Johnston Historical Society Newsletter
Vol. I, #2, January 1985
Shirley Beaune, President, Louis H. McGowan, editor

(The following article was originally carried by the Providence Journal on May 15, 1868. It aptly describes the ever-present danger from dam breaks in our early industrial period. No agencies regulated construction of dams at that time.)—editor.

Hughesdale Flood
Disastrous Freshet in Johnston. The rain of Wednesday night caused a very heavy freshet in Dry Brook, a stream in Johnston. Sometime about one o'clock Thursday morning, Mr. T.H. Hughes' storehouse was swept away, as well as the dam nearby, and went down with the flood. It contained about twenty thousand pounds of cotton and other property belonging to Mr. James Walsh, the lessee, whose loss amounts to $11,000. In the yard was also three thousand dollars worth of stock belonging to Messrs. A.&W. Sprague, most of which was lost.

The cotton mill, a short distance below, was also carried down, and the dam connected therewith. This was a mill also owned by Mr. Hughes whose loss is some $10,000. It was leased by Mr. Thos. Prey, whose loss is $5,000. All the machinery of the mill was lost.

The dam next below and the three large stone buildings of the Glenville Chemical Works, filled with chemicals and acids, were also swept away. This involves a further loss to Mr. Hughes of $30,000. The bridge upon the main Providence and Johnston road was also wrecked and made impassable, its abutments being washed away. The current was turned into the road, the damage to which and the expense incident to replacing the bridge will amount to $500. A still further disaster, involving damage to the extent of over a thousand dollars, occurred at the Morgan mill, which is the property of Messrs. A.W. Sprague. Here the bulk-head and part of the dam were carried away. Water and sand filled the lower part of the building to the depth of from five to six feet and forced out the windows. The superintendent and three workmen who were hard at work trying to mitigate the disaster as far as possible, came very near losing their lives. Finding that they were unable to remove some planks from the raceway without iron bars they went to procure them, and had barely left when the boards that had been their previous foothold were borne down with the current.

Historical teasers: Answers to last month's questions

1. The village of Graniteville had its own spring fed water system. The water was pumped to the surface by a windmill and gravity was used to bring the homes of the village. The name of the water company was Thornley water company. In Graniteville there was also a private water system that served only homes along Dean Ave.
2. The Patriot who served in the capacity of Commander of the 2d Rhode Island regiment was Col. Israel Angell. He made his home on South Scituate Road.
3. The first Chief of Police was William A. Carroll who took office in 1886.

Historical teasers: Questions

1. How many of Johnston's 19th century school houses are still standing? Where are they?
2. What major highway that passes through Johnston was called the Powder-Mill Turnpike?
3. In what year did the annexation of Olneyville take place? How was the decision to turn this area over to the City of Providence made?

It's official! As of September 23, 1984, the Farnum House is the new headquarters and property of the Johnston Historical Society. The house is in good condition and a perfect candidate for a historical restoration. In the coming months plans will be discussed regarding this restoration and fund raising events needed to offset its costs. The acquisition of the Farnum House is a great asset to our society and we are pleased and proud to be its owners.

We warmly welcome the following new members who have joined our organization since the last newsletter:

Marcella Torchia, Sr.
Joe Richer
Anne Baccari
Kathy & Mario Lo Bello
Peter and Ann Voccio
Gilbert & Ann Parrillo

A special welcome also goes to Mrs. Dora Muto, our first Honorary Life Member. New members are extremely important to our group, as they add new ideas and additional information to our growing store of historical data.

Many thanks to the following:

• John Nanni, Chairman of our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner.
• Mary Cerra, Angie Russo, & Gina Perrotta, Co-Chairwomen of the Johnston Historical Society Traditional Christmas Social.
• Walter Beauné, Chairman of our Fall Fair & Flea Market.
• Kim Carrera & Lou McGowan, who presented a slide show at our October meeting.
• Members who served on the committees that conducted the above affairs.
• Members and friends who participated in these special events.

Mr. William Northup, former head of the Johnston Fire Department, was a guest speaker at our November meeting. His talk, which covered the recent history of the Farnum House and surrounding property, was informative and entertaining. The presentation was highlighted by historical photographs and various documents which Mr. Northup generously donated to our archives.

We are happy to announce that more speakers, slide shows, field trips, and special events are planned for the near future.

Thanks again for your support.

Sincerely,
Shirley Beauné
President

Upcoming Events. At our January 28th meeting at 8:00 p.m., Walter Nebiker of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission will speak to us on "Insights into Rhode Island Preservation." Walter has done field work for and written many of the commission's R.I. Town inventories of historic architecture. We are sure to learn something about building preservation. Our business meeting will follow.

On Saturday, February 9th, 1985, at 9:00 am we will take a tour of the Worcester Textile Company's plant in the old Greystone Mill. The tour will last for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Worcester Textile is one of the last textile mills in New England to make finished cloth from wool. Coffee and refreshments will follow at the Farnum House. RSVP to Bob Burford at the library (XXX-XXXX) or Louis McGowan (XXX-XXXX evenings) by Feb. 2, 1985.

Membership Update. A brief note on our recent "first annual membership drive," Sept. 1st to Oct. 31st, 1984. As all first attempts at something new, our drive fell a little short, but all was not lost. Our November meeting and our Christmas Party brought to our ranks several sincere and dedicated members. Welcome aboard!!

This is also a short but firm reminder to members who had not paid their dues for the 84-85 year. Please attend the January 28th meeting and bring your $5.00 dues.

September and October of each year are designated months for two purposes:

1. annual membership drive,
2. payment of annual membership dues.

This is a transcription of the first several pages of Dr. Moses Mowry's Day book owned by the Mohr Memorial Library. Dr. Mowry lived in the Manton section of Johnston until his death in 1838. —Robert S. Burford, librarian.

David Paine Mowry born 25th February 1810
Valentine Sweet born 27th February 1758
Elizabeth Manton born April 10th AD 1817 daughter of Daniel
Polly Holden born 22nd August 1816
Abby Holden born 22nd August 1819
after a long drouth in 1826 a fine rain 20th June 1826
My mare folded 25th April 1827—the Harvey Mare—
Lokas (?) Sprague Born 25th 1805
Esther Sprague born June 29th 1804
Day Book—B.

7th November 1827 a damp heavey snow fell fifteen inches deep
Phebe Sprague born April 25th 1802, and came to live at my house in Sept 1810 and lived at my House until June 1826, and came to live with me again October 12th 1827
Sally Holden 12 years old 22 August 1828
Abby Holden 9 years old 22 of August 1828
Lucy Anna Aldrich 8 years old January 8th 1832. Came to my house April 23rd AD1832 Lucy Anna Aldrich went from here Friday Sept. 25th AD 1825 (sic—1835?)
Col. Henry Manton came to my house July 4th 1837

a total eclipse of the son (visable) 16th June AD1806
an eclipse of the son 12th February 1831 nearly total and visable
Col. Jeremiah Stanton born 13th of February AD1763
Benjamin Waterman born 22nd February 1740
F.S.R.W. 25 March 1832 We went to see Phebe Sprague at Sutton August 14th AD1832
2 1/2 yards—3/4 yds wide to make a pr pantaloons
January 4 & 5th AD1835 was colder than it had been for Thirty two years By 4 degrees than it has been for thirty two years by Moses Brown's thermometer and some say colder than it was in the winter of AD1779 & 1780
On the evening of the 4th of March AD 1835 the Factory belonging to E. E. Manton & S.J. Killey burned down - Insured for Six thousand dollars

(front first leaf)
David... 3 August 181...
Thomas Manton...
Phebe Pearie departed this life on the...
Elisabeth Remington departed this life on the 13th of October 1811
Cyrus Paine departed this life 6th January 1811 in 39th year of his age
Col. George R. Burrill (Bronill?) departed this life on the 19th February 1818 aged 48 years
Anaias Mowry departed this life on the 5th of March 1818 aged... one
John Hawkins departed this life on the 10th July 1818 in the 74th year of his age
Jonathan Mowry departed this life on the 19th July 1818 aged 55 years 3 months & 3 days
Job Smith departed this life on the 15 August 1818 in the 82nd year of his age
Lydia Angell wife of James Angell Jr. Departed this life 6th November 1818
Col. Daniel Manton departed this life 14th November AD 1808 aged 65 (63?)
Thomas Manton departed this life 9th November AD 1819 aged
Lycy Graves departed this life 2nd November 1819 aged
Ursilla Davis departed this life 12 December 1819 aged about 76 years
Abraham Belknap Esq. departed this life 30 January 1820 in the 92 year of his age
Peleg Arnold of Smithfield departed this life 13 February 1820 aged 68 years in Woonsoquet
Abraham Belknap departed this life 15 March 1820 in 55 years of his age
Abagail Fenner departed this life April 22 1820 aged 33 years
Joseph Alverson departed this life 14 July 1820
Edward Manton Esqr departed this life 20th September at 5 oclock A.M. AD 182... (20?)
Esther Holdin departed this life 24th October 1820 Aged wife of Capt Thomas... and Daughter of Daniel Manton Esqr.
(Isaac?) Angell departed this life 12 November 1820 aged
Patience Manton departed this life 7 December 1820 aged 77 years (bound?)
James Burril (Brunnil?) Jr departed this life 25 December 1820 in the 49th year of his age
Asa Olney departed this life 3rd October 1821
Elijah Tripp departed this life 4th October 1821
John Corlis Kinnicutt (Hinnicut?) departed this life 8th October 1821
Mowry Sayles departed this life 3rd February 1822 aged
John Sayles Esqr. departed this life 28th February 1822 aged 99 years &
Samuel Green departed this life 26th April 1822 aged
David Alverson departed this life 3rd of June 1822 aged 88 years 3 months & 20 days
Charles Waterman departed this life 13th day July 1822 aged
Obadiah Brown departed this life 15th October 1822 in the 52nd year of his age
Lucippa Sprague departed this life 5th of February 1823 Aged 48 years
Daniel Winsor departed this life 17th June 1823 in the 61st year of his age
French Cement, designed as a paint for roofs of houses R. Take as much as is usual in making a pail full of white wash and let it... mix in a pail nearly full of water; in this put two pounds and a half of brown shugar and three pounds of fine salt, mix them well together and the cement is comp(leated?) lamp black, yellow ochre, or other colouring commodity may be introduced to change the colour of the cement, to please the fancy of those who use it
Hygeia
Ursilla Davis came to live at my house in the... of...
This year AD 1811 and lived at my house untill...
March 10th AD 1820 an uncommon Ice that...
September 3rd AD 1821 a very hard blan...

(back first leaf) On the morning of the 14th day of April AD 1813 my House was struck with Lightning my Father & mother were here at same time—Moses Mowry
On the 12 of August AD 1815 Joanna Killey (Hilley?) was Appoint administrator on the Estate of Ezekiel Killey of Johnston, Deceased.
1st Sept. AD 1815 to an inventory of the property of Ezekiel Killey Deceased—2nd Sept. AD 1815 to an inventory of the above said property and had commissioner Appointed to Receive & report on the claims against said Estate—
19 Sept. paid one Dollar to Wilson & Brown to insert an advertisement in their paper for Mrs. Joanna Killey—
28 Oct. met at Mrs. Killey's to receive claims against sd Estate
12th June AD 1817 the above is paid
Union (lights) Thummin) (perfections)
Benjamin Cesar began to work 11th July 1818 for one month
Bot Chaise of Timothy Eaton 12th December 1818 at $160 My father & mother came here 20th November 1819 & went a way the 22nd of the same month—Moses Mowry
20 November 1820 a snow fell that was sufficient for good sleighing on the 17 day of April 1821 a snow fell 14 inches deep on a leval and was good sleighing the 18th day it being townmeeting day.
19th day some sleighs run and the snow did not all go off untill the 25 day of Said April—attest Moses Mowry
(Phebe) Harris Holden was born 22 of 9th mo. 1783
Elizabeth Remington was born 16 day of January AD 1732
1st July AD 1817 I saw President Munro in Providence
Seth Mowry was married to Nancy Waterman 15th May AD 1816
Arnold Aldrich was married to (Cyrene) Paine 19 December AD 1816
Henry Manton was married to Ann Eliza Jenckes 21st May AD 1818
Amy Waterman was married to Bowen 21st November AD 1819
Nathan Mowry & Sarah Mann were married 23 December AD 1819
...lmey Manton & Anstis (Anftis, Anjtis?) Dyer were married 14th August AD 1822
...Stephen Harris & Maria Manton were married 13th October AD 1822
...lham James Manton & Frelove Jenckes were married 14th October AD 1822
On the 9th of August 1821 Benjamin Sweet & Stephen Sweet were ordained Deacons over Elder Spragues church & people—
...buy our Cheese of Joseph Scarborough
16th July 1821
Dorbs (Doct'r?) Porter goes to the (springs?) with Shadwich
John Bemont was discharged 1st December AD 1816 from Moses Mowry by agreement
Moses Saunders called to my house 18 December AD 1816 to know if his Claim against the Estate of Ezekiel Killey was allowed.
My kitchen windows are cased with ansticle caseings.
Population of the world Europe it is suppose to contains 180.000.000
Asia including Australiasia and Polynisis 500.000.000
Africa 50.000.000
America 35.000.000
Total: 765.000.000
...th February my go... Layed...

(page one)
Johnston April 27th AD 1812 Page... (outside edges have been cropped)
M (day & month?)
7 Charles Mathewson * (symbol through to mean "account of") to Cathert. 1 pt for ("hs", symbol thought to be "his") wife
7 William Potter * to Pill Sapo No. 8 for his wife
7 Joseph Churchel * to Visit to his Pivol Pill & pill No. 6
7 George Brownell * to Visit Attendance half day with his Boy... 2 pts Col 6 pts Emop Epispastts 3 pilassters spirit Lav. Zin &...
7 C.s (cash?) to Mathew Cushing by 1 pr. turn pumps for myself
7 Joseph Churchel * to visit to his girl Cortz Casiavilla 5 (in?) Cortz Penn 7 (in?) & Dis 5
9 Mrs. Lydia Higgins * to Cathert. 1 pt for Joanna
9 William Potter * to Phleboty for his (self?)
10 cs to John Fo(x?) by one wood Map
1st of May Morehead * to visit his girl Cathert. 1 pt.
Capt. Ezekiel Kelly * to visit to Betsy & Del.d Plast.
Christopher Wilkinson & to Journey to his wife in haist Pill Opin No. 6 Papo No. 9 & Dntz)
John Tripp Jn. * to Visit to his wife Cather.t 1 pt.
Job Waterman Junr * to Journey & Del.d his wife
Capt. Ezekiel Kelly * to visit & D...y his knee
Edmond Sheldon * to Col & Rhei 2 pts for his Child
to Col 6 pts Emp Epispastts Z6 (looks like 36) for (symbol meaning "ditto"?)
to Journey to (ditto?) Col 4 pts. Emt. Tant. 1 pt. Rads Lene (...) Z6
Capt. Wm. B. King * to journey & Del.d his wife (...) 1 pt
C.s to Peter Daley by one Broom (?) 20 cts.
Capt. Graves * to Journey to his Black woman Ipe 3 pts. Radz Collmho Z6 & (Dirts?)
Jeremiah Sheldon * to Ext (extract) a Dentu (?) for his self
Edmond Sheldon * to Journey to John Col 8 pts & Dirts (Duty?)
10 to Journey to (ditto?) Col & Emt. Tant. 1 pt & Dirts
11 William B. King Jrnr. * to Journey to his wife Catherint. 1 pt.
11 Stephen Waterman * to Journey to his self Cathart. 1 pt zm opis 5 pts & consulting wt Dr. Cole
11 Cs to Col Welcome Vallet by his Brother Wm one day at house
12 Cs to (ditto) by his Self & Wm Each one day at (ditto)
13 Cs to Do by his Self one day & Wm half a Day
13 Stephen Waterman * to Journey to his self
13 Cs to Randall at For by 1 Bushel of Indian Corn
14 Cs to Joseph Cesar by blowing Rock in door yard
14 Cs to John Fox one day diging stones
14 David Knapp * to Journey to his wife Phleboty Cathert. 1 pt. Emt. 1 pt Radz Serpt. Z6 & Phleboty for Nancy (Nanny?)
14 William Thair * to Journey to his mother
14 Cs to Welcome Vallet by his self & Wm. Each one day do. (ditto) * to one Gimblet prise 6 cts.
14 Cs to do. By his self & Wm Each one day
14 Cs to Samuel Cushing by one day diging stone

Johnston May 15th AD 1812 Page 2nd
Joseph Churchel * to visit to his girl Spt Vit Z(...) Gortz Penn Ziu Rads Jentiar Zui Linps Ziu & Dintz 1.00
Cs. To Col. Welcome Vallet by his Self & Wm. Each one day Do. & to Zi of Salt Seventeen cents .17
Cs. to Do. by his self half a Day
Peter Daley * to Journey to his wife Catherint. & Emt. 1 pt. 1.00
Asher Saunders * to Pill Sapo No. 6 for his wife .17
Jonathan Smith * to Cathart. & Emt. 1 pt for his self .25
Cs. To Col. Welcome Vallet by his self and Wm. Each one day
Cs. To Do. By his self & Wm. Each one day
Blydenbergh * to Rhei 1 pt for his child .13
Randall at L.F. * to Night Visit to his Self Col. & Rhei 1 pt. 1.25
to visit to do. Col. & Rhei 1 pt & Dinuts 1.00
Cs to Joseph Greene by 1 bushel of Indian Corn & one do. of Ry 2.17
Cs to Col. Welcome Vallet by his Self and Wm. Each one day
Cs. to do. by his Self and Wm. Each one day
do. * to 6# Cotton Yarn Cost 6.76 cts for Wm.
Jonathan Smith * to Cortz Cassanilla Z6 & Dints .25
William Potter * to Visit to his wife Col. & Rhei 1 pt. .25
Amelia Fox * to Phleboty Col & Rhei 1 pt for his self .33
Cs. to Mrs. Oakley by 6#s Cotton Yarn Cost 6.76 Cts
Philip Keech * to Journey to his Boy Col. Rhei & Emt. Tan.tre 1 pt. 1.00
Randall at L.F. * to visit to self & Dintz .75
Cs. to Joseph Greene by 10#s of coffee at 20 Cts pr #s
Mrs. Oakley * to Cathant. & Emt. 1 pt for his self .17
Cs to Welcome Vallet by Wm. One day
Cs to do. By Wm. one day
Cs to Christopher Wilkinson by 4 Dozen of Pins
Thomas Thompson * to Journey to his wife at M. Far. Cathant. & Emt. 1 pt & Dirt 1.00
to Journey to do. Pill Opii ret. Col. No. 6 Vileri Z6 En Arb. Z6 1.00
Col. Jeremiah Manton * to Sal Glarb. Zi Emp. Epispastts 1 plast. .75
to visit his wife Plheboty Pill Sapo No. 3 ret. Em. Tants. & Dintz .75
to visit to do. Rads Seneka Z6 & Dintz .50
to visit to do. Emt. Tants. 1 pt. Emp Enpispastts 1 Plastr. .75
Cs to Mrs. Oakley by 2#s Cotton Yarn Cost 2.44
Jessa Hill * to visit to Wanton Casthant. 1 pt. ret. Emt. .50
Cs to Welcome Vallet one day do. * to 2#s Yarn cost 2.44
Cs to do. by his Self half a Day & Wm. one day
Cs to do. by Wm. one day
Cs to do. by his self half a Day & Wm. one day
Cs to Gideon Brown by 2 bushels of Indian Corn
Blew the Turnpike Man * to Journey & Dressing his mans Fingers 1.00
William Philips * to Ext. S(r)ale from his eye .13
Joseph Oliver * to Journey to his child Cal. 4 pts Rads Seneka Ziu Emt Tantrs 1 pt & Dints 1.25

Books... Books... Books...
Recent Additions at the
Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library

Bealer, Alex W. The Log Cabin: Homes of the North American Wilderness. Barre, Mass.: Barre Publishing, 1978. 191 pages, index, bibliog.

Contemporary and old b&w and color photos throughout, as well as a few b&w drawings of floor plans and construction techniques.

Strombeck, Janet and Richard. Gazebos and Other Garden Structure Designs. Delafield, Wisc.: Sun Designs, 1983. 96 pages.

B&w artist's drawings of 93 wooden garden structures with complete plans for 2 bird feeders and one gazebo, plus patterns for typical Victorian style railings, fascia and brackets.

Jackson, Albert and David Day. The Antiques Care and Repair Handbook. New York: Alfred Knopf, 1984.

A great book, 255 pages, indexed and containing hundreds of b&w, 2-tone and color photos and illustrations. The concise accompanying text contains considerable useful advice for collectors at any level (i.e., restoring or patching wood veneers, cleaning jewelry, cleaning and repairing rugs, collecting textiles, taking care of leather, books, musical instruments, flint-lock firearms, etc., etc.).

Spillman, Jane Shadel. Glass Tableware, Bowls and Vases. New York: Alfred Knopf, 1982. 478 pages.

Indexed alphabetically by subjects and company names. Illustrated with 350 small but fine quality color photos, each accompanied by a 1/2 page of succinct, highly informative text. Concludes with several visual keys and a general price list. One of several "Knopf Collectors' Guides", in a distinct soft cover and small, vertical format for carrying in your purse or glove compartment.

Hamlin, Talbot. Greek Revival Architecture in America. NY: Dover Publications, 1944, 1964.

Indexed and containing 322 b&w photos, sketches and architectural plans in 400+ pages. Chapters deal with Boston and New England, and there is some discussion of Rhode Island/Providence area Greek Revival buildings.

Haders, Phyllis. The Main Street Pocket Guide to Quilts. Pittstown, NJ: Main Street Press, 1983.

The 255 pages give simple descriptions, most accompanied by b&w photo and an approximation of value. Arrangement is by type of quilt pattern (i.e., sun, log cabin) and there are 48 color plates in a front key. This is one of several Main Street pocket guides about various collectibles which the library owns.

Underhill, Roy. The Woodwright's Shop: A Practical Guide to Traditional Woodcraft. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina, 1981. 202 pages, indexed

Extensively illustrated with photographs, mostly in b&w. A companion is The Woodright's Companion: Exploring Traditional Woodcraft (1983), 190 pages.

Kovel, Ralph and Terry. American Country Furniture, 1780-1875. NY: Crown Publishers, 1965. 248p.

Contains more than 700 b&w photos and other illustrations in categories of Beds, Candlestands, Chairs, Chests, Washstands, Woodbenches; Pennsylvania Furniture, Shaker Furniture, Spool Furniture. Indexed and includes a bibliography and an illustrated glossary of accessories and terms.

Wilbur, C. Keith. Pirates and Patriots of the Revolution; an illustrated encyclopedia of Colonial seamanship. Chester, Conn.: Globe-Pequot Press, 1973, 1984. 96 pages.

This large-format book is penned by the author in calligraphic script and profusely illustrated in detailed line drawings, again by the author. Indexed.

Early Wall Stenciling
Contributed by Carol Nanni
The earliest date for a wall decorated by stencil in America is 1778. This stenciling was discovered under layers of wall paper in the old Goodale homestead in Marlborough, Mass. Abner Goodale readied his house for his new bride by stenciling the walls of five of the rooms. Appropriately enough the frieze in one room was decorated with swags and wedding bells. There were a variety of patterns stenciled in shades of green, red, pale rose, and blue. Some of the designs were found in other homes in the area.

In this early period there were journeymen artists who traveled from village to village, and, with little cost to the homeowner, transformed the white plaster walls to tones of ochre, red, and green. Each artist carried a kit consisting of some dry colors, brushes, a supply of stencils cut from thick paper, some measuring tools, a builder's cord, and a piece of chalk. The artists were able to purchase dry colors which were mixed with various mediums such as skimmed milk and oil. Some local farmers and shopkeepers became painters on demand as it required no special skills to stencil a simple wall.

Many designs were repeated or used with variations from 1778 until the end of the first quarter of the 19th century. Certain patterns were repeated in a particular area suggesting that all the walls were done by the same local artist. Along some of the old turnpikes one can almost retrace the path followed by one itinerant artist. It is felt that artisans also copied from one another. This would explain how the same motifs are found from R.I. to Ohio and from N.Y. to Maine.

The early craftsmen used a variety of forms: borders of flowering stems, roses, acorns, and laurel leaves combined with geometric figures. Borders were used to outline windows, mantels, and doors. Over mantles elaborate patterns of birds, weeping willows, woven baskets, or urns filled with flowers were placed in varied arrangements. Some stenciled patterns done in different colors have been found in attics which indicate the artist might have been showing off his wares.

Much was learned of early stenciling when the kit belonging to Moses Eaton Jr., (1796-1886) was found in the attic of his farm house at Dublin, N.H. The kit is now the property of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities in Boston. The kit included eight brushes and seventy-eight stencils which made 40 complete designs varying in size from a large weeping willow to small hearts, diamonds, and circles. No registra marks (for accurate placing of one stencil over another) were found, showing that the artisan depended solely on his eye and on alignment of the stencil's upper edges. Thick green, red and yellow paint adhering to the working stencils indicated the colors being used.