Contributed by Patten Free Library
Description
These spectacles and case, labeled "C.W. Clifford, Jeweler & Optician, Bath, ME," were made by Charles W. Clifford in the 1880s for Isaac Curtis. Charles Woodbury Clifford (1856-1945) was a native of Bath who began his jewelry business in the fall of 1877 in the north half of the store occupied by Davis Hatch. He remained at that location until 1895 when he moved to a larger storefront of his own in the new Sagadahock Block.
At the time the glasses were made, Isaac Curtis was serving as the superintendent of the City Farm or almshouse. The Overseers of the Poor Report from February of 1891 notes that "The Master and Matron, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, have as in years past, proved themselves able and willing to perform the duties demanded of them, which the past year have been unusually heavy, owing to the fact that so many of the inmates are obliged to have separate apartments, and meals furnished to such in their rooms." No other master or matron is noted by name until 1895, indicating that Curtis and his wife supported themselves into their eighties with the hard labor of running the city farm.
About This Item
- Title: Eyeglasses and case from C. W. Clifford, Bath, ca. 1885
- Creator: Charles W. Clifford
- Creation Date: circa 1885
- Subject Date: circa 1885
-
Locations:
- Bath, Sagadahoc County, ME
- Media: Eyeglasses and leather case
- Dimensions: 16.5 cm x 3.5 cm x 1.7 cm
- Local Code: PFL 98.11
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Almshouses--Maine--Bath
- Stores & shops--Maine--Bath
- Opticians' shops--Maine--Bath
- Eyeglasses--1880-1890
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Patten Free Library33 Summer Street, Bath, ME 04530
(207) 443-5141
Website
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