J. Masten Inventory

Item

Identifier: SC MS 0492

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This 1830 manuscript inventory documents the consigned inventory of Esq. Masten of the J. Masten company in Penn Yan, N.Y. The property and wares mentioned in this inventory were to be sold on a commission of fifteen percent on sales, for all of which they promised to account, or return in six months. The left column enumerates over forty-five categories of wares. Many of these items were made of metal like wire, candlesticks, and copper. Other items include tea pots, tea canisters, bottles of varnish, and raised wash bowls. The quantities vary and the list captures the full commercial range of household goods circulating in the region, both domestic and utilitarian wares. The adjacent note was signed by Safford Hopkins and Sybrant Van Nest (1802-1885).

Dates

Creation: 1830

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Copyright Notice

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Biographical / Historical

In the 1830s, J. Masten sold textiles and leather goods in Penn Yan, N.Y. They advertised that they manufactured and dealt in harnesses, collars, trunks, whips, horse clothing, gloves, mittens, and robes. They also distributed other wares like tea pots, dust pans, cream cups, sugar boxes, and pocket lanterns, indicating that it was a general store.

Penn Yan is the county seat of Yate County, N.Y. It is in the north of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. It was first incorporated in 1823, shortly before the receipt of this inventory. The Finger Lakes region was rapidly settled at the turn of the 19th century by immigrants from Pennsylvania and New England. The region was home to many dairy farms which likely needed the equipment sold at J. Masten.

Extent

1 Sheets (1 folio) ; 40.5 x 32.5 cm

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

An inventory of items sold at the J. Masten store in Penn Yan, N.Y. in 1830. The business was likely a general store because the inventory contains a wide variety of household and utilitarian wares.