Revolving Beehive, 1869-1877
Add to SetSummary
Charles Eldad Spaulding's work as a cheese-box maker in Theresa, New York, influenced his design for a circular revolving beehive. His invention, patented in 1869, was not successful -- though this one is visually appealing with its hand-painted scrollwork and colorful scenes. Instead, rectangular beehives with removable frames in a bee-friendly space were becoming the standard for the growing commercial beekeeping industry.
Charles Eldad Spaulding's work as a cheese-box maker in Theresa, New York, influenced his design for a circular revolving beehive. His invention, patented in 1869, was not successful -- though this one is visually appealing with its hand-painted scrollwork and colorful scenes. Instead, rectangular beehives with removable frames in a bee-friendly space were becoming the standard for the growing commercial beekeeping industry.
Artifact
Beehive (Apiary)
Date Made
1869-1877
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, New York, Theresa
Creator Notes
Patented by Charles E. Spaulding, Theresa, New York, on April 8, 1869.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
65.103.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant Material)
Metal
Color
Yellow (Color)
Red
Green
Dimensions
Height: 29 in
Diameter: 18 in
Inscriptions
painted on front: SPALDING'S [sic] / REVOLVING BEE HIVE / THERESA, N.Y. / PAT.D. APR. 8 1869.