Name/Title
Bass Family Homestead Framed PrintDescription
A framed black-and-white print depicting three members of the Bass Family and their residence in Marion, Shelby County, IN. At the top of the print are three portraits of Mary L. (Kennedy) Bass, Henry Bass, and Hiram Bass. The portraits include the sitters' names beneath them and are bordered by thin black rectangles. Beneath the three portraits is a depiction of Ole Homestead, the Marion farming residence of Hiram Bass and his family. In the foreground is a body of water. A small canoe with three passengers can be seen sitting on the water, as can three ducks. In the lower left-hand corner is a wooded bank, where a figure stands holding a fishing pole over the water. On the opposite side of the water, on the lower right side of the print, several female figures can be seen standing on a path along the bank. The middle ground depicts the homestead's farmland, including greenery to the far right. To the immediate left of the greenery are several farm animals, corralled by a zig-zagging wooden fence. Behind the fence is a human figure along a cleared path, accompanied by free-roaming cattle at center. Additional free-roaming cattle can be seen further left on the same path. A horse-drawn carriage carrying a male figure can be seen along the center-left. A human figure on horseback can be seen in the grass along the center-right. The middle ground extends further back to depict the Bass family home (center left), as well as several barns and sheds (center right). Additional horses and cattle are corralled within a fence between the building. In the background, additional farming fields can be seen as well as a full tree line.
The dark wooden frame has an ornate outer edge.Artwork Details
Medium
PaperSubject
Ole Homestead, the farming residence of the Bass Family.Subject Person
Hiram Bass, Mary Livers Kennedy Bass, Henry J. BassSubject Place
Neighborhood
MarionTownship
Marion TownshipCounty
Shelby CountyState/Province
IndianaCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaContext
The Bass family were early settlers of Shelby County. In 1818, Rebbecah Bass moved to Indiana with her son, Henry. In 1821, they settled in Addison Township. In 1824, he purchased the land in Marion, depicted in the print as Ole Homestead.
This illustration was included in the 1880 Illustrated Atlas of Shelby County, Indiana. For copies of the atlas, see: 2008.014.006, 2013.001.001Acquisition
Accession
2024.002Source or Donor
Sturgis Historical MuseumAcquisition Method
TransferInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
LabelLocation
Bottom centerTranscription
"Ole Homestead" The Residence of Hiram Bass, Marion Tp., Shelby Co., IND.Language
EnglishMaterial/Technique
In Artist's HandCreate Date
March 6, 2024Update Date
November 20, 2024
