The Legacy of Louisa Lee and Georgina Schuyler

By Jessie Serfilippi

In two of our previous blog posts (one and two), we’ve discussed the advocacy work of Louisa and Georgina, great-granddaughters of Catharine and Philip Schuyler and Elizabeth and Alexander Hamilton. When Schuyler Mansion opened to the public in 1917, Louisa and Georgina had donated a number of items they inherited from their parents: Eliza Hamilton and George Lee Schuyler. Below are a few of those pieces and some information on them.

Corner Chair

This corner chair is made in the Chippendale style with a bit of the Queen Anne style influence. It was likely made in Massachusetts or New York between 1765-1775. This type of chair was meant to be more comfortable than a standard chair because the user could relax into the curved portion of the chair. They were mostly used by men because the construction of the chair made it challenging for a woman to sit in it while maintaining proper posture.

Writing Table

This table was also a gift from Louisa and Georgina. While it could be used for writing and similar work, it was commonly used for breakfast, for card and board games, reading, and tea. This table was likely made between 1795-1805 in the United States. It’s made in the Hepplewhite Pembroke style.

Cordial Glass

Made between 1760 and 1790, this glass was free blown and probably imported from England. The Schuylers owned multiple glasses in this style, likely for entertaining guests.

Secretary

Made in the Chippendale style, this desk was likely made in New England around 1770. It is comprised of a desk and bookcase. It has many storage spaces, one of which could be locked, and candle holders. As it was a gift of Louisa and Georgina, it’s possible that it belonged to their great-grandfather, Philip Schuyler, who would have done a lot of his military and political work from this desk.