On exhibit in Great Hall - with flash
Leete Chair
1640 – 1660 (Date manufactured/created)
Oak with red stain
51 in H
Measurement Notes: Seat height - 19 1/4"
Arm length - 21 3/4"
Arm length - 21 3/4"
Arguably the most important piece in the museum collections, this white oak armchair with its original red stain was owned by one of Guilford's founders, William Leete. Not only was he a prominent local figure, but he went on to serve as Governor of New Haven Colony (1661-1664) and Governor of Connecticut Colony (1676-1683). The chair descended through the Leete and Stone families before it was donated to the museum in 1902.
The chair was made in Connecticut in the mid-1600s after English and Boston styles. It has a wainscot back, and the carved detail under the arms is typical. It may have originally had a cushioned seat.
The chair was made in Connecticut in the mid-1600s after English and Boston styles. It has a wainscot back, and the carved detail under the arms is typical. It may have originally had a cushioned seat.
Gift of Henry Augustus Clinton Stone in 1902
HW1902.061