AFA Summer 2018

Summer 124 www.afamag.com | w ww.incollect.com patented in 1826. These plates were produced in large quantities for nearly forty years (roughly 1826 to 1865), and feature hundreds of different designs, including political and historical themes. It is commonly thought that Henry Clay cup plates were produced in conjunction with the 1840 or 1844 United States Presidential elections in which Clay was a participant. It is possible, however, that the plates were made slightly earlier, perhaps to commemorate his important role in the War of 1812, or to promote his “American System,” a legislative platform that called for, among other things, increased tariffs on imported goods, and which was extremely popular in the northeastern United States, where these plates were manufactured. This unique architectural assemblage was originally part of the Pease House (Fig. 4) in Somers, Connecticut. The Greek Revival portion of the home was likely constructed around 1840. A.B. Wells purchased the set from Addie Webster Slater, who, with her husband, George, operated the house as the Maples Inn and Tea Room from 1923 to 1951. The handwritten receipt dated September 17, 1927, records Mrs. Slater receiving $100 “on acc Henry Clay Plates in door frames & attic window,” and requires Wells to “replace with 3 windows around door & attic window and put in place by Wells and to pay $400.00 when he secures the windows” to the satisfaction of Mrs. Slater. The reverse of the receipt notes that the amount was paid in full on November 1, 1927. Upon acquiring the windows, A.B. Wells incorporated them into the new “great room” ell addition to his Southbridge residence (Fig. 5). 3 The room was constructed of reclaimed barn timbers and weathered boards in keeping with the aesthetic sensibilities of his collection. The attic window was fitted into a door at one end and bordered by the transom and sidelights. Wells used this large space to entertain family and friends, and the room displayed some of his most prized possessions. While no other grouping of this type has been documented, the use of cup plates as decorative detail in an architectural setting does Fig. 3: Cup plate, probably the Boston & Sandwich Glass Co., Sandwich, Mass., ca. 1840. D.: 3⅝ inches. Photograph by William McGuffin, courtesy Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates.