Images(3)

Twine Holder

Periodca. 1840-1850

Place MadeMiddletown Point (Matawan), New Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumPine, paper

Dimensions6.5 × 10 × 6 in. (16.5 × 25.4 × 15.2 cm)

InscribedThe typed paper card pinned to the twine holder underside reads "This reel or twine holder was fashioned by the late Joseph Dorsett Bedle, who was born in Middletown Point, now Matawan, January 5th, 1921 [date is actually 1821], lawyer in 1852, Associate Justice N.J. Supreme Court, 1886; Governor of the State of New Jersey, 1875-78, died October 21, 1894. At the time of when this reel was made he was clerk in his father's store, the late Thomas I. Bedle, in Middletown Point, now Matawan, corner of what is now Main Street and Matawan Holmdel Road. The twine came in "hanks" and for convenience and to avoid snarling, this holder was made as a time and patience saver; The undersigned removed it from the ceiling of the room used as the store, about thirty five years ago, when informed by an aged man that he knew of his own knowledge that it was made by the boy who was later to become a noted lawyer, Supreme Court Judge and Governor of his noted native state. It is probably eighty five or ninety years old. While working for his father young Bedle also cobbled shoes for the country side. [signed] Gift of Mr. Chas [Charles] E. Close Matawan"

ClassificationsOccupational Equipment

Credit LineGift of Mr. Charles E. Close, 1934

Object number685

DescriptionA home-made twine holder of soft pine, constructed with a paddle shaped base with two side brackets fitted with dovetail joints and holding a turned spindle which freely spins on a heavy gauge wire rod. On the base underside is a typed paper inscription with a detailed description of the maker and history of the twine holder, held by four white thumbtacks.
Curatorial RemarksIt is not unusual for the simplest of artifacts to contain a fascinating story. This is certainly the case in regard to this somewhat crudely constructed but absolutely practical twine spool holder. Prior to the introduction of shopping bags in American stores beginning in 1852, local customers could expect their purchases to often be bundled, wrapped in brown paper, and tied with twine or string. The donor, Charles E. Close, himself was a lifelong Monmouth resident and had a lifelong interest in history. Close was born in 1860 in Keyport, later working for many years as chief clerk for the Matawan Sheriff's office. He was one of the charter members of the Monmouth County Historical Association. Close died in 1936.NotesThis simple twine holder was made by Joseph Dorsett Bedle. Born on 5 January 1831, Bedle grew up in Middletown Point (now known as Matawan) where his father Thomas Bedle worked as merchant, a Justice of the Peace, and a judge of the Monmouth County Court of Common Pleas. Although he worked as a clerk in his father's store, Joseph wanted to practice law. His health, considered "delicate," precluded him from attending law school for any length of time. Instead, he read law in Trenton for three years, then briefly attended the State and National Law School in Ballston Spa, New York as well as in Poughkeepsie, New York. Bedle was admitted to the New York Bar on 5 January 1852, the same day he turned twenty-one. A year later, in 1853, he was successfully admitted to the New Jersey Bar. Bedle returned to Middletown Point and practiced law for a few years before moving to Freehold in 1856. Bedle made a name for himself in both his law practice as well as in local politics. in 1864, he was a delegate at the Democratic National Convention. In 1865, Governor Joel Parker appointed him to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Bedle continued in state and national politics and in 1874 was unanimously chosen to run as the Democratic candidate for New Jersey Governor. He won handily. After his term as governor, Bedle returned to practicing law and sat on the boards of a number of large corporations. Bedle married Althea Fitz Randolph (1830 - 1926) and the couple had six children. Bedle died on 21 October 1894 from complications after bladder surgery.

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