Lavinia Ann Lyon Watt fan

Content Description

Fan used to keep cool. Made of wood and feathers. Full height is 12", full spread is 24". A note written by the donor, Jenness Miller Acree, describes the history of the fan. Lavinia Ann Lyon Watt was born December 12, 1835, in Needham, Massachusetts, and was the daughter of Lemuel Loynes who spent time in Japan and Singapore as the American Consul. Lavinia was educated at her Aunt Mary Loynes' Mt. Holyoke Seminary in South Hadley, Massachusetts, now known as Mt. Holyoke College. Lavinia's father died in Yokohama, Japan, in April, 1871. While touring in Europe, he had bought this fan in Madrid, Spain, for Lavinia. Lavinia traveled to the Oregon Country on a Clipper Ship from Boston with her brother and later married Joseph Watt in Independence, Oregon, June 28th, 1860. J. Watt had brought a large flock of sheep across the plains and was the first to build a wool mill in the west. A grand social event to honor Watt's mill was located in Salem, Oregon, in November, 1857. Young Lieutenants Phil Sheridan and Joe Hooker in West Point Regimentals were among the guests. Lanivia, then-fiancee of Watt, led the Grand March with governor-elect John Whittaker, carrying the fan and wearing a blue, velvet gown with golden stars. At the time of the note, the only known copy of the invitation to this ball is in the Oregon State Archives in Salem, Oregon. Once married, Lavinia and Joseph Watt lived in Amity, Oregon, until Joseph's death. Lavinia then moved to Forest Grove, Oregon, where she lived with her daughter Carrie and her husband, Jack MaCrum, until her death. While living in Forest Grove, Oregon, Lavinia wanted Acree to carry the fan during a play, titled "Alabama", at Pacific University. The fan was left to Acree upon Lavinia's death.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Restrictions Apply

No