Name/Title
BoxEntry/Object ID
1959.9Description
Crumpled, empty box pierced throughout with holes. The lid of the box has a hand-written paper labels that reads, "This box contains a Live Baby Panther / Caution / Do not feed in Transit". The reverse has hand written address label with two 3-cent stamps, the return address, "From Horace M. Abrams / Schoharie. N.Y" and sending address, "To / Dr. Arthur W. Peach / Vermont Historical Society / Montpelier / Vermont". A small note written across the bottom of the label reads, "Contains Merchadise - 4th Class. - POSTMASTER. - This parcel may be opened for Post Office inspection of merchandise." One side of the box is missing a flap, and the other flap is crushed open. The lid hinges open with a fabric tape hinge.
Inside the box is a flat piece of paper with (presumably fake) small animal poop glued to the center top and the handwritten inscription, "Well, he Was here, but he must have got away."Context
Given to Vermont Historical Society Director Arthur Peach as a prank by Horace Abrams, during the "panther craze" when several sightings of catamounts were reported across the state of Vermont. The phrase on the inside is a reference to people not being able to prove their claims because the catamount was not present.Acquisition
Accession
1959.9Source or Donor
Peach, Arthur Wallace (1886-1956)Acquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Estate of Dr. Arthur W. PeachMade/Created
Artist
Abrams, Horace Mills (1894-1960)Date made
1959Place
City
SchoharieState/Province
New YorkCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
BoxNomenclature Class
ContainersNomenclature Category
Category 07: Distribution & Transportation Objects