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Articles and Products of History
Rocking Chairs: A
Must on the 18th Century Porch
A must outdoor furniture item on any porch in the 18th century was a
rocking chair. Rocking chairs are traditionally known as the American
chair. However, its concept had been around for many centuries. We all
assume that the concept of rocking was first introduced with baby cradles.
Some older chairs were said to have skates placed on their legs to allow
for the chair movements, prior to the invention of the actual rocking
chair. It wasn’t until the 1700's that the term “rocking chair” was listed
in the dictionary.
Older chairs from other centuries have since been refurbished with the
curved blades mounted to them to allow them to rock. The rocking cradle
and the rocking horse both predate the rocking chair. It wasn’t until
the 1700's that people realized that the rocking motion could be adapted
to adult furniture, as well. It is said that the shaker community uses
the rocking technique on adult beds, especially for the ill and elderly.
It is said that the rocking motion prevents bed sores. Adult sized cradles
can still be spotted in museums.
Rocking chairs in the 18th century were mostly left the color of the
wood, though some were painted to go along with the paint scheme of the
home, or the color of the other outdoor furniture of the day. Rocking
chairs were a favorite. It was a much more comfortable seat than the standard
wrought iron of the 18th century that was usually used in outdoor furniture.
Since then, rocking chairs are a must in every home. Everyone has a tale
of sitting on their grandma’s lap in a rocking chair and her singing you
to sleep. Or, watching grandpa sitting in his rocking chair on the front
porch as he whittled.
Further Reading
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