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FRIDAY JULY 2, 2021 • VOL. 51, NO. 26
The Story Of Andrew Pitman
American Impressionist Paintings On View At The Palmer Museum This Summer
A Revolutionary War Veteran Turned Potter In The Shenandoah Valley Of Virginia By Justin W. Thomas Founded in 1758, and located just eight miles south of Winchester, Va., Stephens City is one of six towns established in the Shenandoah Valley before the American Revolution. The settlement quickly emerged as an important crossroad town located at the north-south junction of the Great Road, a primary route for the early settlement of the Southern United States, particularly the backcountry, which began at the port of Philadelphia. Records indicate that utilitarian red earthenware production began in the Shenandoah Valley as early as 1745-50, although a
notable potter was employed in Stephens City following the Revolutionary War. Andrew Pitman (1760-1838) was born in 1760, the son of an immigrant from the Rhineland in Germany, who may have also been a potter himself. Antonius (Anthony) Pitman (1736-1803) was born in Framersheim, Germany, on April 12, 1736, migrating to Frederick County, Va., sometime before the birth of Andrew in 1760, finding employment in his new home as a mason. Andrew enlisted in the Virginia Militia from 1777 to 1781 and was at the Battle of Yorktown when British General Lord Charles Cornwallis (1738-1805) surrendered to George Washington on
Oct. 19, 1781, marking the conclusion of the last major battle in the American Revolution and the start of the new nation’s independence. Upon returning home to Stephens City, Andrew got married and established himself as a potter, although it is possible that he had previously apprenticed before the war. According to the Historical Marker Database, he purchased a parcel of land in Stephens City on Aug. 17, 1782, and started a pottery business on this site, eventually supporting three generations of red earthenware potters and being home to the Pitmans for 112 years. It is thought that Antonius also probably played some role in his son’s business, perhaps even helping build the kiln. However, he may have also apprenticed to an early Shenandoah Valley potter, as well. Continued on page 2
Left is a large red earthenware pitcher possibly from southeastern Pennsylvania or Philadelphia from the late 1700s standing next to the pitcher attributed to Andrew Pitman.
Major Exhibit Will Be Up Until Aug. 29 In State College, Pa.
A large red earthenware pitcher thought to have been manufactured by Andrew Pitman in Stephens City, Va., probably made in the 1780s or 1790s, and recently discovered in central Pennsylvania, stands 13.5 inches high.
Here is the site of the Pitman Pottery in Stephens City, Va.
Fire Memorabilia Auction Set For Evening Of July 9 Sale Will Benefit Pennsylvania National Fire Museum In Harrisburg The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg will be burning hot with a Fire Memorabilia auction and pig roast on Friday, July 9. Various consignors have consigned over 200 lots of firefighting antiques and memorabilia that will cross the auction block beginning at 6 p.m. at the museum located at 1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg, Pa. The pig roast will start at 5 p.m. Offered will be an assortment of early high front fire helmets dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s, including many from Pennsylvania fire companies. There are some great photographs and tin types of early firefighters dressed in parade regalia, along with an assortment of
ephemera to include early ball cards, calling cards, and advertising items. There will also be a selection of firefighter speaking trumpets, one dated 1857. These trumpets or horns as they are sometimes referred to, were used to shout orders on fire scenes and were also given as tokens of appreciation. The trumpet is still associated with chief and subordinate officers on the fireground today being used to differentiate various ranks. There will be several items of special interest, including a 10-inch leather presentation shield from the City of New York Fire Department from the mid-1800s Continued on page 5
As the days grow longer and weather warmer, the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is delighted to announce the opening of “Summer Light: American Impressionist Paintings from the Thomas Clark Collection.” On view through Sunday, Aug. 29, this special exhibition features 24 paintings from the major forthcoming gift of collector Thomas Clark, whose private holdings contain some of the finest in the American impressionist genre. “We are thrilled to present a selection of works from the expansive collection of Tom Clark to audiences this summer,” said Palmer Museum Director Erin M. Coe. “Impressionism is an enduring style that has spanned generations and geographic locales. It is a fitting tribute to our shared resilience as we emerge from the pandemic and bask in the light of these luminous landscape paintings after months of indoor isolation and limited travel. It is also a tribute to Tom, who has generously committed his collection to Penn State,” added Coe. Impressionist painting, in its various forms, flourished in the United States well past its initial reception by American artists in the 1880s. The once-radical French movement, characterized in part by efforts to capture the changing conditions of natural light through loose brushwork, bright colors, and painting out of doors, gradually transitioned into a popular style on this side of the Atlantic. “Summer Light” explores the durability and dissemination of Impressionism in America between Continued on page 2
In This Issue SHOPS, SHOWS & MARKETS . . . . . . . . . starting on page 3 SHOPS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . on page 5 EVENT & AUCTION CALENDAR . on page 6 Continued on page 5
AUCTION SALE BILLS . . starting on page 6 AUCTIONEER DIRECTORY . . . . on page 6
FEATURED AUCTION: Heritage Auctions’ Fine Silver and Objects of Vertu Auction - May 20 - Page 2
CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . .on page 7