Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Desk |
Catalog Number |
2017.59 |
Date |
1885-1950 |
Material(s) |
Wood |
Dimensions |
H-38 W-29 D-15.375 inches |
Description |
This is a small wooden Empire style writing desk with a slanted fold down top and two drawers underneath. The back legs are rectangular and tapered, while the front legs are rectangular, curved, and flared at the bottom. It is made of cherry with a mahogany veneer on the top, desk cover, and drawer fronts. The desk cover and drawer fronts are inlaid with lighter colored woods and mother of pearl in classical symmetrical floral designs and all have keyholes. The interior is of dark cherry and has two horizontal shelves in the center, flanked on either side by two vertical pigeonholes over two small drawers. The drawer pulls and hinges are brass. The back is stenciled "MHG/No. 922" in faded white text. |
Notes |
The desk was first owned by Emma Guy Cromwell. Emma Guy Cromwell (September 28, 1865 - July 19, 1952) was a Democratic Party politician in Kentucky. In 1896, she was chosen by the legislature to become the State Librarian. In 1923, Cromwell was elected Kentucky Secretary of State, making her the first woman elected to statewide office in Kentucky. She went on to be elected to Kentucky State Treasurer in 1927. Cromwell was selected as Kentucky State Park Director in 1932. In 1937, Cromwell was appointed State Librarian and Director of Archives. |
Collection |
William M. Johnson Collection |
People |
Cromwell, Emma Guy, 1865-1952 |
Subjects |
Desks Furnishings Furniture Librarians Political elections Politicians State government Suffrage Suffragettes Suffragists Women's rights |
Search Terms |
Democratic Party Kentucky Secretary of State Kentucky State Parks Kentucky State Treasurer Secretary Of State Secretary of State of Kentucky State Librarian State Treasurer Women Women in politics Women's rights |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |