Farm Life 1860-1940

By today's standards, 19th century farm families had relatively few things. But as the century progressed, so did American industry, and a growing number of commercial goods found their way to farm houses and townhomes alike. The porcelain cup and saucer hint at the importance of tea, both as a favored beverage and as an indicator of social practices. Anyone with some financial means and good breeding served tea to their guests using fine china such as the example you see here. The highchair is evidence of changing attitudes towards children in the latter half of the 19th century. Until this time, furniture for children was restricted mainly to cradles, for children were encouraged to take on adult behaviors as early as possible. By the mid-19th century, this attitude reversed. Instead, children were encouraged to engage in childlike activities, and items like a high chair, crib or perambulator were designed to separate and protect children from the dangers of the adult world and vice versa. In this way, for example, a beautifully laden table decked with fine china and lit candles would be out of reach of the inquisitive child safely ensconced in a highchair.