Featherwork, Emma Hunkins Parsons, New Berlin, 1872.
Object name
Featherwork
Maker
Parsons, Emma Hunkins, 1854-n.d.
Date
ca. 1872
Dimensions
14"H x 10"W
Materials and techniques
Feathers; Wire; Ceramic
Original location
New Berlin, Waukesha County, Wisconsin
Current location
Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin
Description
Gilded ceramic vase supports a bouquet of flowers constructed from wire and dyed feathers. Peacock feathers used for insect wings. Vase is stuffed with newspaper; bouquet is attached to vase with wire.
History
According to the records of the Waukesha County Museum, this featherwork bouquet was made by Mrs. W. S. Parsons of New Berlin, Wisconsin. Mrs. W. S. Parsons is likely Emma M. Hunkins, a daughter of Hazen and Aurelia Hunkins. In 1872, she married William S. Parsons, Jr., the eldest son of William S. Parsons, who came to New Berlin from Boston, Massachusetts in 1837.
Sources
William Parsons biography, History of Waukesha County (Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880) via Links to the Past:Waukesha County Online Genealogy (accessed July 30, 2011): http://www.linkstothepast.com/waukesha/biosnberlin.php
