Writing Desk and Chair, c. 1880

Writing Desk and Chair, circa 1880

This desk and chair have a connection to Washington, DC, having belonged to Senator Julius C Burrows and his wife Ida (née Hinman) Burrows. Burrows moved to Kalamazoo in 1860 and opened his first law practice. From 1866-1870, he served as prosecuting attorney for Kalamazoo County, and served as Michigan representative from 1873 to 1911. These pieces were sent to Alfred C Connable following Burrows’ death in 1915. The Kalamazoo Gazette documented the donation of these pieces to the museum in 1929, and notes their presence in the Burrows’ home in Washington. The 1929 article describes the beautiful features of the desk, including the dragons and delicately carved chrysanthemums made of ivory.

Object #28.472.A & 28.472.B

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  2. Replica of King Tutankhamen’s Throne, pre-1980s
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  10. Child’s Ladder-Back Chair, 1840-1860
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  11. Child’s Rocking Chair, mid-19th century
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  12. Baby’s Highchair, 1830-1839
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  13. Bassinet, Vermeulen Furniture Company, 1930
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  15. Edgars Krasts’ Trunk, c. 1951
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  18. Electric Stove, Kalamazoo Stove & Furnace Company, 1948-1950
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  29. Carved Chair, purchased 1915
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  30. Table, Hinoki Wood, 1915
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  32. Writing Desk and Chair, c. 1880
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