Handwritten Note from 1882 Found in Firestone Farmhouse during Dismantling for Moving to Greenfield Village, 1983-1984
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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
Note (Document)
Date Made
1882
Subject Date
1882
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
83.1.1650
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Pencil (Drawing and writing equipment)
Technique
Handwriting
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 6.125 in (in mylar, on board 7")
Width: 7.75 in (in mylar, on board 10")
Inscriptions
Handwritten on front:
James Maxwell Washingtonville Ohio 1882 / Harvey Firestone Columbiana Ohio 1882
Keywords |
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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.
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SetBusiness Lessons from Firestone Farm
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