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Washington, D.C. "Baby carriage. November 3, 1921." The inscription: "This wagon was made by Issacher Hughes in Richmond, Va., in 1808 for his first-born son. Has been used by six generations. Presented to the Association of Oldest Inhabitants, District of Columbia, Nov. 2, 1921, by his grandson, James W. Hughes." View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
THE ASSOCIATION OF OLDEST INHABITANTS OF THE DISTRICT DOES STILL EXIST TO THIS DAY.
THE ISSACHER HUGHES BABY CARRIAGE (PERAMBULATORY)STILL REMAINS IN STORAGE AT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
ISSACHER HUGHES LIVED IN SOUTH ORANGE, NEW JERSEY AND WE HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED WHY THE BABY CARRIAGE WAS MADE IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA??? WE HAVE A PHOTO OF THE CARRIAGE WITH WRITING ON THE BACK THAT CONFIRMS THIS... ANY SUGGESTIONS?
[First, turn off caps lock. - tterrace]
The Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia still exists (www.aoidc.org). It is unknown why the Hughes family donated the carriage in 1921 but the AOI, in turn, donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1968.
WHILE RESEARCHING THE HUGHES FAMILY, I HAPPENED TO FIND THIS ARTICLE WITH PICTURES. WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE! THE WAGON WAS MADE BY MY G-G-G-G GRANDFATHER, ISSACHER HUGHES. I WONDER IF THEY STILL HAVE THE WAGON? AND YES, WE WONDER WHY IT WAS DONATED ALSO? THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL ARTICLE AND THE PICTURES. HAVE A NICE DAY...
[Well. Thanks for the telegram. - Dave]
The Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia was founded in 1865 to foster pride in the nation's capital. Its formation came at a time when the post Civil War population was surging with government workers, returning soldiers, and refugees.
I'm assuming the Association of Oldest Inhabitants no longer exists (died out...sorry) so I wonder what became of this beautiful wagon? And why was it donated after six generations and not kept in the family? This photo brings up lots of questions doesn't it?
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