Sarah Lincoln, does that last name sound familiar? It should she was a cousin of Abraham. Several of her linens were donated to the Hingham Historical Society. These linens date back to 1815. The collection holds bed linens, pillow cases and towels.

Bed linens were made of flat sheets. (No fitted sheets then-made for easier folding). Each sheet has hemming at the top and bottom, but the selvages were left in tact and used in replacement of side hems. The sheets also have a small “H” tag sewn to the corner. There is debate as to what the letter means. Could it mean Hingham or if it is turned over it does resemble and “L” which could stand for the Lincoln last name.

Another familiar name is Hancock. I was able to see the wedding socks of Dorothy Quincy Hancock that she used on her wedding to John Hancock. These socks had been passed down in the family to each new bride. The bride wore the socks on their wedding day and then passed them onto another bride. The socks were of white silk with beautiful cut lace work. Only a tiny mend at the toe. A piece of her dress lives with the socks. Her dress was green with a gold brocade pattern. I am sure she looked stunning.

Before leaving the historical society, I asked Michael if he had a favorite piece in the collection. He responded by mentioning swords that were used in the Battle of Yorktown, a Civil War medical case and portraits of Hingham residents that were cut and shot at because the residents themselves had already gone into hiding prior to the British search. He could not pin down one article, he enjoys the artifacts and most importantly the stories that come with them.