Two 19th Century New England Red Earthenware Jugs Found in Barns in Freedom, New Hampshire Once Owned by Governor Frank Black (1858-1913)

A very interesting estate sale happened last weekend in Freedom, New Hampshire, where the contents were removed from 2 1/2 barns located on the property. This was the late nineteenth and early twentieth century summer home of Governor Frank Black (1858-1913), who was born in Limington Maine, located about twenty-one miles east of Freedom. Black was a graduate of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, an American newspaper editor, lawyer and politician, where he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1895 to 1897, and served as the 32nd governor of New York from 1897 to 1898.

According to the February 1914 issue of Dartmouth College's Alumni Magazine, "...Black bought a farm at Freedom, N.H., near the Maine line, fixed it up to suit his taste, and here he frequently sought refuge from care, and anticipated great enjoyment, after his retirement from his business in this quiet, beautiful home...": https://archive.dartmouthalumnimagazine.com/article/1914/2/1/frank-s-black.

Black's dependents lived in this summer estate for several generations after his death in 1913; however, the present family took ownership of the property four generations ago and still resides on the property today: https://estatesales.org/estate-sales/nh/freedom/03836/libby-estate-sale-freedom-nh-2385068.

Nonetheless, among the contents found in the barns were two nice examples of nineteenth century New England red earthenware, probably made before 1850; both jugs were likely manufactured in northern New England, one of which will also be included in my forthcoming tenth book, titled, An Early Industry of Household Wares: The Red Earthenware of Salem Village, South Danvers, Peabody and Salem Massachusetts. These may have also been objects that were originally acquired by Governor Black.

Note: For more information about the jug shown to the right below - see my seventh book, titled, From One Town Came Many: The Red Earthenware Industry of Ancient North Yarmouth, Maine: https://historicbeverly.net/product/94597/.

Two 19th C. New England Jugs Found in Barns in Freedom, N.H.

Portrait of New York Governor Frank Black (1858-1913)

Black Served as the 32nd Governor of New York from 1897-98

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: National Governors Association

(Left) Very Nice 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug from New England

Possibly Made in New Hampshire

Will Be Included in Forthcoming Tenth Book

(Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Likely Made in Southern Maine

Perhaps Made in the Buxton and Limington, Maine area

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Libby Estate Sale

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...