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by Ron Hughes
July 23, 2024
Museum Acquires a One Horse Sleigh
The Sanford Centennial Museum recently received a new donation in the form of an antique one-horse sleigh. It comes from the family collection of Annabelle and Jim Wujkowski, that was facilitated by Jerome Township Supervisor Steve Rice.
The nineteenth century sleigh was made in the Maine State Prison, located in Thomaston, Maine, by prison inmates. “Over many years, the prisoners became well known for their woodworking skills. Many became quite proficient at fashioning things by hand…the inmates produced beautiful horse drawn carriages and sleighs and other items such as brooms, buggy whips, and woven baskets. More recently, they have concentrated on wooden boxes, cutting boards, models of sailing vessels and small pieces of furniture such as stools and small tables. Dollhouses and jewelry boxes are also fashioned from wood. For the more whimsical shopper, you can purchase a shirt or cap with the inscription ‘Stolen from the Maine State Prison’ on it.” (From the Thomaston Historical Society website.)
Plate says, ”Maine State Prison Thomaston, Maine”
Temporary access panel cut into the side of the barn annex building to facilitate the one-horse sleigh.
Sanford Historical Society President David Haskin created a new access door in the side of the barn annex building where the sleigh is now on permanent display.
This is the new permanent display area for the sleigh.
Sleigh on permanent display in the barn annex.
Special thanks go to Steve Rice for using his truck and trailer to drive across the state to pick the sleigh up in Grand Haven and deliver it to the museum.
Special to Steve Rice for facilitation and transportation of this donation.
Visit the Sanford Centennial Museum anytime to see this new outdoor display.
