Object of the Month – December 2009




Highchair served many generations

This Victorian high chair was purchased by Havilah Babcock, one of four founders of Kimberly Clark, who lived at 537 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Neenah, for use by his children. Two sisters, Helen, born 1873 and Elizabeth, born 1882, never married and lived long lives together in the house, keeping it preserved as it was during Victorian times.

In the late 1930s, the Babcock sisters gave the chair to their next-door-neighbors, D.K. and Nell Brown, so they could use it for their visiting grandchildren. In 1961 the chair passed on to the Brown’s daughter, Dorothy Severson, for use by her grandchildren. The chair finally ended up in the home of Susan Severson Emerich, for use by her visiting grandchildren. Emerich donated the chair to the Historical Society last year. It is currently on display in the Octagon House.

Previous Objects of the Month