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Furniture
Textileworking
Voigt Family Collection ➔ Sewing Cabinet Or Writing Table
Identifier:
V401Description:
When closed functions as a writing desk. Rectangular cabinet. Top surface: wood frame with inset red felt panel surrounded by leather with embossed Greek key design. Solid reactangular U-shaped gallery along rear of piece with shaped side panels. Removable writing surface lapboard stores underneath desk surface.2 paneled doors on front of cabinet with rectangular pillasters at either end. Doors swing open and top unfolds to activate mechanism which lifts sewing machine. When open functions as sewing machine and table. Sewing machine: black enameled metal with gold painted foliate decoration. Cast fretwork pedal and pulley mechanism inside cabinet. 2 accessory drawers mounted on inside of dexter door.;Example of innovative, dual function popular during Victorian period. Date based on latest patent date on machine.;Atop accessory drawers;gold stencil: SWING DOORS WAY AROUND/BEFORE RAISINGTHE TOP'; sewing machine arm/stencil' 'DOMESTIC'; metal throat plate/stamped: numerous patent dates 1863 - 1875 and serial #118747..;USA: Michigan, Grand Rapids. Voigt House. Ralph Voigt donated majority of C.G.A. Voigt estate to GR Foundation upon his death in 1971. GF Foundation leased the property to Kent County Council of Historic Preservation. KCCHP purchased the property in 1974 and donated it to the City.. Voigt, Ralph.;USA: Michigan, Grand Rapids. Voigt House. Voigt, Ralph.Date:
1875Materials:
Walnut, Felt, Leather, MetalDimensions:
36" h 26.25" w 2" dCurrent Location Status:
In StorageCollection Tier:
Tier 2Source:
Gift Of Kent County Council For Historic PreservationRelated Entities:
Domestic Sewing Machine Company (creator) Kent County Council for Historic Preservation (donor)The Kent County Council for Historic Preservation has several responsibilities that support the preservation and protection of our history. These include:
- Recommending designation of new historic districts
- Reviewing applications for proposed alterations within historic districts
- Enforcing the Historic Preservation Ordinance Chapter and cooperating with the state, federal and local governments in pursuance of its responsibilities
- Conducting meetings or hearings necessary to carry out these purposes
The Historic Preservation Commission consists of seven members who reside in Grand Rapids. Members are appointed by the City Commission for three-year terms (two consecutive terms are allowed). Members shall have a demonstrated interest in or knowledge of historic preservation. Two members shall be appointed from a list submitted by the Kent County Council for Historic Preservation and one member shall be an architect duly registered in the State of Michigan.
http://grcity.us/design-and-development-services/Planning-Department/Pages/Historic-Preservation-Commission.aspx
Ralph Voigt, born in Grand Rapids, was 14 years old when the family moved into their home at 115 College Ave. SE in 1896. Mr. Voigt was well into middle age when Ralph was born, so it was only natural that the last child should be special to his father. Ralph, the third surviving son by the second marriage, became a pal to his father in his old age. Partly for this reason, Ralph entered and graduated from one of the finest Prep schools in the nation, Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. He subsequently went to Yale University graduating in 1905 from the School of Mining Engineering. During this period, he mastered the banjo and the guitar playing in school organized "bands" popular at the time. Joining a fraternity or sorority, of course, was a high point in the college student's career. Ralph was certainly no exception. He was in plays and college related productions and was popular. Memorabilia of Ralph's college days is abundant in the house -- a set of Wedgwood china bearing Yale scenes and other small personal items displayed in his bedroom. After his years in New England, Ralph returned to Grand Rapids and worked with the other family members in the milling business especially after his father's death in 1908. Ralph remained a bachelor living in this family home until his death there in 1971 at age 88.
