Revolving Beehive, 1869-1877

01

Artifact Overview

Charles Eldad Spaulding's work as a cheese-box maker in Theresa, New York, influenced his design for a circular revolving beehive. His invention, patented in 1869, was not successful -- though this one is visually appealing with its hand-painted scrollwork and colorful scenes. Instead, rectangular beehives with removable frames in a bee-friendly space were becoming the standard for the growing commercial beekeeping industry.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Beehive (Apiary)

Date Made

1869-1877

Creator Notes

Patented by Charles E. Spaulding, Theresa, New York, on April 8, 1869.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

65.103.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant Material)
Metal

Color

Yellow (Color)
Red
Green

Dimensions

Height: 29 in
Diameter: 18 in

Inscriptions

painted on front: SPALDING'S [sic] / REVOLVING BEE HIVE / THERESA, N.Y. / PAT.D. APR. 8 1869.
Revolving Beehive, 1869-1877