Three Needlework Samplers: Initialled A.S. (Ann Smith), Westtown School, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Dated 1809; A Darning Sampler, Probably Delaware, 19th Century, and Calista Slack, Enfield, Connecticut, Shaker Community, Dated 1826

The first, a rare needlework sampler, initialled A.S. Westtown School, dated 1809. Worked in silk threads on a linen ground wtih flowers and geometric devices with several pairs of initials. Some minor discoloration. 10 1/2  by 13 1/2  inches, the second, a Delaware darning sampler, circa 1800 (10 3/4  by 12 3/4  inches) and the third, a Shaker sampler worked in black threads on a linen ground, signed Calista Slack born September 13 Year 1811, came to Enfield to live March, February 17th 1826. (8 5/8  by 10 inches). 3 pieces. (One sampler not illustrated).

See catalogue note at sothebys.com

M. Finkel and Daughter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October, 1984

Ann Smith: somewhat darkened.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Exhibited and Literature: LACMA, p. 157, fig 72

Born in 1811, in Plymouth, Vermont, Calista Slack joined the Shaker Community of Enfield; New Hampshire, in 1826, at the age of fifteen, becoming a member of the Second Family.¹ In December 1833, at twenty-two, she was appointed to the Order of Family Deacon. By 1838, and for ten years thereafter, she was an assistant to Eldress Nancy Allard. Assuming the title of Eldress, Calista Slack moved to the office of the North Family, June 28, 1864.² She died March 11, 1867, at the age of fifty-five, having spent her adult life as a true believer in the Shaker Society.³ 

 

1. Shaker Membership Card Index, compiled by the Western Reserve Historical Society under the direction of Wallace H. Cathcart. Calista Slack is recorded in 1828 as being on the roll of Second Family, 1829, at the age of eighteen. Many other members of the Slack family are included on the sacred roll; a number of them signed it on the same day as Calista, May 5, 1843. Additional information typed by an unknown hand accompanied the sampler. 

2. Note accompanying sampler. 

3. Ibid.