How Do You Date A Lane Cedar Chest?
Cedar chests date from times when brides made and brought most of their fine household items into a marriage. Learning about an old cedar chest, even one manufactured in 20th century America, is a small lesson in marital history. Learning how to date a Lane cedar chest will tell a story of someone’s marriage–and perhaps one of your own as well. Before the 19th century notion of marrying strictly for love could be supported by a manufacturing economy, marriages were often a financial concern and both bride and groom, along with their families, brought financial responsibilities to the arrangement. A bride’s chest, often called a “hope chest” in America, was traditionally filled with the linens she wove and embroidered, beginning as a child. To this would be added items for her own wear and household items like silver spoons, as families were able to save for and purchase them. Lane Furniture continues to perpetuate the lovely tradition of the “hope chest” to this day. The company has a
