Vigo County Historical Society

Boxes come in all shapes, sizes

Originally a box referred to the name of a tree. Later, it referred to a case to put things into.

From the original meaning came definitions so varied that they included a chest, a box at a theater, a seat in front of a coach--with a box under it--and a Christmas box made of earthenware in which customers put their pence at Christmas. The box was then broken to get the contents out.

Many boxes are made of wood, including two in the illustration. Boxes have been made from paper or cardboard, paper mache, marble, leather, silver, gold, tin, porcelain and milk glass.

Boxes are usually thought of as rectangular containers but they can be round, oval, many- sided, cylindrical and shaped like animals, people, books for fruits.

Boxes are not restricted to size. They can be miniature or quite large. Visiting-card cases, popular in Victorian times, are very small. Steamer trunks, while large may be categorized as boxes.

Perhaps small boxes are more popular collectible items because they are easy to store and to display. Included in this group are stamp boxes, pill boxes, cosmetic containers, spice boxes, jewel boxes, threat boxes, trinket boxes and snuff boxes.

Those of larger size include steamer trunks, candle boxes, Bible boxes, bridal boxes, knife boxes and tea caddies.

The boxes pictured may be found in various rooms in the Historical Museum. The cigar box and tin box holding tar soap are on shelves in the Country Store. The patriotic pencil box may be seen in the school room, while the jewelry box and mother-of-pearl box for holding coins are in the bedroom.

The box collector has a wide choice of items and can specialize in utilitarian containers, small, large or regional items. Prices have a wide range--from under $25 to several hundred dollars.