All the hallmarks of Soap Hollow furniture are evident in this 1867 chest of drawers, such as the scrolled backboard, drop centered skirt, bright red color, and stenciled decoration.<br/>Jeremiah Stahl (1830-1907). Soap Hollow Seven Drawer Chest, 1867, cherry and tulip poplar wood (painted and stenciled), 54 1/4 x 40 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches. Collection of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA. Gift of the Westmoreland Society. 2002. 2003.3. Visit them at www.thewestmoreland.org. See previous slide for full credits. Side view of the Stahl chest of drawers, showing additional detail. Note the well preserved, bright red paint, which contrasts with the black panels, legs and trim.<br/>Jeremiah Stahl (1830-1907). Soap Hollow Seven Drawer Chest, 1867, cherry and tulip poplar wood (painted and stenciled), 54 1/4 x 40 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches. Collection of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA. Gift of the Westmoreland Society. 2002. 2003.3. Visit them at www.thewestmoreland.org. See previous slide for full credits. Similar decorative elements are present in this Soap Hollow chest of drawers, inscribed “1861” and “EBB” on the side. Christian C. Blauch made it for his sister, Elizabeth B. Blauch, for her wedding to Freidrich Reninger. Knobs are clear glass. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. This handsome blanket chest was made for Barbara Kaufman (1837-1922) by John Sala. The paired heart motif and stenciled horses seem to have been his favorite design. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Miniature chest, inscribed “Nathanial Thomas, 1887.” The chest is attributed to Peter K. Thomas (1838-1907), Nathanial’s father. Nathanial was the third of Peter Thomas’s nine children. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. In later pieces, the stenciling was often replaced with floral decals, as in this chest dated 1890. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Detail of left decal, 1890 chest. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Detail of center decal, 1890 chest. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Detail of right decal, 1890 chest. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Useful pieces such as hutches, beds, hanging cupboards, and dry sinks were an everyday part of Soap Hollow residents’ lives. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Sewing stands and other small, functional items were also produced by the Soap Hollow artisans. Private collection: Photo credit: Rick Povich. Wood scraps were likely used to create other small items, like this picture frame. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Not all Soap Hollow furniture was treated to decorative painting or stencils. This plain but very functional kitchen dry sink and cupboard received just a coat of pumpkin yellow paint, although the drawer knobs do provide a decorative element. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich.
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