Name/Title
Serving TrayEntry/Object ID
2004.007.18Description
One porcelain, rectangular serving tray with a molded body and handles, and hand-painted, highly realistic floral decoration. The glaze is a very fine white and the hand painting is over the glaze. The rim of the dish is banded with gold and a thin turquoise line. The inside of the dish is painted with four different types of flowers around the outer edges and a very large sprig of roses in the center. The handles are heavier, molded leaves with additional gold highlighting.Context
The Allen family owned a prosperous woolen mill on the banks of Allen’s Creek (now called by its original Seneca name of Oatka Creek) in Mumford, New York. Oliver Allen I built his first mill in 1821 and it was one of the first mills west of the Genesee River. In 1829, he built the large stone mill called Allen’s Woolen Mill. He ran it until 1844 when his son Oliver Allen II (1823-1903) took over the running of the mill. The Allen’s Woolen Mill was passed down through three generations and was known for its fine wool and quality fabric. However, it could not compete with the larger woolen mills in the northeast and closed in 1902.
Oliver II began courting Catherine Huchins Seaman (1827-1908), daughter of a wool merchant from Palmyra, New York, and they were married in 1848. Oliver designed this china set and sent the designs to England to be produced for his new bride. This was somewhat unusual as there were many standardized patterns to choose from, but he wanted something special for his future wife. Oliver and Catherine were well known for their hospitality in their home in Mumford and one can imagine this beautiful set being used by them. They had eight children, the oldest of whom was Frances Seymour Allen who passed the china to her daughter Ruth Campbell, grandmother of the donor. Oliver and Catherine were laid to rest in the Mumford Rural Cemetery under the largest monument in the cemetery. The tall stone plinth sits on a small rise and can be seen easily from the road.Collection
Genesee Country Village and MuseumMade/Created
Date made
1845 - 1848Place
Country
EnglandLocation
United KingdomRegion
Western EuropeContinent
EuropeDimensions
Height
2 inWidth
8-7/8 inLength
12-5/8 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Allen, Catharine H. SeamanPerson or Organization
Allen, OliverRelated Places
Place
Hamlet
MumfordState/Province
New YorkCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North America