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Circa 1880 Victorian Parlor Rocking Chair

About the Item

This late 19th-century Victorian cane rocker belonged to Minnie Firestone Adams, born in 1888 in Arkansas. It has remained in her family for over a century and was entrusted to us to ensure it would continue its legacy with a new steward who values its remarkable past. Minnie was the daughter of John Firestone, a builder and Master Mason whose gravestone bears the symbols of the Freemasons—a society deeply tied to craftsmanship, tradition, and legacy. Her husband, Charles Adams, also carried on this tradition. To be a woman in a Masonic family meant living a life of quiet strength—shaping home and family with the same dedication that the men shaped towns. This rocker was part of that daily life: a place of rest, care, and continuity. The chair itself is crafted from walnut, featuring delicate hand-carved burl accents and its original handwoven cane seat and back—an art form chosen for its strength, flexibility, and lasting beauty. Smaller in scale, it was designed intentionally for a woman’s frame, perfect for parlor use, sewing, or rocking children. Chairs like this were often gifted at marriage or passed through generations, not simply as furniture, but as a thread connecting family legacies. It remains in exceptional vintage condition—a rare survivor of its time, carrying both its artistry and its story intact. Seat 19w x 18d x 17h x 32h overall
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Diameter: 18 in (45.72 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
  • Style:
    Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cane,Walnut,Caning
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Unionville, TN
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10211244803052

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