Doughnut Cutter, 1870-1890, Used by Sarah Ann Faught

This doughnut cutter is an unusual, very personal memento of a deceased loved one. When Sarah Faught put down this doughnut cutter in January 1890, she would never again pick it up to make this special treat for her children. Sarah died a few days later after the birth of her 12th child. Her mourning family carefully preserved this cutter -- along with the remaining doughnuts -- transforming this simple, utilitarian object into a memorial, a symbol of a mother's love.