Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Gillingham, Mrs. J.
| title | Ruckman family photographs and papers, ca.1838-ca.1910. | repository | The Winterthur Library |
| description | A collection of 14 photographs, one drawing, and a number of prints collected by unknown members of the Ruckman and Fell families of Pennsylvania. Fourteen photographs show rooms in homes; unfortunately, most are not identified. Three photos are of the front and back parlors in the home of Amanda Ruckman (Mrs. J. Gillingham) Fell who lived on Walnut Street. The photos were taken in 1900. The rooms are ornate, filled with Victorian furniture, decorations, and paintings. The other photos are from a less-ornate home (or homes). Halls, a dining room, parlors, and bedrooms are depicted. Most of the furniture is from the late 19th century, but some 18th century pieces, such as Chippendale chairs and a tall case clock, are also found. A pencil drawing of flowers was done by Mary W. Fell in 1867(?). Most of the prints were removed from 19th century publications, including Godey’s Lady’s Book, Miss Leslie’s Magazine, and Graham’s Magazine. Included are fashion plates from 1838-ca.1850, a portrait of King Charles I of England, pictures of ladies, and genre scenes. As well, there are a series of illustrations from “Us Fellers” by B. Cory Kilvert (copyrighted 1906), and illustrations of the five senses by Jessie Willcox Smith. All these items had been placed inside a battered copy of the song “Watch on the Rhine.” Bio/History: The Ruckman family lived in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and the Fell family lived in Philadelphia. John Ruckman (1771-1861) was the progenitor of the people who amassed the items in this collection. His daughter Amanda (1819-1900) married Gillingham Fell; they lived in Philadelphia. John’s son Thomas Hart Ruckman (1827-1908) was the grandfather of John Fell Ruckman (1901-1965) who kept these items together. John Fell Ruckman collected pewter; some of his papers are in the Charles V. Swain papers at this repository. Location The Winterthur Library, Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera, Winterthur, DE 19735 Call Number Col. 802 |
| extent | 2 boxes (about 65 items): chiefly ill. |
| formats | Photographs Drawings Prints Ephemera |
| access | Collection open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply. |
| record source | http://library.winterthur.org:8000/cgi-bin/webgw |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:30 |
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