Furniture at Johns Hopkins House 4

As the Hopkins were building their new house in the 1780s, it is likely that they made additional furniture purchases for the house. They might have purchased furniture from the Colonial period (1700-1780) or the Pennsylvania Dutch period (1720-1830).

The Colonial period was heavily influenced by pieces from England during this time (including William and Mary, Queen Anne, and Chippendale), although the American versions tended to be far less ornamental and more conservative. Finishes were often oil varnish, paint or wax over a stain. The dovetail joint began to make an appearance along with the mortise and tenon joint as a carryover from the Early American period. Mahogany, elm, and walnut were also more predominantly used in this period.

The Pennsylvania Dutch period was marked by heavy German influences. The pieces were simple and utilitarian, with the predominant decoration colorful hand-painted scenes. The furniture from this period features straight lines, simple turnings, and tapered legs made from walnut, oak, and pine.