Curiosities Collections

Log Cabin Quilt

Log Cabin pattern quilt in silk multi color fabrics and a taffeta backing. This quilt likely dates from the later 1880s or 1890s. The Log Cabin pattern dates back in history and became popular again in 1840 during William Henry Harrison's campaign. This one was a gift to Benjamin Harrison.

Curiosities

Get intrigued with unusual ephemera

Be Creative

Experience our Collections

What draws you in? Color. Texture. Je ne sais quoi? Go with your gut and experience a new take on learning. Enjoy this individually curated section.

There’s always that one in the crowd See this artifact

Don’t skirt this artifact See this artifact

The weight of the world See this artifact

They were on a roll See this artifact

A siren song See this artifact

Photograph of crowd in front of Harrison's North Delaware Street home in 1888. Benjamin Harrison is standing near the front door slighlty to the left. Image shows the front of the house as it looked in 1888, picket fence at front sidewalk, and crowd of mostly men and young boys. A few women stand behind Harrison at the front door. The crowd is lined up on the rightside of the walk leading to the front door, in the yard to the left, and on the front sidewalk to the left.

Photograph showing finer details on the dress skirt. There skirt is ornately connected with buttons and lining the accents vertically, in gold. The fabric is lightly wrinkled.

Photograph (sepia tone) mounted on heavy board. Images shows 1888 Campaign Ball with D. E. Brockett (designer and builder) standing to the left with other men behind him and to the right side of the ball. There is also a stack of lumber to the back on the right and a shed type building to the left. Below image on board is the following information:

A certificate for a Naval Commission from signed by Ulysses S. Grant for John Parker to be promoted to Ensign in the Navy starting on July 17, 1875. Signed and issued on January 9, 1877. Grant's signature under text at lower right. Also signed by Secretary of Navy Geo. W. Robeson. George Maxwell Robeson (March 16, 1829 – September 27, 1897) appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant as Secretary of the Navy on June 25, 1869. Image of the eagle on top center; bottom center has a blue seal with image of Poseidon coming out of the sea with maidens, etc.

This close up of Caroline's gold dress shows an inscription on the inside that reads,

Closeup on the ribbon on the metal. Appears to be a sleek blue and white fabric with light bouncing off.

This is a close up from the piece of paper on which the illustration was made. The artist has droppings of water colors here, likely used to as a test.

Inside cover is heavy cardboard, red edges come out farther than the wood. Inside is pale green. Between each page is a layer of tissue paper. The book is written in Hebrew and opens from right to left. Pages appear to be done by hand.

Closeup of the engraved glass on the door. Shows french style patterning with curves and hard edges.

Close up of a figure on the composition. Shows a soldier hoisting an american flag and a sword, with little detail.

Designed and hand-painted by Mrs. Caroline Scott Harrison with hand painted purple and lavender Pansies. Edge is a cutout lace pattern with gold paint.

Original Harrison large rosewood and satinwood Renaissance Revival bed. Satinwood panel in tall head board. Large Egyptian medallion in center of head board that matches smaller medallions in chairs. The head board is 8 feet tall with squared feet. Squared urn design on foot board. Foot board has round massive legs. Ornamental pieces in medallions, scrolls, etched designs, etc.

Campaign Photograph

There’s always that one in the crowd

See this object

Declare your Support

Share the life stories, arts and culture of your 23rd President

Renew

Renew your membership with us.

Preserve

Support a legacy.

Share the life stories, arts and culture of your 23rd President

Renew

Click to renew your membership.

Preserve

Click to support the legacy.

Update on Presidential Site Tours & Events

** Please note we are CLOSED for our annual cleaning from January 1- 24, 2021. We look forward to seeing you when we reopen on January 25th. Please visit the 'Plan Your Visit' portion of our website to reserve your tickets. Meantime, watch for additional details on our Events page for Coffee with the Curator, The Night Indianapolis Roared, virtual gatherings, quiz nights, new podcasts, curbside engagements, & more!

Curiosities Collections

Log Cabin Quilt

Log Cabin Quilt

Curiosities

3D Nursery Room

Log Cabin Pattern Quilt

"Votes for Women" Plate

Suffrage Porcelain Cat

Flask

Wooden Ax

Small Bale of Cotton

Bootjack

Signature Crazy Quilt

Gymnasium

Cigar Box

Bird's Eye View of World's Columbian Exposition

Souvenir of trip to California Poem

Experience our Collections

Declare your Support

Update on Presidential Site Tours & Events

Thank You!

Enter your email below to check your subscription