Handwritten Note from 1882 as Found in Firestone Farmhouse during Dismantling, August 1983
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Artifact Overview
In 1983, workers disassembled tire magnate Harvey Firestone's childhood home--a farmhouse in eastern Ohio destined for Greenfield Village. They were surprised to find a slip of paper behind a section of plaster ceiling. It had been left by 14-year-old Harvey and the 12-year-old son of a local plasterer in 1882. The note confirmed the date of a 19th-century home renovation, enabling an accurate reconstruction.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Negative (Photograph)
Date Made
August 1983
Subject Date
August 1983
Creators
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
EI.1929.N.B.117065.8
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 0.875 in
Width: 1.375 in
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Related Artifacts
ArtifactFirestone Farmhouse
Benjamin and Catherine Firestone raised their three children in this farmhouse, including tire maker Harvey Firestone. Originally located near Columbiana, Ohio, the 1828 house was updated in 1882 to appear more stylish and up-to-date. The traditional Pennsylvania German layout of the Firestone's farmhouse was transformed, with a central foyer, separate dining room and kitchen, a sitting room, closets, wallpaper, and fancy new furniture.
ArtifactHandwritten Note from 1882 Found in Firestone Farmhouse during Dismantling for Moving to Greenfield Village, 1983-1984
In 1983, workers disassembled tire magnate Harvey Firestone's childhood home--a farmhouse in eastern Ohio destined for Greenfield Village. They were surprised to find a slip of paper behind a section of plaster ceiling. It had been left by 14-year-old Harvey and the 12-year-old son of a local plasterer in 1882. The note confirmed the date of a 19th-century home renovation, enabling an accurate reconstruction.