The Maine Tourmaline Necklace
Goldsmith Addison W. Saunders crafted this necklace in the 1970s using tourmalines mined in Maine. It was presented to the people of the State of Maine, with the intention that it be worn by the First Lady—and now by Maine’s first woman Governor—on official State occasions. The necklace is made exclusively from Maine minerals: the gold was panned in the Swift River by Mr. and Mrs. Alton S. Bradford, and the tourmaline came from the Dunton Quarry in Newry. Cross Jewelers donated a matching set of earrings in 2009.
MSM 77.33.1 (necklace), and 2009.70.1 (earrings) photo by Jeff Scovil
Harriet Stanwood Blaine’s Mother’s Sampler
Sally Caldwell of Ipswich, Massachusetts completed this sampler in 1801. Sally later married Joseph Stanwood. Their daughter Harriet married James G. Blaine. The sampler descended in the family of Harriet’s sister, Emily Stanwood Stinson. Stinson descendants living in Dunedin, New Zealand, donated the sampler to the people of Maine.
MSM 2010.12.1
Needlework
Barbara McKernan created this needlepoint picture featuring Maine’s wildlife. She was the mother of Governor John R. McKernan, who served as Maine’s as governor from 1987-1995. He also served as U.S. Representative. Early in his gubernatorial term, Barbara McKernan served informally as Maine’s First Lady.
MSM Unnumbered
Needlepoint Piano Seat Cover
First Lady Helen Longley embroidered this seat cover, to a design drawn by Margaret Lawn. Longley began her embroidery in mid-April 1975. It was mounted on the piano bench in time for the US bicentennial, July 4, 1976. James Longley was governor of Maine from 1975-1979.
MSM 79.40.13
Campaign Button
In 1884 James Blaine ran for president with John Logan of Illinois as his running mate. The campaign was hard-fought and the popular vote was close, but Blaine lost to Grover Cleveland. This button is one of several mementos from the campaign now in the Blaine House collection.
MSM 79.40.46
Blaine Cane
Some Blaine supporters made their own souvenirs. The cane was carved by C. R. Berry of Colconda, Illinois, when James Blaine and John Logan were chosen as the Republican Presidential candidates in Chicago in 1884. It is carved with the U.S. Capitol and the letters “BL84.”
MSM 79.40.41 (cane)
Dutch Repousse Kindling Box
Gift of Governor Curtis
Dutch, late 19th century. Firewood or coal box of rectangular form with pine wood body covered with brass sheets with repousse decoration of male figures drinking in tavern scenes within the village.
