How Do You Pennsylvania Dutch Hope Chests?
Furniture styles are constantly changing due to the whims of society. Even so, there is one type of traditional furniture that has seen very little change over the centuries since so many people enjoy crafting and giving these pieces to loved ones. This is the Dower Chest, better known as a Dowry Chest, Hope Chest or Blanket Chest. The Dower Chest, better known as a Hope Chest or Blanket Chest in present time, is referred to by the Pennsylvania Dutch as Ausschteier Kischt. This piece of furniture is the most cherished and most representative of the Germanic Immigrants who came to live in Pennsylvania during the late 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries.Young girls between the ages of eight to ten were given Hope Chests inscribed with their names and usually the date of presentation. This storage chest was filled with household items that the girl made, was given or purchased in anticipation of her future marriage. On her wedding day, this completely filled Hope Chest was proudly placed in the
