Search Results:

<< Viewing Record 365 of 1000 >>
View : Light Box | List View | Image List | Detailed		 


Your search has been limited to 1000 records. As your search has brought back a large number of records consider using more search terms to bring back a more accurate set of records.
 


Title:tithing stick
Type:Ceremonial
Materials:wood
Measurements:overall: 42 in.; 106.68 cm
Accession Number:  HD 58.052
Credit Line:Gift of Lillian Blankley Cogan
Museum Collection:  Historic Deerfield

Description:
Wooden tithing stick with chamfered sides. According to Historic New England's website, "In the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries the tithing rod was an invaluable tool of office. On Sundays, the tithing man, carrying his rod, noted absentees and ensured order and attention during meetings. This was no insignificant chore, given that these meetings usually lasted for three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. It was the tithing man's job to wake sleepers and quiet fidgeters. While women who were caught sleeping were woken by the tickle of a feather or the gentle nudge of a rabbit's foot affixed to the end of the rod, boys who misbehaved and men who were chronic sleepers were assured of a hard rap on the head or knuckles."

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+58.052

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.

<< Viewing Record 365 of 1000 >>