Name/Title
Harriet M. Johnson Fire Insurance PolicyEntry/Object ID
2022.97.03Scope and Content
Document outlining the terms of a $500 fire insurance policy purchased by Harriet M. Johnson of Ganges to cover her dwelling for $75, her household goods (furniture, bedding, clothing) for $50, her "musical instruments, libraries, wall pictures and paintings "for $50, her barn and shed for $225, the contents of her barn/shed for $50 and her "livestock, carriages, harnesses and farm Implements" for $50.
The cost of the policy was $1.50, or $54 in 2022 dollars.
The policy was written by the Citizens' Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Kent, Allegan and Ottawa Counties on 28 May 1898.
The document has a large letterhead on the top third of the document with a map of the company's coverage area, idealized illustrations farms buildings and livestock, bank-note style typography and elaborate architectural elements to inspire confidence in the policy buyer.
The reverse side of the document is covered in the proverbial fine print.Context
$500 in 1898 was the equivalent of $18,000 in 2023. This policy gives insights into the worldly goods and values of a Ganges farmer. For example, the barn and shed were insured for three-times the value of the dwelling.Collection
Commercial businesses, 1870 Fruit growing, farming, agricultureCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2022.97Source or Donor
Wolbrink, Janet (Bogart) 1923-2016, Wolbrink, Robert B. Sr. 1923-1996Dimensions
Height
16-1/2 inWidth
10-3/4 inLocation
Filing cabinet
Files Accession NumberRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Johnson, Harriet (Metzger) 1858-1947Notes
Presumed to be the correct Harriet M. Johnson but only the name and plausible birth/death dates match.Create Date
January 1, 2023Update Date
January 1, 2023
