Servant Bell System (3D)- Popular Forest Plantation, VA
Institution: Archaeology at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
State: Virginia
Object: Bell
Era: 18th Century
Prior to the 19th century, most of the domestic work took place in detached kitchens and work yards. However, Thomas Jefferson’s interest in modernization influenced how he developed future properties at Monticello, Washington D.C. and Poplar Forest.
Servant bell systems originated among the British noblemen as early as 1727. Jefferson also adopted the idea while he was developing Monticello in the mid to late 18th century. After winning the presidency, Jefferson extended the White House to include an east and west wing for domestic operations, installed two water closets and requested a bell system similar to the one installed at Monticello. Jefferson also installed multiple bell systems throughout Popular Forest, his Virginia retreat towards the end of his career.
Servant bells were a delicate system of pulleys and cranks to summon domestic slaves. When services is requested, a knob is pulled to move wires around a series of cranks (like the one above) to activate spring mounted bell in the kitchen or other service rooms. American homes typically installed a different bell size in each room so that domestic slaves could determine which room needed service.
Excerpt from SERVANT BELLS AT POPLAR FOREST
