Images(3)

Baluster

Dateca. 1750

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg, Bassett Hall

MediumTulip poplar

Dimensions28½" (H) x 1¾" (W) x 1¾" (T)

Object numberAF-1.22.7

DescriptionThis classic turned baluster for a closed string stair is the only survivng element from the houses's 18th-century servants' stair.
Label TextThis circa 1753 charred baluster was added to the collection after a fire severely damaged the interior of Bassett Hall in 1930. The fire caused enough damage to require removal of the servants' stair in the earliest section of the house. A replacement stair was not added when the house was repaired and updated for John D. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller's occupancy from 1936 to 1948. Even though it is damaged, it is very important because it is the only known piece to survive from that stair and is the only Historic Area servants' stair baluster in our collection.
InscribedWritten in yellow crayon/chalk on one side of baluster base: "BASSETT HALL", written in pencil on paper tag thumbtacked to second side of base: "BUILDING: Bassett Hall", written in pencil on one side of cap: "BASSETT HALL"
ProvenanceBassett Hall