Piano, ca. 1830

Helen Gilchrist received this stylish pianoforte from her aunt while she attended a finishing school in New York City and was determined to keep the fine instrument when it was time for her to return home in 1849. Helen arranged for its long journey--first aboard a sailing vessel bound for New Orleans, then on a steamboat that traveled up the Mississippi to a trading post at Warsaw, Illinois, and finally in the bed of a farmer's wagon, which carried it to the Gilchrist home in Hills Grove, McDonough County.

Made by J. Thurston, New York, NY
Empire style
Mahogany veneer, ivory, gilt brass, iron
Illinois State Museum purchase (1966.16)

Furniture | Wood

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96