Finding Identity Through Material Culture
The Robinson's Tableware and Glassware
A Closer Look
These sets of American shell-edged wares are probably from East Liverpool, Ohio Potteries and date to the 1920s and 1930s. A number of different American shell-edged patterns were identified in this collection. This suggest the Robinson's may have followed dominant Victorian material dining standards in which consumers assembled sets of matching or similar wares. The Robinson's desire to assemble matching wares may be indicative of their social aspirations. As some researchers suggest that the rights of citizenship were symbolically associated with position in society, this may have been a method the Robinson's used to negotiate their position in society and their community.
Last Updated: Sept 14, 1998
http://www.nps.gov/rap/exhibits/mana/08link1.htm
