The'Hussey-Sw^in Chair

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The Hussey-Swain Chair

In the last issue of Historic Nantucket the account of the "Hussey Chair" contained an incorrect statement which we hasten to both acknowledge and set straight. The chair has attracted much interest on the part of our visitors at the Peter Foulger Museum and the correct facts of its acquisition are as follows:

Occupying a prominent position in the area of the Foulger Museum devoted to the Quakers is the enlargement of an old photograph. Taken in the early 18,80s, the photo is of David G. Hussey and shows an elderly Quaker seated in a Chair, wearing a frock coat and high beaver hat. All the traditional dignity of the Island Friends is shown in this view as, with his cane held upright in one hand, the old gentleman looks serenely away from his calm vantage point of age.

Among those visiting last season was a long-time member of the Association, Don Day Swain, of Westborough, Mass. He informed us of the unusual fact that the same chair shown in the photograph was still in existence — that it was in his possession — and that he would be willing to loan it for exhibit at the Foulger Museum. It had been carefully preserved with other family heirlooms at his mainland home in Westborough.

Early in June Mr. Swain brought the chair to the island in his car, and placed it with us on loan. It is exhibited at the Foulger Museum within an arm's length of the photograph of David G. Hussey mentioned above. The photograph was one of those taken by Henry S. Wyer, of revered memory.

The chair should thus be called more properly the "HusseySwain" chair. It was originally owned by David Hussey (17751848) and then by David G. Hussey (1812-1891). It was purchased by Thurston C. Swain of Nantucket in 1888, and coming down through the Swain family is now owned by the grandson, Don Day Swain.

This incident demonstrates the close links which Nantucket has with its past. Perhaps there is no other place in the nation where family ties are more a part of the visual scene. To have the "Hussey Chair" as a part of the museum's exhibits is another indication of this element in island connective links. In itself the chair is an excellent example of the durable craftsmanship of the builder, but most important, of course, is the association with the old gentleman who personifies the quality of the island Friends.

The Hussey Chair