Name/Title
commodeEntry/Object ID
2017.013.004Description
Commode. A: stand. Wood, painted very dark red. Square with rounded columns at corners which form the legs. Front panel is decorated with incised five-pointed star within a circle. Raised panel at center of hinged lid is decorated with stylized sunburst; chain on each side runs from lid to side of body. Smaller, solid interior lid covers opening for chamber pot. [This may be a later addition; wood does not match rest of piece.] Below this is a hinged panel with round opening at center; panel lifts to allow removal of chamber pot. 16.5”h x 17.5”w x 16.25”d. B: chamber pot; ceramic, white with raised swag design, attached handle. 5”h x 9.5”w x 8.5”d. Mid-1800s.Acquisition
Accession
2017.013Source or Donor
Gordon, Thomas S.Acquisition Method
GiftGeneral Notes
Note
Was purchased from the estate of the family of Edward A. Chrest. Edward A Chrest (1 September 1865 - 14 September 1934) owned a livery stable at 197-299 E. Main St., Westminster. The house is at the corner of East Main, Washington Road, and Manchester Road. It was struck by bullets during the cavalry skirmish known as “Corbit’s Charge” in June 1863. Chrest married Mary E. “Mollie” Schweigart (4 November 1870 - 21 December 1946). They had 4 children: Edward N. Chrest (1894–1985); Nora F. Chrest (1896–1973); Harriette E. Chrest Gellner (1896–1993); Mabel C. Chrest Meredith (1899–1994). They are all buried in Westminster Cemetery.