History from the Old Stone Fort Candlestick Holder and Illustration

Hogscraper Candlestick Holder

These candlestick holders were very inexpensive and common among Colonial American households, but most were not made in the United States. Between the 1700s and 1850 Great Britain regularly shipped these candlesticks to the United States. These candlesticks get their name because people not only used them to hold candles but also to scrape the hides of hogs. Our photos this week were sent to us by the Old Stone Fort’s Clay Edmunds.

Middle Fort Illustration by Rufus Grider (Fort Defiance)

This stone house owned by Johannes Becker became the largest of the three forts along the Schoharie Valley and the headquarters for the military in this valley during the Revolutionary War. During the October 17, 1780, Johnson Raid, this fort withstood several hours of fire. Timothy Murphy, David Ellerson and Martinius Zelie were among those who defended this fort.