Dashing Through the Snow Mary Lynne Spazok
A doll nestles warmly inside a converted perambulator. With wintry weather imminent, a young-
ster’s fascination with fresh ashen snow, crusty ice, and daring airborne speed comes alive. The ecstasy of the first blizzard entices daredevils with mischievous smiles to zoom sleek plastic torpedo-like rocket sleds down perilously slippery slopes. At home, holiday decorators seek out the iconic Flexible Flyer sled to embellish with fragrant evergreens, vivid berry red adornment, and sparkly ice skates. Sadly though, these treasures are relegated to storage for 11 months of the year. However, long before there were snowplows, snowboards, and snowmobiles, the 1800’s mode of winter amusement and transport was the authentic hardwood sled. Found in the sleepy rafters at Gilfillan Farm, first-rate antique examples with fanciful wrought iron adornment are what collectors dream of. Historically speaking, the Roman’s protective battle shield became an instant getaway—the sled. Fast forward, 1830 pioneers trudged through lofty drifts of ponderous snow with provisions, kindling, and dawdling tots. By 1861 though, a more modern, leisurely lifestyle allowed for personal amusement. At South Paris, Maine, entrepreneur Henry Morton handcrafted American beauties known as “Paris Sleds.” The aesthetic of wonderfully hewn sleds allowed boisterous young boys to belly flop on “clipper” styles whose front runners often formed a V-shape. Young ladies, on the other hand, desired couture rather than rough and tumble speed. Their “cutter” front runners were curled in a bow fashion topped off with elegant swan shaped finials. Hand painted “soldier blue” models were adorned with fanciful flowers and elegant birds. A natural wood finish painted with bright accents suited the boys who preferred manlier dog and equestrian motifs. Sled decks, for a tidy sum, were personalized with a name or portrait of a beloved 42
pet. Pleasing pastoral scenes covered 85% of the seating deck. The year 1879 was a sad time for discriminating connoisseurs. Manufactured by the Garton Toy Company, mass production of the cherry red Flexible Flyer exploded. In 1889, Samuel Allen of Westfield, New Jersey, patented a Flexible Flyer model whose newly designed T-shaped runners were driven with hands or feet. Generically decked-out centerboards cut production cost, which expanded mass marketing. Displays at the 1893 Columbian Exposition, with interactive demonstration, drew throngs of spectators. Years later in 1915, the trademark logo of the eagle, shield, and ribbon adorned thousands of sleds sold daily by Macy’s. To charm children and persuade Santas everywhere, clever entrepreneurs displayed miniature models of sleds, measuring 16 inches in length, as holiday decorum. Traveling salesmen carried nine-inch models to out-of-the-way locations. Sales soared! Sadly though, this largescale marketing blitz caused the downfall of exclusive hand-painted sled designs. The Victorian era embraced the genteel pastime of ice skating. Jazzy perambulators (rolling buggies) were transformed to ice sleds. Rubber wheels were replaced with readily available “off the shelf” iron runners. The interior leather seat was adjustable from back to front and could be reclined for napping or cargo space. Often, a brass plate from a prestigious furniture manufacturer such as HeywoodWakefield was attached boldly to the front for
Sydney Brown displays a beautifully painted clipper style sled.
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Winter 2006
Cutter style sled with cross bar
all to see; this secured faux status to the carriage. However, in terms of manufacture, there was no connection. Today, the aesthetics of vintage sleds, especially miniatures, cause collection frenzy. Secure your pocketbook. For $233,000, Christies Auction House recently sold an exceptional pristine vintage. Other models command upwards of $500. Held in New York City, the January American Antiques Show is a first-class resource. On the road, the infamous Route 1 in Maine along with Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are treasure troves of undiscovered finds. Closer to home, sleds with original paint and documentation, at a price of $200, were seen at the Monongalia Antique Show held each spring in Morgantown, West Virginia. In our neighborhood, Gilfillan Farm boasts fine examples of a restored cutter, clipper, and converted perambulator (on loan). The clipper style does not boast a cross bar between the front runners. The cutter style does have a cross bar to re-enforce, for instance, decorative swans. The Avant-garde red converted perambulator, with a coordinating wool plaid blanket (see top left photo), assures admiration and envy by all. As fall fades into winter, a tumultuous winter wonderland is every child’s castle in the sky. Skiing, snowboarding, and modern day sledding provide endless hours of blissful exuberance. Gilfillan Farm winters rejoice in fresh ashen snow, dangling icicles, and the more sedentary art of 1800’s sledding. n Side note: There is no formal holiday open house scheduled for 2006 for Gilfillan Farm. Plan ahead, Saturday, May 19, 2007, is Upper St. Clair Community Day. That day, you are invited to view the sleds and buggies at the Gilfillan transportation garage.