Skidmore, Samuel Tredwell, 1801-1881 Col

The Winterthur Library

The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE 19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Creator: Samuel Tredwell Skidmore (1801-1881)

Title: Bills and architectural drawings

Dates: 1833-1845

Call No.: Col. 310

Acc. No.: 70x30, 70x53

Quantity: 73 items

Location: 3 E 1 and map case C, drawer 6

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

Samuel Tredwell Skidmore was a dry goods merchant in New York City. He began his career in 1821 when he entered into partnership with Samuel D. Wilkins. In 1838, Wilkins died and he formed a new firm, Skidmore & Co., with John Ingraham. Skidmore also served as president of Howard Insurance Co., a trustee of the United States Trust Company, and a vestryman of Trinity Church. In 1829, Skidmore married Angelina E. Drake (1810-1886); the couple had eight children.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

The collection consists of seventy bills and three architectural drawings by T. Thomas & Son relating to the construction of one of Skidmore's houses and house furnishings. The drawings are for a Greek revival style city house built at no. 369 Fourth St., New York City. The bills fall into three groups: "Bills for furnishing a house at no. 5 Mott St."; "bills for the construction of no. 369 Fourth St."; and "bills paid for additional furniture &c. on moving into new house no. 369 Fourth St." The bills cover all aspects of furnishing the two homes, including carpeting, furniture, silver objects, and blinds. Carpentry work and masonry work were performed by W. Ellis Blackstone and David Louderback, respectively. The two men also signed drawings for the house.

ORGANIZATION

The items are arranged in accession number order.

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

The materials are in English.

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

Collection is open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply.

PROVENANCE

73x30 purchased from Gordon Colket.

73x53 purchased from James F. Carr.

ACCESS POINTS

People:

Blackstone, W. Ellis.

Louderback, David.

Topics:

T. Thomas & Son.

Architecture, Domestic.

Dwellings - New York (State) - New York.

Furniture - Prices.

House furnishings.

Room layout (Dwellings).

Silverware.

Cookware.

Kitchen utensils.

House construction.

Carpets.

Household supplies.

Silverwork.

Carpentry.

Masonry.

Bills of sale.

Receipts.

Architectural drawings.

Billheads.

Merchants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Location: 3 E 1 and Map case C, drawer 6

Architectural drawings (in map case C, drawer 6):

The house was designed by T. Thomas & Son, architects. The dwelling was two rooms deep with a stair hall. It consisted of six stories: cellar, basement, stories 1-3, and an attic. The drawings are all pen and ink and wash.

70x30.1 Principal elevation, longitudinal section, and elevation of tea room. The drawing of the principal elevation is in color; it shows a pink exterior and includes depictions of window treatments. Especially to be noted are the decorated window shades. Some dimensions are included. (also a black and white copy)

70x30.2 Floor plans, including under cellar, basement, and first story. The undercellar delineates bearing posts and fireplace foundations and egress to the basement. A cesspool and sink hole are diagrammed on the exterior. The basement includes a long stair entry hall with closets, and a dining room at the right divided from the kitchen behind it by a store room and two closets. A wash room (laundry room) extends beyond the rear of the main block of the house at the end of the long hall. The first story includes a long entry hall with two staircases and several closets, two drawing rooms divided by sliding pocket doors and four columns. A piazza extends from the rear of the back drawing room, and a parlor occupies the space in the rear projection (it is located above the wash room). There are fireplaces in all principal rooms. A small building is shown across the rear of the lot, but its use is not specified. One half appears to be a privy (it was located above the sink hole); the other half was possibly a store room. Signed by Saml. T. Skidmore / David Louderback / W. Ellis Blackstone. (also a black and white copy)

70x30.3 Floor plans, including 2nd story, 3rd story, and attic. The second and third stories each have two large bedrooms over the drawing rooms and are separated by adjoining clothes presses and closets with wash basins. Smaller bedrooms are found over the hall. A bathroom and library make up the extensions of the second story. The attic includes three more bedrooms and a large room (for storage or living area for attic residents). The plans are signed by Samuel T. Skidmore, David Louderback, and W. Ellis Blackstone, and are labeled as being from the firm of T. Thomas & Son, architects. (also a black and white copy)

Box 1: Bills

Note: all bills are addressed to Mr. or Mrs. Skidmore

Folder 1: Bills for furnishing Mott St. house.

.1 Floyd Smith, April 10, 1833. Silver spoons: tea, mustard, salt. Printed billhead (all text).

In pencil on back: amounts paid to Wm. Palmer and Jno. R. Townsend for furniture, carpet, fender, lamp, sundries.

.2 J. & J.H. Sackett, April 24, 1833. Carpets. Printed billhead (all text).

.3 E.G. Drake, April 25, 1833. Mahogany table.

.4 W.N. Seymour & Co., May 1, 1833. Knives, forks, bread knives, tea board, lamp, teapot, saucepan. Printed billhead (all text).

.5 Griffith & Combes, May 3, 1833. Brass grates and soapstone. (Skidmore received credit for 2 old Liverpool grates.)

.6 A. Mayor, May 7, 1833. Mahogany side board.

.7 W.N. Seymour & Co., May 8, 1833. Smoothing iron, chopping dish, etc. Printed billhead (all text).

.8 J. & J.H. Sackett, May 9, 1833. Carpet, binding, etc. Printed billhead (all text).

.9 W.B. Windle, May 10, 1833. Door stops (?). In pencil: clothes pins Printed billhead (all text).

.10 Hall & Mellen, May 10, 1833. A bureau.

Folder 2: Bills for furnishing Mott St. house.

.11 J.C. Bayles, May 11, 1833. Window blinds. Printed billhead (all text).

.12 Philip W. Burrell, May 13, 1833. Soup tureen, sauce tureen and boats, covered dishes, bowls, custards, dishes, plates, bakers, etc.

.13 W.N. Seymour, May 17, 1833. Hoe, saw, gimblets, awls and handles, chisel, screw driver, nails, file, screws. Printed billhead (all text).

.14 T.R. Whitney, May 17, 1833. Door decoration(?). Printed billhead (all text).

.15 W.H. & S. Nichols, May 18, 1833. Bake pan, pot, spider, spice box, candlesticks, kettles, fender, spoons, etc.

.16 W.N. Seymour & Co., May 18, 1833. Kettle and cover, trowel, key rings. Printed billhead (all text).

.17 John H. Williams, May 18, 1833. Chamber glass, toilet glass, etc.

.18 William Palmer, May 21, 1833. French chairs, dining table, sofa, bedsteads, center table, pair of pier tables. Printed billhead (all text).

.19 J. & J. [or I.] Cox, May 22, 1833. Astral lamp with warrantee.

.20 Floyd Smith, May 1833. Candlesticks, snuffer trays, ivory knives and forks, buck knives and forks, buck carving knife and fork, brass fire irons, mustard spoon, etc.

Folder 3: Bills for furnishing Mott St. house.

.21 Fuller & Thomas, May 28, 1833. Brass fenders, iron pans.

.22 John R. Townsend, May 1833. Long list of household items: carpets, furniture, glassware, talbe ware, spice mills, clothes horse, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, etc.

.23 J. & J.H. Sackett, May 1833. Carpeting. Printed billhead (all text).

.24 W.B. Windle, June 1, 1833. Tray stand, umbrella stand. Printed billhead (all text).

.25 John Tallman, June 3, 1833. Repairing piano.

.26 Tweed & Bonnel, June 8, 1833. Chairs. Printed billhead (all text).

.27 E. Cauldwell, June 10, 1833. One chamber set.

.28 William Palmer, June 28, 1833. Wardrobe, washstands, candlestand. Printed billhead (all text).

.29 N. & J. White, July 19, 1833. Bible and binding

.30 Moses Dunbar, July 30, 1833. Step ladder.

Folder 4: Bills for furnishing Mott St. house.

.31 Mrs. John Drake, Aug. 17, 1833. Large pot, tea kettle, candlestick, snuffers, nest of boxes.

.32 W.N. Seymour & Co., Nov. 20, 1833. Shovel and tongs, spittoons, tea tray, coat sifter, nut picks, fruit knives, iron bar. Printed billhead (all text).

.33 W.H. & S. Nichols, Dec. 1833. Patent baker.

.34 W.W. Chester & Co., Jan. 9, 1834. English and German floor cloths. Printed billhead (all text).

.35 Baldwin Gardiner, Dec. 12, 1834. Silver tea sets, tea pot, sugar, creamer, slop bowl, cream spoon, butter knives, soup ladle. Printed billhead (all text).

.36 Jas. P. Drummond, July 9, 1834. Coffees, sugar, cream, slop bowl, plates; with a note indicating items were returned. Printed billhead (all text).

.37 James P. Drummond, June 1, 1835. White china tea set, etc. Printed billhead (all text).

.38 Hall & Mellen, Sept., 1835. Table and chairs. Printed billhead (all text).

.39 W.N. Seymour & Co. Tea board, coal hod, snuffers, iron trivet, sauce pan, spit box, carving knife. Printed billhead (all text).

Folder 5: "Bills paid on account of house no. 369 Fourth St., chiefly for extra work."

.40b wrapper that was around bills

.40c wrapper that was around bills

.40e Cornelius R. Disoway, March 12, 1844. Taxes, legal fees, etc.

.41b W. Blackstone, April 10, 1844. Note giving estimate for carpentry work.

.42 David Louderback, April 12, 1844. Note giving estimate for masonry work.

.43 W. Blackstone, May 22, 1845. Bill for extra carpentry work (lumber, nails, labor).

.44 Rollhaus & Abendroth, Nov. 4, 1844. Oven range, water back. Printed billhead with a depiction of a stove.

.45 James West, Dec. 28, 1844. Stained and enameled glass. Printed billhead (all text).

.46 S.B. Furbush, Jan.-Feb., 1845. Painting, brick work, varnishing, and other trim work.

.47 E.C. Harrison, Jan. 29, 1845. Putting in valves.

.48a Ward & Goadby, Feb. 8, 1845. Grates, fenders, brushes.

.48b penciled note

.49a-b W. Blackstone, 1845. Planks, posts, paint, whitewash, and carpentry work.

.50 Cozens & Howell, July 1845. Pipes, stop cocks, and plumbing work.

.51 David Louderback, Sept. 23, 1845. Bill for extra masonry work.

Folder 6: "Bills paid for additional furniture &c for new house No. 369 Fourth St."

.52 W.W. Chester & Co., 1844. Carpeting and floor cloths, trim etc. Rooms are identified. Printed billhead (all text).

.53 Woram & Haughwout, Jan. 16, 1844. Lights, lanterns, etc. Printed billhead (all text).

.54 A. Mellen & Co., Jan. 18, 1845. Feathers. Printed billhead (all text).

.55 Jno. Dawes, Jan, 20, 1845. Sofa, chairs, pier table, center table, work table, end tables, music stand, etc.

.56 Phelps, Kingman, Jan 25, 1845. Restuffing sofa. Printed billhead (all text).

.57 Henry Kipp & Son, Jan. 25, 1845. Bedsteads, bureaus, wardrobes, labor for assembling furniture, etc.

.58 William H. Guion, May 30, 1845. Oil cloth, etc. Printed billhead (all text). The back features an advertisement for Guion.

.58c wrapper that was around bills (with note that address was changed from 369 to 385 4^th St.)

.59 Henry Kipp & Son, Jan. 31, 1845. Bureau, assembling bedsteads, etc. Printed billhead (all text).

.60 W.W. Chester & Co., Feb. 3, 1845. Carpeting. Printed billhead (all text).

Folder 7: "Bills paid for additional furniture &c for new house No. 369 Fourth St."

.61 W.N. Seymour & Co., Feb. 10, 1845. Preserving kettle, window brush, dust brushes, etc.. Printed billhead (all text).

.62 J. & J.W. Meeks, Feb. 10, 1845. Caned chairs, rosewood table, mahogany hat stand..

.63 Rollhaus & Abendroth, Feb. 17, 1845. Large pot, gridiron, pot, iron and tin pans, etc.

.64 Richard Tweed, Feb. 18, 1845. Walnut chairs, cottage chairs.

.65 Fellows, Rudd, & Scudder, Feb. 18, 1845. Table and dessert forks, table and tea spoons. Printed billhead (all text).

.66 William Sloane, April 12, 1845. Persian rugs. Printed billhead (all text).

.67 Williams & Stevens, April 30, 1845. Frames, looking glasses, pier glasses. Printed billhead (all text).

.68 Deming, Buckley & Co., June 21, 1845. Pillow, mattresses, etc.

.69 Woram & Haughwout, n.d. Elbows, cutting marble, taking down and putting up mantel lights. Printed billhead (all text).

.70 Deming, Buckley & Co., n.d. Sofa, pier divans, etc.

Name index to bills

Abendroth (of Rollhaus & Abendroth) .44, .63

Bayles, J. C. .11

Blackstone, W. .41, .43, .49a

Bonnel (of Tweed & Bonnel) .26

Bulkley (of Deming, Bulkley & Co.) .68, .70

Burrell, Philip W. .12

Cauldwell, E. .27

Chester, W. W., & Co. .34, .52, .60

Chester, J. N. .52

Combes (of Griffith & Combes) .5

Cox, J. & J. .19

Cozens & Howell .50

D., A. E. .35

Dawes, Jno. .55

Deming, Bulkley & Co. .68, .70

Disosway, Cornelius R. .40

Drake, Jno. .31

Drake, Magdalen .31

Drummond, Jas. P. .36, .37

Drake, E. G. .3

Drake, John .35

Dunbar, Moses .30

Fellows, Rudd & Scudder .65

Fuller & Thomas .21

Furbush, S. B. .46, .49b

Gardiner, Baldwin .35

Goadby (of Ward & Goadby) .48a

Gray, G. W. .34

Griffith & Combes .5

Guion, William H. .58

Hall & Mellen .10, .38

Harrison, Edw. C. .47

Haughwout (of Woram & Haughwout) .53

Hawks, H. .24

Howell (of Cozens & Howell) .50

King, S. .35

Kingman, M. E. .56

Kipp, Henry, & Sons .57, .59

Louderback, David .42, .51

Mayo, A. .6

Meeks, J. & J. W. .62

Mellen (of Hall & Mellen) .10, .38

Mellen, A., & Co. .54

Nichols, W. H. & S. .15, .33

Ostrander, H. L. .66

Palmer, Geo. H. .28

Palmer, William .18, .28

Patterson, E. C. .13

Penny, Jas. .26

Phelps & Kingman .56

Phelps, Kingman & Co. .56

Poe, Jas. W. .62

Rollhaus & Abendroth .44, .63

Rudd (of Fellows, Rudd & Scudder) .65

Sackett, J. & J. H. .2, .8, .23

Seymour, W.N., & Co. .4, .7, .13, .16, .32, .39, .61

Scudder (of Fellows, Rudd & Scudder) .65

Skidmore .1, .5, .9, .10-.12, .15-.24, .26, .28, .30-.34, .36-.39, .44-.47, .53-.56, .63, .65, .69

Skidmore, S. .41

Skidmore, S. T. .3, .8, .14, .25, .29, .42, .43, .48a, .49a-b, .52, .57-.60, .62, .64, .66, .68, .70

Skidmore, Saml. T. .2, .40, .50, .51, .67

Sloane, William .66

Smith, Floyd .1, .20

Smithp J. R. .64

Stevens (of Williams & Stevens) .67

Tallman, John .25

Thomas (of Fuller & Thomas) .21

Townsend, John R. .22

Tweed & Bonnel .26

Tweed, Richd. .64

Underhill, W. J. .1, .20

Ward & Goadby .48a

West, James .45

White, N. & J. .29

Whitney, M. .60

Whitney, T. R. .14

Wilkins, C. W. .44, .63

Williams & Stevens .67

Williams, John H. .17

Windle, W. B. .9, .24

Woram & Haughwout .53, .69