Did you think those caterer’s urns with spigots were a 20th-century invention? Not so! Urns with spigots to dispense hot water (because the proper way to do it is to put the tea leaves in the tea pot) have been around since the 18th century.
This monumental tea urn, seen here on display in the John Paul Jones House, is a good example of English Sheffield plate, which was very popular in America in the early nineteenth century as an alternative to objects fashioned from more expensive sterling silver. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the tea ceremony in early America. The unmarked urn has an early history in the Fowle family of Portsmouth, and is a recent gift of Esther Pappas of Yarmouth, Maine, a family descendant who presented it to the Society in memory of her mother.
Hot-water urn, probably Sheffield, England, 1810-20. Fused plate (Sheffield plate), ivory; H. 19 in., W. 9 ½ in., D. 10 in. Gift of Edith Pappas in memory of Esther J. Marshall, 2020.
The Teapot’s Tale by Portsmouth author Joanna Brode
with illustrations by Claudia Hopf
The little teapot in this story is real. It was made in New York City by one of the Crolius family of potters, and centuries later was purchased at the Brimfield, Massachusetts Flea Market by a New Hampshire couple.
The story of what happened between the teapot’s creation in New York City and its purchase at the Brimfield Market is fictional but plausible. Readers are invited to imagine their own story of what might of befallen the little teapot in those mysterious lost years.
2021 Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks at the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
The Black Heritage Trail is once again hosting a phenomenal series of talks to celebrate Black History Month. It’s a “virtual” series this year, so you don’t even have to brave the 15° weather to participate. But you do need to register in advance!
We’re all glad to see the back of 2020, but we need to take a moment and say
THANK YOU
to all our supporters who made it possible for us to reach 2021. We are constantly amazed by the generosity and enthusiasm of our members, donors, sponsors, and public. We truly couldn’t do it without you, and we’re so glad to have you on the team!
The annual appeal letter assembly line in late 2019.
Puzzle Sale
This high-quality jigsaw puzzle is on sale at our online shop for only $20!
Don’t be fooled by the fact it’s only 500 pieces; it’s a challenge!
The first person to send shop manager Beth a selfie with the completed puzzle will win 2 tickets for our downtown Portsmouth walking tour!
Pair of slippers, labeled by Abner Newhall (1771-1802), Portsmouth, ca. 1792-1802. Leather; L. 10 ½ in., W. 3 ½ in., H. 2 in. Gift of Hollis Brodrick (2020). Transcription of label: “ABNER NEWHALL’s / SHOE STORE, / Opposite the Sign of the / Golden Pitcher Daniel-street, PORTSMOUTH, (N.H.)”
These early labeled women’s slippers are a recent example of the longstanding generosity of Hollis Brodrick. Over the span of many years, Hollis has given the Society outstanding and rare documented Portsmouth objects. Newhall worked on Daniel Street, advertised in the local paper, and was active in the late eighteenth century.
Newhall is a little-known figure, but there is considerable documentation that can shed light on his career. The Wendell Family Papers at the Baker Library at the Harvard Business School include a substantial body of Newhall’s estate papers as well as several account books. These indicate he sold “misses slippers” and related shoes at various price points. Other Newhall papers are at the Massachusetts Historical Society. Newhall died in August 1802 and his shop burned in the December 1802 fire. These slippers join the Society’s outstanding collection of textiles, costume, and fashion accessories, including various types of footwear.
We are now closed to the public until April, but this doesn’t mean we’re not still hard at work! We’ve got big plans for the “off season.” Stay tuned for all the details!
Jigsaw Puzzle Contest!
Our store manager, Beth, has put this fabulous jigsaw puzzle on sale for $20! Featuring the beautiful silk quilt by Rhoda Jane Fogg Brown that was the centerpiece of the “New Hampshire Folk Art: For the People, By the People” exhibition, this 500-piece puzzle is a great challenge for a cold, wintery afternoon!
The first person to complete the puzzle and send a selfie with the finished product to beth@portsmouthhistory.org will win two passes to our celebrated downtown Portsmouth walking tour, which can be redeemed when the tours start up again in the spring!
Let’s get puzzling!
Thank you, Joyce
Joyce Tucker, seen here with walking tour manager Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf, has been indispensable!
Joyce Tucker, membership coordinator and development associate, is stepping down from her position. While we’ll still get to see her from time to time behind the front desk, she will certainly be missed upstairs in the office. With the patience of a saint, she tackled enormous, difficult projects with a witty remark or funny story always at the ready.
We’ll miss you!
Looking Forward to the 2021 Season
Now that we can all put 2020 behind us, we are enjoying getting plans back on track. What we had to postpone last year will finally happen in 2021, and we can’t wait. We’ve got some fantastic programs planned, so join us in the coming weeks to learn all the details.
In the Apple Orchard (detail), by Frederick Bosley. Oil on canvas, 1915. Private collection.
Portsmouth Historical Society and the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center are now closed for the winter. See you in April, 2021!
Our staff is still working, but mostly from home. If you need to get in touch, stop by, or get assistance with something, please get in touch by phone (603.436.8433) or email! Our staff list can be found here.
Use code books at checkout. Store Manager Extraordinaire Beth is adding new titles every day. Check out the books available in our online shop now! *
25% off all merchandise in-store on December 23rd!
The store will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 23, and it’s your last chance to get unique NH gifts for your friends and family for Christmas!
*Free shipping up to a value of $10 on the media mail rate, which should cover most orders. We use USPS, so we can’t guarantee delivery by December 25. It’s 2020, so why would Christmas go to plan? But we’ll muddle through!
For making Portsmouth a better place to live and work, the award goes to…
Rehabilitation of a Historic Property award to GoodWork and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests for Creek Farm.
Portsmouth Advocates have announced the winners of the 2020 Advocates Awards! Every year, the Advocates bestow awards of excellence to owners, designers, and contractors whose exceptional work enhances the city’s unique historic character. The winners demonstrate a commitment to historic preservation and make Portsmouth a better place to live and work.
Photo courtesy of Ken Goldman, www.kenphotogeek.com
This year has tried us all, and we couldn’t have made it through without the love and support of YOU and this wonderful community.
Your visits, likes and follows, volunteered time, and precious dollars are absolutely crucial for us to continue to fulfill our mission to bring history past and present, art of all kinds, and cultural enrichment to the Seacoast and beyond. Please support us today with a donation to our annual fund, a membership for yourself or as a gift to a friend or family member, or a purchase at our Museum Shop.
Many, many thanks!
SAACC Pete Souza/Obama Exhibition Extended through December 23
The photography exhibition at the Seacoast African American Cultural Center is still viewable through December 23! This show is phenomenal and well worth admission.
Pete Souza was the chief official White House photographer during the Obama administration. This exclusive exhibition of fifty stunning photographs is not to be missed!
