Meet the Duke, Richard Stockton, Jr. 1764-1828

Like most Americans, you would have to admit that you might be a little hazy on your knowledge of the important movers and shakers of our earliest history. This blog will help you get to know one of our founding fathers.

We present to you, The Duke. Richard Stockton, Jr. was the son of Richard Stockton (1730 - 1781) Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Richard Stockton, Jr. followed in the footsteps of his Father and his Uncle Elisha Boudinot. He became an outstanding lawyer.

Here are some fast facts:

-          Graduated from the College of New Jersey in  1779

-          Entered the bar in 1784

-          Married Mary Field of Bordentown in 1788

-          Was a dominant figure in the Federalist Party, however ran unsuccessfully for Governor from 1801-1804

-          Appointed to an unexpired term in the US Senate and served in Philadelphia until March 1799

-          Was a Congressman from 1813-1815

-          Did not serve a second term in Congress, but, returned to his law practice, frequently appearing in cases in the New Jersey and US Supreme Courts

-          Served on the Boards of the College of New Jersey and the Presbyterian Church

-          Contributed a large portion of land to the Princeton Theological Seminary

Why was he nicknamed, The Duke?  Richard Stockton, Jr. was a successful and imposing figure after the Revolutionary War. Perhaps, he may have thought quite highly of himself and his role in the fledgling colonies. After all, he was the son of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence. His Father and his uncle Elias Boudinot held prominent positions throughout the war. The Duke represented a number of important cases dealing with passage rights on the Delaware River. Perhaps, his imperious nature earned his nickname and today provides a convenient distinction from his Father.

The Stockton Family residence, Morven, is located at 55 Stockton Street in Princeton New Jersey. We took a tour of Morven and discovered that an identical portrait of the Duke, which we have on consignment, hangs in the gallery there. On further investigation, we learned that Morven owns two more identical portraits of the Duke.

Pictured here is a comparison of the two portraits in the Morven gallery. Charles Lawrence, regional portrait artist of the early elite, painted the portrait, which hangs in the Morven  gallery. His name appears on the back of our consignment, citing that the portrait is by him. You can see this portrait by clicking on the “Art” category in this website.                                            

Gaudy Welsh Pottery – Collectible and Affordable

Do you like ceramics? Then consider collecting Gaudy Welsh pottery. There is a wide range of colorful designs and patterns to discover, painted on a variety of utilitarian household items.

Manufactured in England from about 1820-1890, potteries created Gaudy Welsh for working class people. Sales men sold Gaudy Welsh door to door. Hawkers gave it as prizes at carnivals and fairs. This pottery was widely popular with the Welsh, who brought their collections with them when they arrived in America.

Don’t be put off by the term ”Gaudy.” The name is not an original one. It evolved as a category given by  dealers and collectors. Also known as “Swansea Cottage” the paint decoration essentially mimicked Japanese Imari artwork. Gaudy Welsh pottery is easy to recognize because a standard color scheme exists. Cobalt blue is usually the predominant base color. Burnt orange, yellow, pink, and green floral and geometric designs fill in the details. Look for copper and pink luster accents.

Collectors eventually gave names to patterns to provide a sense of order. “Tulip” and “Grape” patterns are more common. Cwm-Cadlan, Beddgelert, and Penrhyndeudraeth are fun to pronounce.

Manufacturers made Gaudy Welsh pottery quickly and affordably to fulfill a need. The working class wished for beautiful tea sets and utilitarian items to display in their homes. In order to fill this need, the pottery was made in haste, and imperfections abound. Paint runs, splatters, and pitting are to be expected and add to the charm.

Families used Gaudy Welsh on a daily basis. Wear to paint, hairlines and some chips will appear on household pottery. See our collection of Gaudy Welsh under our new “Ceramics” category. We will attempt to disclose as accurately as possible the condition of each piece for sale. All objects are guaranteed as represented. Please email a request for more images.

A Fond Farewell

As I look back on my term as President of the Historical Society of Mooretown, I am filled with gratitude to all of the Trustees on our Board who made our success possible.

Many positive changes took place in the past two years.

Physical changes such as the replacement of knob and tube wiring throughout the entire Smith Cadbury Mansion and the stabilization of the library floor were essential to provide adequate safety in the museum. Beautiful new bookcases were custom built in the library to organize and display our important collection. The attic, which had not been cleaned for many years, was organized and cleaned to prevent a fire hazard.

Donations, both financial and material increased over the past two years. The Historical Society of Moorestown received two substantial grants from the local Posomokin Questers and New Jersey State Questers groups. These generous funds will completely cover all expenses to have all three tall case clocks cleaned and restored in the museum.

The Edward Harris (friend of John James Audubon - see Blog entry Oct. 10, 2012) chest of drawers was a welcome surprise acquisition as was the generous donation of the large smiling portrait of former Victorian town resident, John Buzby.

Creative and successful fundraisers such as:

Oktoberfest

Ghost Tours

Wine Tastings

Beer samplings

Coffee Klatches

Vintage/Vision Sidewalk Sale

Appraisal Day

House Plaque Program

provided necessary and essential funds to cover Smith Cadbury Mansion’s operating expenses.

The Smith Cadbury Mansion hosts free tours on Sundays from 1-3 pm. Our library is the only free historic library of its kind. Library hours are 1-4 pm on Tuesdays and 1-3 pm on Sundays. Our Holiday Party in December was free and open to the public this past year.

Our visibility in the community is growing as we have joined the Moorestown Business Association to participate in “Autumn in Moorestown” and “Moorestown Day.” Exhibits at the High School and Community House including the “Wedding Dress Acquired from Catherine Kerlin Wilder” and “Sports Legends of Moorestown” increase community awareness.

The Swede Run Barn and Percheron Park are companion projects the Historical Society fully supports.

Currently, the Historical Society is working with an adjacent neighbor to provide safe and accessible means to all who wish to visit the Smith Cadbury Mansion.

Our docents play a key role in educating our community through historic interpretation. The docents faithfully volunteer from 1-3 on Sundays, and soon, will lead all Third Grade Moorestown children through the Smith Cadbury Mansion in June.

Publicity via internet, newsletters, post cards, banners, and membership drives all combine to keep our community in touch with events at our Society.

All of these projects, events, and Mansion activities are made possible by our energetic, enthusiastic, creative, organized, and friendly Board members. I am grateful to them for their support and look forward to more exciting changes at the Smith Cadbury Mansion.

Former President of The Historical Society of Moorestown,

Lisa Hammell

Americana Week in New York City 2013

Highlights from Americana Weekend events in New York City, 2013At Christie's Auction, this oil painting by Edward Hicks sold for $2.2 million.At Christie's Auction, this mahogany block and shell bureau table sold for $1.9 million. 

 Entrance to the Winter Antiques Show at the Park Street Armory,  

 At Sotheby's Auction, this block front desk and bookcase sold for $900.000. 

 The Metro Show at Fred Giampietro's booth. 

Pastor Frederick S. Weiser Collection, New Oxford, Pennsylvania January 12, 2013

55 items from the collection of Pastor Frederick S. Weiser crossed the auction block at Pook and Pook Auction House today. Frederick Weiser was a widely acclaimed expert in the field of Pennsylvania German culture and decorative arts. According to catalog notes by Lisa Minardi, Assistant Curator at the Winterthur Museum, Weiser’s research and images of furniture, fraktur, and textiles as well as a host of other objects, some donated, some purchased will find a new home at Winterthur. Pictured is a Berk's County, PA hanging corner cupboard, c. 1790 which sold for $44,000.