Power of the Purse

Jane Eakin of New Castle, Delaware, embroidered this pocketbook, or wallet, while she was single, or femme sole. As a single woman, she had the ability to control her own property, sign contracts, and start a business. Eakin married James Couper of New Castle before 1778.

Pocketbook, Jane Eakin, New Castle, Delaware, United States, 1766, Wool, linen, silk, canvas and cardboard, 1993.0045, Museum purchase with funds provided by the Special Fund for Collection Objects, Courtesy of Winterthur Museum

Jane Eakin of New Castle, Delaware, embroidered this pocketbook, or wallet, while she was single, or femme sole. As a single woman, she had the ability to control her own property, sign contracts, and start a business. Eakin married James Couper of New Castle before 1778.

Pocketbook, Jane Eakin, New Castle, Delaware, United States, 1766, Wool, linen, silk, canvas and cardboard, 1993.0045, Museum purchase with funds provided by the Special Fund for Collection Objects, Courtesy of Winterthur Museum

Jane Eakin of New Castle, Delaware, embroidered this pocketbook, or wallet, while she was single, or femme sole. As a single woman, she had the ability to control her own property, sign contracts, and start a business. Eakin married James Couper of New Castle before 1778.

Pocketbook, Jane Eakin, New Castle, Delaware, United States, 1766, Wool, linen, silk, canvas and cardboard, 1993.0045, Museum purchase with funds provided by the Special Fund for Collection Objects, Courtesy of Winterthur Museum

This pocketbook was likely made by its owner, Sarah Merritt. Known as "Irish Stitch" or bargello pattern, its colorful geometric design demonstrated her refinement and skill with the needle.

Pocketbook, Sarah Merritt, United States, 1770, Wool, linen, silk, canvas and cardboard, 1978.0182, Gift of Mrs. Reginald P. Rose, Courtesy of Winterthur Museum

This pocketbook was likely made by its owner, Sarah Merritt. Known as "Irish Stitch" or bargello pattern, its colorful geometric design demonstrated her refinement and skill with the needle.

Pocketbook, Sarah Merritt, United States, 1770, Wool, linen, silk, canvas and cardboard, 1978.0182, Gift of Mrs. Reginald P. Rose, Courtesy of Winterthur Museum

This pocketbook was likely made by its owner, Sarah Merritt. Known as "Irish Stitch" or bargello pattern, its colorful geometric design demonstrated her refinement and skill with the needle.

Pocketbook, Sarah Merritt, United States, 1770, Wool, linen, silk, canvas and cardboard, 1978.0182, Gift of Mrs. Reginald P. Rose, Courtesy of Winterthur Museum

This pocketbook was likely made by its owner, Sarah Merritt. Known as "Irish Stitch" or bargello pattern, its colorful geometric design demonstrated her refinement and skill with the needle.

Pocketbook, Sarah Merritt, United States, 1770, Wool, linen, silk, canvas and cardboard, 1978.0182, Gift of Mrs. Reginald P. Rose, Courtesy of Winterthur Museum

This “pocket” is typical of ones used by women throughout British America in the 1700s. Tied around the waist and accessible through a slit in a petticoat, it allowed women some privacy of personal belongings. This example is made of a printed cotton fabric probably imported from India that was among the materials boycotted by “Sons and Daughters of Liberty.”

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks & Forestry, Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites