Desk
Child-size desk made by Brother Abram Ellis for Sister Grace Dahm, Watervliet, NY
ca. 1880
Description
Slant-top desk, dovetailed, on a frame with pine aprons and diffuse porous hardwood legs (square, but legs tapered below apron). Single, nicely dovetailed drawer is fitted into proper right end of desk portion. Near top at back on proper left end is an ink well drawer (small) which is nailed together. Drawers have porcelain knobs. There is also a porcelain knob centered lengthwise in the front apron (non-functional). Finished with a red wash or stain.
Notes
According to Sister Mary Dahm, who gave the desk to the Museum, it was built by Brother Abram Ellis (1813-1887) of the Watervliet, NY Shakers, for Sister Grace Dahm (1874-1958), as a reward for her penmanship. Though the desk is small, Sister Grace was a petite adult, so she used the desk throughout her life.
New York Watervliet
