Household Textiles in Philadelphia 1720-1840

Newell, Aimee; Diethorn, Karie

This study begins in 1720, after the first major shift in the colonists' standard of living. Pennsylvania's original colonists arrived in 1682 and set up crude shelters along the banks of the Delaware River. As they set about establishing William Penn's vision of a "greene countrie towne," the physical struggles were difficult. Just having a roof over one's head, no matter how temporarily constructed, was enough to constitute comfort. However, as the settlement grew, more elaborate expectations developed concerning appropriate household appearance. By 1720, many colonists had established permanent forms of housing, worked at a trade or business and were able to procure supplies either in Philadelphia or from frequent overseas shipments. While few households had all of the forms of furniture and textiles we take for granted today, most had basic bedding, a few chests, some cooking utensils and a table.