This project was unbelievably exciting, educational, and time-consuming. A DAR (Daughter of the American Revolution) hired me to update this canopy bed. She researched and purchased the appropriate fabric for that time in history and explained to me her vision for the final outcome.
In the late 1990s, her son informed me that the bed was gifted to The House of the Seven Gables, in Salem, Massachusetts . The museum received the bed with an understanding that it would not be on daily display, as it’s not part of The Gables original furnishings. Instead, it would be out only on special occasions.
This was the most meaningful and educational project I have ever experienced because I had always wanted to contribute to a museum display.
I learned the history of this bed during the Revolution, how it was dismantled for travel, then reassembled on the next battle site.
The DAR owned a collection of antique toys. It was like being in a toy museum. Periodically, they were displayed for visiting children.
I think of her whenever I watch the Antiques Roadshow.
One evening, she invited me to watch the rolling waters from her balcony. The sight and sound of the rapidly moving water was breathtaking. Then, I looked straight down over the railing. The rushing waters were white foam crashing against the wall below me–about three floors below me! Thought I would pass out!
