Secretary/desk closed - A wooden desk with a wooden top and drawers

This desk is in two pieces, which were built at separate times in the early 1800s (circa 1810) by Topsfield resident David Towne. It is made of birch and maple predominantly. David Towne learned his trade from the Averill's who were cabinet makers. Their shop was located at a place called "The Colleges" -- an area off Perkins Row on the north eastern side of Mile Brook in what is now the Audubon Sanctuary. It should be noted that the term "college" here was used with the 17th century meaning: a cluster of buildings.
Courtesy of Topsfield Historical Society