Name/Title
cabinet, displayEntry/Object ID
1961.904.001Description
Cabinet, display. C. 1880. Large walnut cabinet; down both sides of front are drawers, approximately 2" high; each drawer has a glass front held in place by decoratively stamped plated brass corners; drawers are designed to hold spools of thread. Corners are stamped "Brainerd and Armstrong Co." with ornate butterfly design. At center is hinged door which opens on a tall, narrow compartment with shelves for holding embroidery letters. At bottom are several deeper drawers with glass fronts and below this are drawers with wood fronts. Beaded crown molding. Unit is in two pieces, top sits on base and is held in line by pegs. 81"h x 41.5"w x 22.5"d.Context
This cabinet turned thread into a beautiful centerpiece for a main street store. Each pull-out drawer held a single color, its metal label stamped with a butterfly and the name “Brainerd & Armstrong,” a a New London, CT silk thread company whose products were sold locally at Nusbaum and Jordan Dry Goods Store in Westminster. Made to catch the eye as well as organize stock, it signaled choice, order, and reliability. The center once held alphabet patterns for marking linens, tying store-bought goods to the personal work of the home.Acquisition
Accession
1961.904Source or Donor
Cash, Truman B.Acquisition Method
GiftExhibitions
Exhibition
Main Street at Work: Merchants and Medicine in Carroll CountyNotes
"Doorway to the Past", 1999General Notes
Note
Original deed of gift reads "spool cabinet bought from Nusbaum - Jordan". The Nusbaum and Jordan store was on Main St. in Westminster. Was probably an advertising piece provided to stores by the thread company. Deed of gift marked "Catalogued 1986 / gift shop / 1984". Piece was used in HSCC offices and gift shop prior to being moved to off-site storage.
