Front
Cobbler’s Bench
circa 1832 (Date manufactured/created)
Wood, leather, metal
The original owner of this cobbler's bench, Hezekiah Banks III, was accepted at the age of eighteen as an apprentice to learn the cobblers trade from his uncle Charles Nichols. Nichols' shop was at his home property on Congress Street in Fairfield. At the age of 20, Banks left Mr. Nichols and went into partnership with a Mr. Jennings of Southport with whom he worked until 1837-8. He purchased his own bench in 1832 and used it in connection with running his farm until his death in 1900. According to museum records, it is made of pumpkin pine with hickory legs, and the leather on seat is the original. With the exception of new front on the small drawer and the two new knobs, it is the original as made.
Gift of the Misses Olive and Frances Pease
1978.153