Willard Suitcase #17

I am working very hard to keep up with shooting the suitcases, which is slowing down my ability to post updates here.  This case belonged to Flora T.

There are a lot of nice details on the case itself.  Just handles and clasps could be an entire chapter in a book.

And those of you who have been following the project for a while know my fondness for tags and labels.

This trunk has three distinct levels.  There are two removable sections and below them, the main compartment.

Flora clearly liked to sew.

I would be interested to find out what this particular item was used for.  I assume spools of thread went on the posts, but other than that I am lost.

These small sewing boxes are always interesting and so personal.

I like the little flour pin in this container.

The top of this mirror has an interesting design.

This was the first I had come across detachable collars for a woman, although I would guess they would have been common for the time.

I wonder how long Henry Likly & Co. produced trunks.  As you can see in the opening photo it is quite beautifully made.

It is at this level where things get interesting.

Before Willard, Flora was a nurse and was over 100 years old when she died there.

But I am not sure about her use of injectable strychnine sulfate.  I looked around the net for information as to its use, but didn’t have much luck.  At some dosages  it could be used as an anti-convulsant, so it is possible she had epilepsy.

Again, I just don’t have any words to describe seeing and photographing these objects.

I try to be informative and provide some context, but ultimately the photos pretty much speak for themselves.

The case also contains many letters and some amazing photographs which help to fill in some idea of her personality.  I’ll try to get to those in part two.  As usual, thanks for all the continued support and encouragement.  This project has turned into a huge undertaking, but is so incredibly satisfying.