Cherry Hill Newsletter
Winter 2023/2024
It’s Sew, Sew Nice!
Wilcox and Gibbs Sewing Machine Company of Philadelphia
Many visitors to the Cherry Hill Farmhouse are curious about the sewing machine in the adult bedroom. Their interest piqued that of one of our board members to further explore the history of our “Wilcox and Gibbs Single Thread Machine.”
We found that our sewing machine model would have been very desirable “For [the] wants of Tailors, Dressmakers, Seamstresses, Manufacturers of clothing, shirts, corsets, Ladies Boots, Umbrellas, etc...” in the mid1800s. While not the first sewing machine available to the public, it was well advertised and reviewed. In 1865, the Great Union exposition in New York declared Wilcox and Gibbs the “best machine” and awarded it the “Highest Premium.” This model was attractive to private customers as well. In that same year, Mrs. C.A. Crowell and “several lady friends” visited the company establishment to inspect the machine with the eventual goal of acquiring them. She and three of her lady friends purchased machines after declaring it was the “very best” for family sewing. The U. S. Government issued the patent on this model in 1857.
Our model is from 1867 and would have cost $112.00, the equivalent of $2,325.00 today. It came with 13 attachments that would tuck, pleat, braid, cord, etc. Each attachment cost from $1.00 to $3.00. The case, which our machine has, would have cost an additional a $45.00. Included in the sale would have been a screwdriver, a shuttle, six bobbins, 12 needles, an oil can, and a bottle of sperm whale oil. Reflecting the diversity of immigration at that time in our country, operating instructions were provided in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. The Wilcox Company continued in business until the 1970s after transitioning from “family” enterprise to a larger-scale manufacturing business.
The Friends of Cherry Hill acquired the sewing machine in 1988 from Mitch Greek.
At left: The sewing machine, table and case. Above: The sewing platform. Above right: The foot pedal (or treadle) that powers the machine.
Presidents’ Letter
Aswewrapup2023,wewanttoreviewwhatasuccessfulyearwe’ve had.WestartedinJanuarywithanewCoordinatorofCherryHillFarmhouse, HollyIrwin.Shegraspedthejobeagerly,continuinglong-timetraditions andinnovatingnewfoci,includinganumberoffarm-to-farmhouse activities,volunteeroutreach,classes,andfieldtrips.Hollyalsostaffsthe ArtandHumanitiesCouncilofwhichtheFriendsofCherryHillFarmhouseisamember.Katharine Stewart,whoalsomanagesourmembershipandhassetupourmembershipdatabase,represents usthere.
TheFriendsheldtheirannualteas,Valentine’sDayandMother’sDay,evenaddinganextraoneto thetwoweusuallydoinDecember.RosemaryZiskinddidasplendidjobinorganizingtheteasand recruitingcoordinatorsandhelpers.RuthRodgerswinstheprizeforservingthemosttimesasthe teacoordinator.ThetoursofthefarmhousewereconductedfromthebeginningofApriluntilthe endofOctober.Friends’smembersandindependentvolunteersshowedvisitorsaroundonSaturday morningsduringthetimesthefarmhousewasopen.Abigthankstoallwhohelpedout,especially frequentvolunteersJenniferDeVignier,JoanneCaramanica,andEllenPirog.Also,thankstoColette Worm,KateVolandt,BetsyDavidson,MarthaNethertonandmanyotherswhoguidedvolunteers throughthehouse.
ThebarnwasopentwoSaturdaysamonthduringthatsametime.Itwasfilledwithchildreneager toshellandgrindcornundertheknowledgeableguidanceofGregAwad,James“Mac”Mcatamney, andtheirspouses,JenniferDeVignierandEllenPirog,whosteppedinasneeded.WealsoMaureen BudettialsotaughttaughtanembroideryclassinthefallandweheldMoravianStarworkshop.
Ourholidayseasonatthefarmhousewasverybusybeginningwiththecelebrationofatraditional ChristmaswithdecorationsandrefreshmentsfromtheVictorianSociety.ThankstoRonAnzalone fororganizingthatandformakingandkeepingthefarmhousefestivefortheFriends’steas.Ronalso ledourefforttoprovideatreefortheVillagePreservationandImprovementSociety’sTreeFest. (Seearticleinthisissue.)Thetreehadatransportationthemeandbroughtin$200.Joanne CaramanicaandJenniferDeVignierhelpedfindornamentsanddecoratethetreeinMaureen Budetti’slivingroom
AND,ofcourse,theHolidayShoppeforchildrenwasasupersuccessthisyear.Atleast600eager childrenandtheir“adultsupervisors”attendedandpurchasedgiftsfortheirfamiliesandfriends.We grossed$3600in6hours.Again,abigthankstoRonfortransportingourmerchandiseandtoSusan Parker,RosemaryZiskind,AnnWest,andJenniferDeVignierforhelpingDianeandmewiththedaylongset-up.Andspecialthankstothekids’helpersduringthesaleitself Diane’sfriend AnnGordon,MeadKrim,ClareBalbi,MollyMoore,NamiKritenbrink,RosemaryZiskind,AnnWest, CaronKrystopolskiandherdaughter,andthevolunteersfromEdenCenter’sVietnameseLiterary andCulturalSocietyforhelpingthechildrenselectandwraptheirpreciousgifts.Aspecialthanksfor Jenniferforoverseeingthesometimeschaoticwrappingendeavor.
Thisyearalsobroughtusanewboardmember,KateVolandt,whohasprovidedanumberoftours andassistedattheteas.DeaneDiersensteppeddownfromherpositionasourlong-serving treasurer.Shehandledouraccountssuccessfullyforanumberofyears.RuthRodgersagreedtostep intemporarilytohelpwithourbankingandfinances.Wearesograteful.Welookforwardtoa busy2024.
Maureen Budetti & Diane Morse, Co-presidentsHoliday Trees that Tell a Tale
Several board members met on November 27 to decorate the Friends of Cherry Hill’s entry in the Falls Church Tree Fest. The annual event is sponsored by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VIPS) as a fund-raiser for Falls Church nonprofit organizations and a fun, community holiday event. More than a dozen nonprofit organizations decorated small, artificial trees that were sold in a silent auction at Falls Church’s Four Provinces Restaurant on December 1 and 2.
This year the Friends of Cherry Hill chose a Transportation theme, reflecting changes from horses and buggies to airplanes and fast cars over the past 175 years of the city. There was even a hot air balloon ornament commemorating the use of hot air balloons for reconnaissance by both sides during the Civil War. The initial Union flight occurred in Falls Church in 1861.
The Friends’s tree received the “Most Nostalgic” award. Last year, our tree had a mid-19th century Cherry Hill farmhouse and farm theme. Both years our trees earned a moderate profit. This year’s tree was purchased by a new member of the City Council. (See the Winter 2023 Newsletter for more information.)
“It’s Not Easy!”
That’s what some of the students said at the workshop on Moravian Stars. They also added how muchtheylikedworkingontheprettyandfestivestars.GretchenWilmouthprovidedcolorful strips of paper for the students to fold, tuck, and twist into position to make the multi-pointed stars. Some participants were able to take home completed stars; others will finish theirs at home. (SeetheWinter2023NewsletterformoreinformationaboutthehistoryoftheMoravianstar.)
Tree-trimmers Ron Anzalone, Joanne Caramanica & Jennifer DeVignier
FoCH Co-president Maureen Budetti
Yet another successful Holiday Shoppe
Starting off December and the holiday season, the Friends once again held our wonderful Holiday Shoppe. It opened a little earlier this year and kids were lined up before 9AM at the entrance. Most were very excited, but a few may have been a touch overwhelmed at the sight of all the merchandise. We were fortunate again to be able to hold the sale in the community center. It provided lots of room for both the shopping and wrapping. We are very grateful to the City for letting us use the space. The “shopping assistants” and the wrappers love working with the kids, although sometimes things get chaotic. As evidence of their success though, one wrapper was offered a tip by a seven-year-old because of how gracious she was in assisting him.
Holiday Teas: A Genteel Tradition
The Friends hosted three teas in December; two were public and one was for the Colonial Dames. Kaye Oman (at left below) portrays “Mrs. Blaisdell” and hosts the teas in period dress to give an authentic feel for mid-19th century life at Cherry Hill. Before the events, Kaye helps set and decorate the tables as Mrs. Blaisdell herself might have done prior to hosting a tea.
Lemon curd is an essential element for Cherry Hill teas. Today, delicious lemon curd is available at the grocery store. However, if you are a stickler for the original, we have provided Mrs. Blaisdell’s own recipe on page 6.
A Festive Farmhouse -
Courtesy of the Victorian Society & Friends of Cherry Hill Volunteers
As part of the preparations for multiple December observances at Cherry Hill Farmhouse, Ron Anzalone, Joanne Caramanica, and Coordinator Holly Irwin decorated the farmhouse during the week before Thanksgiving. Bentwood wreaths framed the front door. An 1860s-era table-top Christmas tree with vintage style decorations from Falls Church Victorian Society at Falls Church highlighted the parlor. A generous donation from former board member Shirley Camp helped purchase artificial greens and fruits that brought color in various rooms. Period stockings were hung from the living room mantel, battery-operated candles and live holly branches, magnolia leaves, and pinecones completed the effect. Rosemary Ziskind, Jennifer de Vignier, and Maureen Budetti helped refresh the live materials prior to the holiday teas held on December 9, 10, and 17.
On Saturday, November 25, members of the Victorian Society at Falls Church entertained over 275 members of the public for "A Very Victorian Christmas" in the decorated house. The four-hour open house included caroling, flute music, readings, refreshments, a period "Patriotic Santa" from the Civil War era, and informal talks about the house, its decorations, and Christmas customs in the 19th century. Special thanks to Holly Irwin and Victorian Society members Gus Knapp, Cindy Mester, Susan and Tom Costa, Dee Beck, Darby Colwell, and Ron Anzalone.
Upcoming Winter/Spring Programs & Events at Cherry Hill
Farmhouse After Dark
Friday, February 9
Friends of Cherry Hill
Valentine’s Day Tea
Sunday, February 11
Celtic Music Concert
Saturday, March 2
Ice Cream Social
Saturday, April 6 (Holly will ask for assistance closer to the event!)
Friends of Cherry Hill
Mother’s Day Tea
Sunday, May 12
Victorian Society’s 1890s Day
Saturday, May 18
“Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice”
An exhibition of the works of Johnson (1901-1970) will be shown in DC at the Smithsonian American Art Museum from March 8 to September 8, 2024. The mid1940s series is a “tribute to African Americanactivists,scientists,teachers,and performers as well as international heads of state working to bring peace to the world.”
OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS
Cherry Hill coordinator Holly Irwin has planned several exciting field trips for volunteers in 2024.
Abner Cloud - Saturday, January 13
The Clara Barton National Historic Site
Wednesday, January 24 (Limited to 10)
Prince William County (various historic sites including an African American school house) - Saturday, February 10
President Lincoln’s Cottage
Wednesday, March 6
Surratt House - Wednesday, March 27
For more information, contact Holly Irwin at 703-248-5171. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to know more about these trips, contact Holly.
Mrs. Blaisdell’s Recipe for Lemon Curd (from Mrs. Blaisdell’s Receipts, Cherry Hill, 1995)
MarkYourCalendar!
Did You Know?
INDIGO
In response to a question in the March 2023 Smithsonian Magazine article, Frank Blazich, curator of military history at the National Museum of American History, explained that the Union Army dyed its fabric with indigo, a plant that once grew abundantly in South Carolina. The production of the crop declined in the late 1700s and bythe time of the Civil War, the Army had to import indigo. It came primarily from India, by way of Great Britain. As the demand for uniforms increased during the war, the Army turned to cheaper dyes for the thread used to sew the fabric.
10 FUN FACTS ABOUT NEW YEAR'S EVE
1) As the new year arrives, many revelers are unaware of the meaning behind the traditional midnight kiss. That tradition is based on the proverb: "Kiss the individual whom you desire to continue kissing."
2) In the southern U.S., eating “Hoppin’ John” on New Year’s Day is thought to bring a prosperous year filled with luck. Traditionally made with a pound of bacon, a pint of black-eyed peas and a pint of rice, the peas symbolize pennies or coins, and a coin is sometimes added to the pot or left under the dinner bowls.
3) Lobster and chicken are believed to be associated with ill luck due to the ability of lobsters to move in a backward direction and chickens to scratch in reverse. Consequently, it is speculated that consuming these items may result in a reversal of one's fortune.
4) The tradition of dropping the New Year's Eve Ball in Times Square originated in 1907 as a response to a prohibition on fireworks. The initial ball weighed 700 pounds and was equipped with 100 lamps, each with a power rating of 25 watts.
5) New Year celebrations originated in Mesopotamia around 2000 B.C.
6) To guarantee a year of favorable fortune, the practice of using firecrackers and noisemakers was adopted to ward off any lingering malevolent entities and secure a fresh beginning.
7) The first Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade was held in 1890.
8) In Spain, it is believed that if you eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, you will have good luck throughout the year.
9) What is the most common New Year’s resolution? To exercise more. Failing at New Year’s resolutions is so common that there are dates (unofficial) to commemorate such failures, including “Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day” on January 17 while others claim the second Friday in January as “Quitter’s Day.”
10)The annual tradition of gathering in Times Square for New Year's started as a party to celebrate the opening of the New York Times building in 1904. Over 200,000 people attended.
Mother Nature does her own seasonal decorating at Cherry Hill Farm.
Become A FoCH Member!
Joining is easy! Just fill out this membership form, enclose the appropriate payment amount and return to:
Friends of Cherry Hill
312 Park Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22046
Name:
Address:
Phone: _______________________ Email: __
Check one: _____ New Membership (1 year: $20 January 2024 – January 2025)
_____ Renewed Membership (1 year: $20 January 2024 – January 2025)
_____ Donation
_____ Life Membership ($250, one-time payment)
_____ I would like information about becoming a Cherry Hill Farm volunteer.
Make checks payable to: Friends of Cherry Hill
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Content provided by Ron Anzalone, Maureen Budetti, Joanne Caramanica, Holly Fenelon, Holly Irwin & Diane Morse.
Friends of Cherry Hill
312 Park Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22046