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Newest Exhibition "Chairs For Freedom:
The Life and Craft of Dick Poynor" Opens at Polk Presidential
Hall
COLUMBIA TN- Polk Presidential Hall, the new exhibition center
at the James K. Polk Home historic site, is now hosting an original
exhibition "Chairs For Freedom: The Life and Craft of Dick
Poynor." This exhibit focuses on an enslaved 19th century Tennessee
craftsman who purchased his freedom by making chairs.
Dick Poynor was born a slave in Halifax County, Virginia, the property
and possibly the son of Robert Poynor. Robert moved his family to
Tennessee in 1817. Robert Poynor was a maker of bricks, shoes, and
chairs, and likely taught Dick Poynor how to make chairs. Robert
and Dick's style of chair making is characterized by the use placing
dry rungs into green posts, thereby eliminating the need for glue
or nails. Poynor's work was prolific, and allowed him to purchase
his freedom in 1851. He opened his own factory in 1860, and for
the next twenty years made hundreds of chairs. This exhibition features
thirty Poynor chairs, the largest collection of his work ever assembled.
Tickets for “Chairs For Freedom” can be purchased separately
or included with admission to the Polk Home historic site. The adult
ticket rates are $7 for admission to the historic site, $5 for the
Presidential Hall exhibition, and $10 for a combined ticket. Discounts
are available for senior citizens, children, and groups of ten or
more. Located at 301 W. Seventh Street in downtown Columbia, the
Polk Home is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and from
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For additional information, call the
Home at (931) 388-2354.
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