Chaise

Object Name:

Chaise

Creator:

Unidentified

Date:

1800-1900

Dimensions:

W-76 L-95 inches

Description:

Governor Anthony Colby's Chaise/Shay. The chaise was a one horse vehicle of which the shafts were attached to the harness in front and to the axle in back. The body of the chaise was mounted in front of the axle making for a stable ride. However, the lower portion of the body was below the shafts requiring the driver and passengers either had to climb over or duck under the shafts.

The Colby Chaise

Circa 1825
The Joseph Colby family�s classic chaise was built for elegance and speed. We may assume that Joseph�s son, Anthony, often rode in it around New London and to Concord when he represented the town in the state legislature 1828-1839, and as governor in the year 1846. Sometime before the Centennial Celebration of Colby Junior College in 1937, the chaise received a very special rejuvenation.

Dr. Mather Cleveland, who presented the chaise to the New London Historical Society in 1969, confirmed the story of the refurbishing. Dr. Cleveland�s father-in-law, James Colby Colgate, grandson of Governor Anthony Colby, had given several horse drawn vehicles from the family stables in Yonkers, New York to Henry Ford for his museum at Dearborn, Michigan. Mr. Colgate mentioned to Mr. Ford that the family had, in New London, an old chaise which was in poor condition but which the family valued highly for sentimental reasons. Mr. Ford offered to have it put into prime condition if it could be shipped out to Dearborn. In due time this was accomplished and the chaise was back in New London in time for the Centennial Pageant. In one episode of the pageant, dramatizing the beginnings of the school (Colby), the chaise was driven on to the stage carrying James C. Cleveland and his sister, Susan Colby Cleveland, portraying Robert and Susan Colby, son and daughter of Governor Anthony Colby.


Gift of Dr. Mather Cleveland family, 1969
In loving memory of Susan Colgate Cleveland, the great-grand daughter of Governor Anthony Colby and the last of his descendants to own it.

Subjects:

Chaise, Transportation

People:

Colby, Anthony

Collection Name:

Transportation

Item Number:

1969.12.01

Accession Number:

1969.12.01

Type of Material:

Objects

Copyright Statement:

For information regarding copyright, permissions, and reproductions contact the New London Historical Society

Participating Organization:

New London Historical Society