Furniture: Cradles

COLLECTIONS : CRADLES
Peregrine White Cradle.
Fuller Cradle.

Peregrine White Cradle.

Material : Wicker (willow), oak rockers, maple strut.
Probably made in Holland, c1620. Descended in the Winslow family.

According to tradition, Susanna and William White brought this cradle from Holland in anticipation of the birth of their child. Their son, named Peregrine, meaning "traveler" or "Pilgrim," was born on board the Mayflower in Provincetown harbor in November of 1620.

He was the first child born to the Pilgrims in America (Oceanus Hopkins was born on board the Mayflower during the Atlantic crossing). The hooded wicker cradle is typical of those made in Holland. Similar cradles can be seen in period paintings by Vermeer and other Dutch artists. Willow osiers, or shoots, that form the cradle were woven into a checker pattern. The osiers range in size from 1/4" on the sides to 3/4" on the floor.

Scholars have found evidence that such cradles were also imported into Plymouth later in the century. Whether this cradle came with the White family or was purchased later, it is a symbol of the Pilgrims’ commitment to staying in America and raising their families, in contrast to other Europeans in New England at that time.

Fuller Cradle.
Material : Maple and white pine.
Probably made in Duxbury, MA, 1680-1720.
Descended in the family of Samuel Fuller.

The open work at the front of this cradle made it possible for the mother to see a sleeping baby from almost any position. The construction of this cradle is interesting. It looks like joined work. Actually, it is made of solid pine boards with strips of wood nailed on to imitate joined panels. The cradle may have been made by a carpenter, rather than a joiner.

The shape of the turnings on the tops of the rear posts is similar to turnings seen on furniture found in Duxbury.

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