Maine Memory Network
Maine's Online Museum

Item 11920 enlarge zoom add to album

H. R. Taylor of Portland made this work box for the exhibition at the "First Exhibition and Fair" of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association held at Portland City Hall in 1838.

Fair judges declared "The excellence here consists in the machinery and general contrivance manifested; the locks, hinges and fastenings were all made by the Maker of the box. Yet the cabinet work is very good, and in some parts beautiful. Too much contrivance and machinery for an article which is to be handled every hour of the day, and liable to be easily deranged."

Taylor received a diploma for his efforts.

The handwritten paper label inside the box reads "Property of Blanche Maynard Gould. Given me by my Grandmother Fickett Jan. 8, 1906. At my death I wish it to be given to Alice Gould Laerues who is living at [missing]...thring Harbor, N.Y. at the [missing] Aug [missing] ...Maynard Gould."