Notes
History from original donor, Myrtle Donahoo: Donor was 100 years old in 1986 when she donated the piece. The pitcher had belonged to her grandmother, Mary Etta Morrison Donahue (Donahoo) born 9/12/1832 and died 2/22/1910. Donor about to admit herself into a nursing home. She placed the piece in the north parlor.
Other info collected:. 300 Years of Kitchen collectibles by Linda C. Franklin taken from Young Housekeepers Friend :To prevent Earthen Ware from being easily broken put article into a kettle; cover entirely with cold water and put the kettle where it will soon boil. When it has boiled for a few minutes set it aside, covered. When the water is cold take out the item. From 1973 inventory called Bennington teapot/Rebecca at well.
Majolica introduced in England at the Crystal Palace Expo in 1851. Became a popular collectible with Victorians. Made from soft earthenware baked then painted with opaque enamel from metals, such as tin & lead, in vivid colors added & piece fired. Myrtle Donahoo graduated from the Nebraska City High School on May 28, 1909. In her quest to become a teacher, she attended Peru State Normal School and graduated August 3rd of 1917. She then was able to teach grammar to Nebraska students in the 3rd to 8th grades. On August 20, 1926, Myrtle received a Bachelor of Arts degree at Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney, Nebraska. She was president of the Nebraska State Dietetic association. She worked as one of the dietitians in the Lincoln General Hospital. She was active in the Nebraska City community and was president of the Women's division of the Chamber of Commerce. She never married.
Myrtle was the granddaughter of Absolom and Mary Etta Donahoo and the daughter of Crystal and Eva Donahoo.