Side-Bar Surrey, circa 1890

01

Artifact Overview

Two- and four-passenger surreys were introduced in the 1870s and quickly became common on American roads. The term "side-bar" refers to this surrey's suspension. Two wooden bars run parallel along the sides and are connected to the body by semi-elliptic springs. This surrey belonged to the family of New York City industrialist, politician and philanthropist Abram Hewitt.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Surrey

Date Made

circa 1890

Creator Notes

Made by R. M. Stivers of East Thirty-first Street, New York, New York

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1542.167

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Sarah Cooper Hewitt.

Material

Wood (Plant Material)
Leather
Pigskin
Rubber (Material)

Color

Black (Color)
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 61.75 in
Width: 61 in
Length: 119.25 in
Diameter: 46 in (Wheel Diameter)
Diameter: 50 in (Wheel Diameter)
Wheelbase: 63 in

Inscriptions

RM. STIVERS / 31ST ST. / NEW YORK
Side-Bar Surrey, circa 1890