Name/Title
SouvenirEntry/Object ID
GHS 1471.4 ADescription
Rectangular piece of dark brown wood with the following inscription, "AD 1708". This is filled in with yellow-gold colored paint. Label with object reads as follows, "Large piece/ Piece of one of the original joists of the 2nd floor of [Independence] Hall-under Council Chamber-where I served as a member in 1855-56, also in 1864-65-66-67-68-69-70. The room was altered from a court room to the Common Council Chamber after Consolidation in 1854. Councils met the first year 1854 in Spring Garden Hall-13th and Sp. Garden Sts.
S.C.W." (Samuel C. Willits)
This piece of Poplar was saved from the end of a joist in Hallway on Independence Hall 2nd Floor-in July 1878. The oirginal girder had cracked and had to be removed, I got this from Mr. Edwards in Independence Hall, August 2nd, 1978.
S.C.W.
Label also gives information for GHS 1471.4 B - smaller piece of woodMade/Created
Place
* Untyped Place
USA, PhiladelphiaDimensions
Height
2-1/2 inWidth
17 inDepth
3-3/4 inProvenance
Notes
GHS True Accession Book #1471, "Gifts from Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Brown, Rec'd September 1953. 2 pieces of wood from joist of Independence Hall."