Clues From the Past: A chest full of stories

Historical objects of all kinds draw me in, mostly because they connect me to the people who crafted, used, or cherished a specifc item. Yesterday, a spectacular object found its way from an antique shop hallway to me, and with it comes so many unanswered questions -- but that's the fun part!

The object is a simple wooden chest with a domed lid, about 4 feet long. Made in Salem Massachusettes at the end of the 18th or beginning of the 19th century, it is a humble, utilitarian piece that likely held linens, blankets, or other texttile goods. As Salem was a port town, it is possible that the trunk could have had martime uses as well. It's likely that this chest has lived all of it's years here in the Commonwealth.

The interior of the chest is lined with Essex Register newspaper pages that date to August, 1807, which confirnms the piece was is use by then. The newsprint is damaged in many places, but much of is still legible and shares news of the day, including ship departures, books for sale, rooms to let, and political opinions. The orginal hardward seems to be mostly hand-wrought.

The piece, though it shows the wear and tear of more than two centuries worth of use, is a lovely reminder that compelling history mysteries are always nearby. Sometimes all you need is a keen eye, a willingness to haggle over prices, and then you'll be the proud owner of a humble wooden chest crafted when Thoman Jefferson was the presidsent.