12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts: Everyday Items
12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts
As part of our 12 Days of WeGo History series, we’re celebrating the stories behind some of the most meaningful pieces in our collection. With nearly 40,000 artifacts to choose from, we couldn’t possibly pick just 12, so each day we are sharing a themed group that helps tell the story of West Chicago.
This year’s series is also in conjunction with our preparation for the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting local history in a national context.
As we set our sights on a new year and big goals for the future, it’s worth remembering that history isn’t just made in dramatic moments, it’s shaped by everyday life.
The objects we use at home and throughout our days quietly tell powerful stories about how we lived. These items from our collection may have once seemed ordinary, but now they help us reflect on how quickly technology changes, and how much our lives evolve because of it.
In a nation reflecting on 250 years of history, these everyday pieces remind us that the smallest things can speak volumes about a time, a place, and a people.
Wooden butter mold plunger, 1.5" in diameter. Presses butter into disks with a abstract 6 pointed flower design
Pipe, corncob bowl, wooden shaft and mouthpiece, label on bottom of bowl reads "THE DEWEY, PHOENIX AM PIPE WKS. BOONVILLE, MO.
Glove stretcher and hangers
Buttonhook, mother of pearl handle with metal hook
Toilet pins (hair pins), card of 12 pins, 13 pins total. Card marked "The H. F. Quality" and "Made in Germany". Pins have black glass heads.
Hair Crimping iron (Victorian, non electric) Marcel Curling Iron
Metal box for DeWitt's throat lozenges
Want to explore more West Chicago artifacts on your own? Check out our online artifact database where we upload recently digitized items every month!
