Object Record
Images
Additional Images [5]
Metadata
Accession number |
1996.139 |
Object Identification Number |
1996.139.001a |
Object Name |
Coffeepot |
Donor |
Harkay, Edna, Christensen |
Description |
This brass coffeepot has a bulb shaped body. From one side of the body extends a long, curving spout. The opposite side has a wooden handle painted black. The handle is curved at the top and bent at the bottom. It is attached to the body by two cylindrical pieces of brass with screws in them. The rim of the pot is wider than the neck just below it and is slightly layered. The inside of the pot is plain. The base of the coffeepot is layered and it's bottom is plain except for the rim and one circular layer. |
Dimensions |
H-9 W-10 inches |
Owned By |
Christensen, Otto and Ellen/Harkay, Edna Christensen |
Used By |
Christensen, Otto and Ellen |
Material |
Brass/Wood |
Associated People |
Christensen, Otto and Ellen Harkay, Edna Christensen |
Search Terms |
Christensen, Otto and Ellen Harkay, Edna Christensen coffeepot Perth Amboy Fords New Jersey |
Provenance |
This set was used by Otto and Ellen Christensen who made their home in what was (during 1920's, 30's and 40's) a large Danish settlement in Perth Amboy and Fords, New Jersey. The set was kept on the sideboard of their dining room for several years. Their daughter, the donor, remembers vividly that the polishing of this set was a required Saturday task throughout her childhood. Otto Christensen was born on April 30, 1900. He died on September 20, 1948 from a ruptured appendix. Ellen Christensen was born on June 13, 1902 and died on February 7, 1996. The couple had four children together, 3 girls and 1 boy. The boy died at age 6 of pneumonia. The donor of this gift is the oldest child. Otto came to America in 1922. He returned to Denmark in 1924 and married Ellen in Struer on February 15. Otto returned to America and Ellen followed in the spring. They lived in South Ozone Park, Long Island, New York until 1926. This is where the donor was born. By 1929 they had lived on Staten Island and in two places in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. This is where their next child was born. In 1930 they lived in Fords, New Jersey where their third girl and only boy were born. Fords became their permanent home. The donor lives only two houses away from her parent's home. The family belonged to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. There were Danish services into the 1950's. Ellen sang in church and at weddings, funerals, minstrel shows, christenings, and special Danish functions. At the time of this donation the church was celebrating 125 years and the donor was co-chairman. Otto worked on sewers in Long Island, Staten Island, and later as a crane operator. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1944 to do his part in the war effort. Otto was very patriotic and flew the American flag every day. In late 1945 he was discharged and went back to being a crane operator until his death. Ellen became a waitress in the 1940's, which led into catering Danish open-faced sandwiches, smørrebrød and cold tables. Ellen visited Denmark at least 7 times. The donor and her sisters have visited Denmark several times and have had relatives visit them. |
Images |
036\1996139001a.JPG |
Date Received by Museum |
1996 |