The Webster Basket Factory
Behind the scenes at the Webster Museum (February 17, 2020)
Don Kittelberger who worked at the Webster Basket Factory for many years, was kind enough to stop by the Webster Museum to share some of his knowledge of baskets and the Webster Basket Factory with our museum volunteers.
2 1/2" x 12 1/2"
2 1/2" x 10 1/2"
2 1/2" x 8 1/2"
2 1/2" x 6 1/2"
2 1/2" x 4 1/2"
2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
2 1/2" x 4 1/2"
2 1/2" x 6 1/2"
2 1/2" x 8 1/2"
2 1/2" x 10 1/2"
2 1/2" x 12 1/2"
2 1/2" x 14 1/2"
The Log Cabin Quilt
A single 14 1/2" x 14 1/2" block to a Log Cabin quilt. The simple geometric strips create a basic design, but when placed in a block beside other blocks it creates a visually stunning pattern.
An assortment of quilt designs (pdf)
The Chatelaine
Worn at the waist, a chatelaine is a set of short chains attached to a belt for the purpose of carrying useful items like keys, watches, scissors, sewing kit and more. A chatelaine egg is a small decorative container that could be attached to a chain on a chatelaine to hold small items like thimbles, thread or needles.
Chatelaines were worn by ancient Romans and have been popular at various points in history especially when the fashions of the time did not accommodate pockets. They were worn in Victorian times for convenience and sometimes as a symbol of status and responsibility.
Pre-17th Century Thimbles
As Homespun fabric was coarse and needles of the time were rough and unfinished so thimbles had to be strong enough to push the thread through the fabric. Thimbles were made of thick bronze or iron and shaped one at a time by pounding the metal into a mold. The dimples were added afterward by hand which added to the thimble's rough uneven appearance. The primitive forms were difficult to keep on the end of a finger and the poor quality metal often discolored the sewer's finger.
World War Two
The beginnings of a page honoring the all too numerous Webster residents who lost their lives fighting for our country during World War Two.
Dear Webster Museum
A selection of letters sent to the museum following student visits.
Do you have a skill or collection you would like to share?
If you're available between 2:00-4:00 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays we'd love to have you! It's a great opportunity to share what you enjoy and maybe inspire and educate others.
The Cunningham Automobile
100 years ago it was possible to buy an automobile that was built in Rochester, NY. Possible, but expensive. James Cunningham, Son and Company produced some of the most expensive vehicles available at the time. The Cunningham Automobile was a handmade, high performance vehicle that rivaled the likes of Rolls Royce.
Cunningham's clients included Cecil B. De Mille, George Eastman, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Marshall Field, William Randolph Hearst, Harold Lloyd, Mary Pickford, and the Wrigley brothers.
A small glance at the Civil War
New to the Webster Museum
Thanks to the many talents of Tom Pellett, the museum now has a miniature diorama portraying a battle during the American Civil War.
WEBSTER MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
18 Lapham Park Webster, New York 14580 585.265.3308
