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1967.40

ID Number: 1967.40
Category: Furnishings
Sub-category: furniture
Item Name: secretary
Date: 1850
Materials: wood, walnut
Measurements: overall: 89 in x 49 1/2 in x 47 1/2 in
Description: The secretary is made entirely of walnut and is veneered in burl walnut.
History: This secretary-bookcase dating from 1840-1850 originally stood in the Duff-Baby Mansion on Mill Street in Sandwich and was owned by Charles Baby. This piece reflects the wealth and importance of this early French family, whose roots can be traced in this area back to 1716. Charles Baby owned the Duff-Baby house from the time of the death of James Baby (his father) in 1833 until his own demise in 1871. Charles was a lawyer and also the 2nd mayor of the town of Sandwich. This artifact was donated to the museum by Charles Baby's granddaughter, Mrs. F.A. Hemmick. Charles Baby (1806-1871) was clerk of the peace of the Western District. Charles's children included Mary, who married W.J. McKee, and Elizabeth who married J. Wallace Askin. Following Charles's death in 1871, W.J. McKee moved the secretary to his house. McKee died and it passed to Elizabeth Baby Askin, the mother of Franchette Askin Hemmick.
Collection Name: Museum Windsor
Subject (Fre): Y

Subjects

Baby, Charles person

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