Highchair, 1790-1800

01

Artifact Overview

This Windsor highchair allowed a child to sit at the same level as the dining table making it easier for parents to feed the child. Highchairs, however, were not a common piece of household furniture in the late 18th or early 19th centuries. Most small children had to sit on someone's lap or otherwise get a boost to table level during meals.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Highchair (Children's chair)

Date Made

1790-1800

Place of Creation

Location

at Greenfield Village in Noah Webster House

Object ID

27.10.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Pine (Wood)
Maple (Wood)
Hickory (Wood)

Dimensions

Height: 36 in
Width: 19.5 in
Depth: 15.5 in

02

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    Children's furniture reflects changes in childrearing. Early American families wanted their children to mature quickly and work as soon as possible. A more romantic view of childhood took hold in the 1800s; well-to-do parents saw their children as precious and molded them for a successful life. In 20th-century America, parents continued to focus on childhood play and development, accepting new materials and modern design in children's furniture.