JACKSON HOUSE MUSEUM
LINEN CLOSET
Thomas took great care of his health and exercised with gymnastic equipment, such as the dumbbells. He also took daily cold baths in a tub similar to the one stored in the closet.
Trunks like these were used by the Jacksons for travel. Jackson traveled extensively and, in 1856, took a three-month European tour. In the summertimes, the Jacksons would go up North. One of their favorite places to go would be hot springs. Jackson was a big believer in hydrotherapy, which is also known as the water cure. One of the recommendations for hydrotherapy was taking daily cold baths, and Jackson did take his morning cold baths every day. You’ll notice in the back of the closet, we have a basin very similar to the one Jackson would have used. Of course, he wouldn’t have taken baths like we do today. It would have been more of a sponge bath. Jackson was very careful about his health. He made sure that his diet was right, and he did also exercise. According to his wife Anna, Jackson worked out with gymnastic equipment. In fact, Jackson had worked out so much at one point his wife had to let his uniform out by an inch in the chest. Some other features you’ll see in the closet: lavender, to help make everything smell much fresher in your closet. You may also notice this twist of tobacco – it doesn’t smell quite as good as the lavender, but it does help to keep the bugs away!
Jackson Family Items
Sheet
This linen sheet belonged to Thomas Jackson and his first wife, Elinor. The mechanization of textile production in the 19th century made quality fabrics like this more affordable and accessible to the growing middle class.
Leaves for Table
These table leaves are used to extend the table in the dining room. Extension tables with removable leaves like this soon became the popular choice for Victorian dining tables, edging out drop-leaf extension tables.
