Object Record
Images
Metadata
Accession # |
1995.29.1.04 |
Item Name |
Machine, Mortising |
Description |
A foot-operated mortising machine (.01) with three chisels (.02-.04) dated circa 1840-1850. The machine has a cast iron stand and a foot pedal with a narrow wooden shelf. The shelf is the rest, onto which the piece of wood is laid. Directly above is a vertical chisel inserted into the machine. |
Date |
1840-1850 CIRCA |
Provenance |
The foot-operated mortising machine was left in the donor's home in Elora when he bought the house from Fred Shepherd. The machine was originally owned by Fred's great-grandfather, James Shepherd (1835-1919). James was a carpenter and contractor in Thorpville and Guelph. The machine was rebuilt after it went through a fire on MacDonnell St. Guelph (across from the Guelph Mercury building) in about 1865-1870. With this machine, James built the teacher's residence at S. S. #4 Nichol Twp. (1865) for a sum of $851.00. James' son, George H. Shepherd, used it to make the storm windows for the Wellington County Home in the early 1920s and for the Armory Hall, Elora. His son, George A., used it for work and renovations on the Wellington County Home. It was also used by his son, Fred J., who was an Elora plumber. According to the Shepherds', George H. Shepherd's work is still seen "in the many famous Shepherd porches and garages in Elora and Fergus which all look alike." |
Person \ Organization |
Wellington County Home For the Aged Shepherd, James Shepherd, George H. Shepherd, George A. Shepherd, Frederick John |
Place |
Guelph Elora Thorpville |
Year Range from |
1840 |
Year Range to |
1850 |
Creator \ Maker |
Smart and Stracy |