Ipswich bobbin lace
This is bobbin lace that is in process. The "pins" or bobbins are put in place on a pillow and thread is worked in a pattern. You can see on the left side of the image the finished lace. As the lace is finished, the bobbins are removed and placed on the other end so the lace is continuous. I took this image today at Whipple House circa 1677 in Ipswich. Ipswich was known for its lace making which was done by hand in the home. It was a skill that was brought from England and passed from mother to daughter. In mid 18th Century, lace making became an industry and women could trade a cord of wood or sixteen pounds of sheep's wool for a yard of lace. It was in style and sought after by the wealthy. George Washington visited Ipswich to pay tribute to their lace making in 1789. He took some black lace home to Martha! By 1821, machinery to produce lace was imported from England. Now that it was machine made, lace became less luxurious and lost its social prestige now that it was available to almost everyone. While I was at Whipple House and Heard House circa 1800, I noticed a number of framed embroidered pieces. I was pleasantly surprised, and would like to know more about them.
You know what they say: when in Rome, do what the Romans do. So, of course I had to get some clams from Ipswich. I went to the Clam Box, a local spot. I knew it must be good because when I was here on Monday, there were people lined up out the door! So I found it again and got some advice from another customer on what to order. Since he was a local, he was familiar with all the clam joints in the area. He said this was the best and recommended fried clams. So I ordered that. They were good, but not great. I don't think I've ever had clams before. So, now I have!
While I was in Ipswich, I went to the library and did indeed find some information about Thomas Dorman. The book I found says he died in 1670 at the age of 70. John Dorman, my ancestor, had a brother, Thomas, who was born about 1600. They could be brothers. I wonder what else I can find out about Thomas. The records show he died in a town called Topsfield, a few miles away from Ipswich. There is a will. I wonder if I can see a copy of it and if it might give any more information about him, like where he was born? I will call the woman who works with the archives and see what she is willing to do. If there is a death certificate or will on file, maybe it will tell where he was born as well.
You know what they say: when in Rome, do what the Romans do. So, of course I had to get some clams from Ipswich. I went to the Clam Box, a local spot. I knew it must be good because when I was here on Monday, there were people lined up out the door! So I found it again and got some advice from another customer on what to order. Since he was a local, he was familiar with all the clam joints in the area. He said this was the best and recommended fried clams. So I ordered that. They were good, but not great. I don't think I've ever had clams before. So, now I have!
While I was in Ipswich, I went to the library and did indeed find some information about Thomas Dorman. The book I found says he died in 1670 at the age of 70. John Dorman, my ancestor, had a brother, Thomas, who was born about 1600. They could be brothers. I wonder what else I can find out about Thomas. The records show he died in a town called Topsfield, a few miles away from Ipswich. There is a will. I wonder if I can see a copy of it and if it might give any more information about him, like where he was born? I will call the woman who works with the archives and see what she is willing to do. If there is a death certificate or will on file, maybe it will tell where he was born as well.
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