Imagine stepping back in time, where the creaking of floorboards and the whispers of the past transport you to a bygone era. Welcome to Strawbery Banke, a living museum that offers a captivating glimpse into the furniture craftsmanship of colonial America.
Uncovering the Wendell Family Legacy
As I stroll through the meticulously preserved historic houses of Strawbery Banke, my eyes are immediately drawn to the impressive Wendell family collection. This extraordinary assemblage of furniture, ceramics, and personal artifacts tells the story of one of Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s most prominent clans, offering a unique window into the lives and tastes of colonial-era New Englanders.
The Wendell family’s connection to Strawbery Banke dates back to the late 18th century, when Jacob Wendell (1788-1865) purchased the house on Pleasant Street in 1815. Over the next century and a half, the home and its contents were cherished and preserved by successive generations, creating a remarkable time capsule that has captured the imagination of historians and furniture enthusiasts alike.
Tracing the Roots of the Wendell Collection
To unravel the mysteries of the Wendell family’s furniture, I delve into the rich archives of Strawbery Banke Museum. Here, I uncover a treasure trove of information, from historical inventories and photographs to business ledgers and personal correspondence.
The collection’s origins can be traced back to Jacob’s father, John Wendell (1731-1808), a prominent real estate businessman in Portsmouth. John’s two marriages connected him to some of the city’s most influential families, including the Wentworths, Frosts, and Sherburnes. This web of social connections likely facilitated the acquisition of the family’s impressive collection of 18th-century furniture, much of it in the baroque and rococo styles that were fashionable at the time.
The Museum’s collections reveal that the Wendell family’s furnishings were not merely decorative – they were deeply intertwined with the social and economic history of colonial Portsmouth. As I examine the high chest of drawers, stretcher table, and magnificent china table, I can almost hear the echoes of lively dinner parties and heated political debates that once filled these rooms.
Masterpieces of Portsmouth Craftsmanship
One of the crown jewels of the Wendell collection is the exquisite china table, dating back to 1765-1775. This piece, likely crafted by the English immigrant cabinetmaker Robert Harrold, is a true testament to the skill and artistry of colonial-era Portsmouth furniture makers.
The table’s carved saltire stretchers, pierced finial brackets, and elegant rail moldings are just a few of the details that showcase the region’s sophisticated tastes and mastery of the rococo style. Interestingly, this china table may have even belonged to Sir John Wentworth, the last royal governor of New Hampshire, before making its way into the Wendell household.
Alongside the china table, the Wendell collection boasts a pair of upholstered armchairs, also believed to have been crafted in Portsmouth during the 1760s or 1770s. These low-slung, broad-seated chairs with curved front rails exemplify the English-influenced design sensibilities that were prevalent in the colonial port city.
Preserving the Wendell Legacy
As the Wendell house was gradually passed down through the generations, the family’s penchant for preserving their history became a defining characteristic. Meticulous records, inventories, and even annotated photographs provide a remarkable level of documentation, allowing modern-day curators to trace the evolution of the family’s furnishings over time.
The Chipstone Foundation’s research reveals how the arrangement and decoration of the Wendell home changed over the decades, with wallpapers, carpets, and even painted surfaces undergoing periodic updates. Yet, despite these changes, the family’s cherished heirlooms remained at the heart of the household, creating a tangible connection to the past.
It was this dedication to preserving their heritage that ultimately saved the Wendell collection from being dispersed. When the house was sold in 1988, Strawbery Banke Museum was fortunate to receive a substantial portion of the furnishings, thanks to the generosity of the van der Woude family, direct descendants of the Wendells.
Stepping into the Past
As I wander through the rooms of the Wendell house, now part of the Strawbery Banke Museum, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The furniture, once used by generations of Wendells, now stands as a testament to the skilled craftsmen who shaped the material culture of colonial America.
From the elegant high chest of drawers to the sturdy stretcher table, each piece tells a story of the families who called this place home. The Strawbery Banke website notes that these objects “are both beautiful and tell us about the people who lived in those houses,” reminding us that furniture was not merely a reflection of style, but a window into the social and economic lives of our ancestors.
Uncovering the Surprises
As I delve deeper into the Wendell collection, I can’t help but be struck by the unexpected discoveries that emerge. For instance, the family’s possession of a set of fan-back Windsor chairs, with one branded by the renowned Philadelphia chairmaker Joseph Henzey, speaks to the far-reaching trade networks that connected colonial New England to distant workshops.
Similarly, the small box with three drawers, discovered in the Wendell barn, serves as a humble reminder of the utilitarian furniture that was once an integral part of everyday life. These types of objects, often overlooked in favor of their more grand and glamorous counterparts, offer a tangible connection to the lives of ordinary colonial-era residents.
A Lasting Legacy
As I reluctantly take my leave from Strawbery Banke, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the Wendell family’s dedication to preserving their heritage. Their collection of furniture, ceramics, and personal effects has not only enriched the Strawbery Banke Museum’s holdings but has also provided an invaluable resource for understanding the material culture of colonial America.
The Wendells’ story is a testament to the enduring power of family, tradition, and the reverence for the craftsmanship of the past. And as I step back out into the modern world, I can’t help but wonder what other treasures might still be waiting to be discovered in the hidden corners of our nation’s history.
So, if you ever find yourself in the Portsmouth area, be sure to visit Strawbery Banke and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Wendell family. Who knows what other secrets the past might reveal?
