Box 1660 - 1685

This oak box was made by John Thurston, most likely in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, sometime in the mid-17th century. It’s a beautiful object, but it’s also a fascinating record of early American society and culture. The first English settlers came to America in search of religious freedom and economic opportunity, and their furniture reflected these values. The box is sturdy and functional, but also decorated with carved floral patterns, displaying the owner’s status and taste. The initials "MH" are also carved into the front, identifying its owner. Boxes like this were used to store valuable possessions, such as clothing, linens, and family heirlooms. They were important symbols of wealth and status, and they were often passed down from generation to generation. Historians use probate inventories, wills, and other archival documents to learn more about the people who owned and used these boxes. By studying these objects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the lives and values of early Americans.