Footwarmer

From Henry Whitfield State Museum

18th century (Date manufactured/created)

Wood (maple?); iron

This footwarmer, sometimes called a foot stove, was probably made in New England. The only source of heat throughout the colonial period was a fire. Footwarmers were one way to take that warmth with you. A small metal shovel was used to scoop hot embers from under the fire and fill a small tin box inside the footwarmer. Resting your feet on top of the outer wooden box kept them warm but prevented burns. The holes supplied air to the embers and allowed heat to escape. Essentially a portable heater, footwarmers could be used in an unheated part of the house, in a carriage, at the meeting house, or at school.

Accession/ID Number HW1973.141