Curiosities Collections

William Henry Harrison’s Bootjack

DateDimensionsAccession_numberMaterials

Late 1700s or Early 1800sH: 22 1/4" W: 4 1/8"2451Wood and metal nails

Wood bootjack that belonged to William Henry Harrison and was given to Benjamin Harrison February 10, 1892, from Abram Stanley of Salem, Indiana. A wood block 3 ¾” x 1 7/8” x 1” on the bottom near the “v” shaped end allows the bootjack to sit on an angle. Wood is cracked from the base of the "v" down through the center. The left point of the "v" is worn or broken off at the end slightly. There are several holes and nails: some are where the wood block base is attached and others are closer to the "v" (on either side of opening). A hole for hanging or strap at foot of bootjack is slightly off center to the left. Letter #2449 is from Abram Stanley states that the bootjack was William Henry Harrison and has been in Stanley's possession for fifty-one years.

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

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 (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:

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Door Panel

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Curiosities Collections

William Henry Harrison’s Bootjack

William Henry Harrison’s Bootjack

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