Flat Jane Austen in Providence, Rhode Island

Flat Jane Austen Visits Providence, Rhode Island:
In which She Pays Calls on the Elite

Editor's Note: All photos taken inside the Rhode Island School of Design Museum's Pendelton House. Not all these objects belonged to one family or were displayed at the same time. 

"On the way home the following day, we stop to call on another farm family in Providence. We call on Mrs. Prudence Dexter, a widow [ed: actually died July 1815, age 55 years], with five daughters and three sons. Her late husband, Mr. Jeremiah Dexter, was a farmer and "natural bone setter." The property originally belonged to Mr. Dexter's ancestor, Mr. Gregory Dexter, a printer and friend of Mr. Roger Williams.

This property is famous because the French army, led by General Comte de Rochambeau, camped here in 1782 during the War for American Independence on their return from Virginia. They stayed eight weeks while awaiting transportation back to France.

A monument marking the spot where the French encampment once stood

This bed looks quite comfortable. It fits me as Mr. Dexter was over six feet in height. The bed hangings are simple, yet elegant. Miss Anna Dexter, six-and-twenty years of age, made them just last year. 

The fabric used for the room curtains is an adaptation of Indian palampore of the last century.

The tall chest of drawers has been handed down in the family since the house was built in 1754. I suspect they store extra linens inside.

The upholstered easy chair is a popular bedroom item. Used for entertaining guests, the wings of the chair retain the warmth of the fire and cradle the head of the sitter. Such chairs are costly, so the Americans say.

The Dexters also own shield back chairs with carved arms and swags in the Neoclassical style. 'Tis amazing how farmers can be so fashionable. This design is especially popular here in Providence and the chairs are made by cabinetmaker John Carlisle, Jr.

John Brewster, American, 1766-1854, Portrait of a Young Girl, 

c. 1801-1821, collections of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum

This portrait must be the youngest daughter of the family, Miss Freelove Dexter.

Much of the furniture is American, however the creamware obelisks (ca. 1790) and brass andirons (ca. 1760-80) are English and the pole screen is Irish. The mahogany Pembroke table is another example of Newport-made furniture.

We do not tarry long here and move on to call on one of the most grand families in the city.

Please turn the page

Jeremiah Dexter House on Wikipedia

Jeremiah Dexter from the North Burial Ground website

Jeremiah Dexter House Preserve RI

Jeremiah Dexter: Preserving Rhode Island History, Rhode Tour

Jeremiah Dexter family information in the Whipple database