and were listed as having a live-in maid in several census documents. They sailed to Europe several times and eventually had a residence in Ferrisburgh as well as in Manhattan. They had no children.
In 1951 after both Josephine and William had died, her collections of 51 glass paperweights and 101cup plates were donated to the Bixby Memorial Free Library. A newspaper article announcing the gift noted, “Mrs. Meneely’s paperweights were bought with discrimination and after wide search for good specimens.”
Cup plates
An article published in January of 1951 announced a donation to the Bixby Library from the late Josephine Meneely: her collection of glass cup plates, along with glass paperweights. The article explained cup plates as follows: "Cup plates were not coasters as those unfamiliar with antiques sometimes believe. Inn the 1820s and 1830s it was considered the proper thing to drink tea from the saucer instead of the handleless cup. When the tea was poured into the saucer, the cup was placed on a small cup plate of glass, sometimes of china, to avoid soiling the tablecloth. the fashion changed when cups again were made with handles. Cup plates were smaller than honey plates or preserve dishes, about three inches in diameter."Cataloged By
Jamie Edwards-OrrCreated By
Nancy RemsenCreate Date
April 1, 2024Updated By
Kelly BartlettUpdate Date
August 28, 2024