Vehicle conservation. | The New London Historical SocietyNEW LONDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE | New London Historical Society

Albany Sleigh

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:54:09 -0400

The Albany Sleigh was designed and built by the James Goold Co. of Albany, New York. The design, which dates back to the 1820s, features graceful, sweeping curves and a swell-body (side panels are bowed out). The Albany-style sleigh was relatively difficult to build and is very heavy! It contrasts with the more common, upright Portland-style sleigh. This four passenger version of the sleigh is also far less common than the two-seat Cutter—all making the piece a priority for conservation. The project was completed in December, 2006.

► More about James Goold

Doll Carriage

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:54:09 -0400

Not all of our conservation projects have been so large or ambitious. One the smallest conveyances in our collection is the child's carriage pictured in this Bud Lauridsen painting, "Jane's Doll."

Gray Line Stage

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:53:41 -0400

The Gray Line Stage is a design imported from England, where such carriages were used to transport hunting parties around country estates. An open stage, passengers sit high above the road, while personal belongings (or hunting dogs) could be transported in the voids below the seats.

The stage in the society's collection was once owned by the Gray Line company and used to transport sightseers around the Manchester, New Hampshire, area. By delving down into its paint layers, the conservator found a striking black and red paint scheme that may have represented the original.

Concord Coach

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:53:26 -0400

The fabled Concord Coach was built by the Abbot-Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire. The condition of the society's coach was poor inside and out. Because of its local provenance, however, this vehicle is considered the most valuable in our collection, and the Transportation Building capital campaign included funds for its professional conservation.