The beginnings of our modern cedar chests can be traced back several centuries. It's no surprise to realize that the ancestors of today's cedar chests were used in many of the same ways chests are used today.
The Egyptians and Early Europeans
Ancestors of cedar chests were used in ancient Egypt to protect gold, jewels and other treasures, as well as for storing documents. Up until the 1400's, Europeans carved one-piece chests from whole trees and used them to store their necessities. The use of panels and other innovations in construction led to drawers being added to cedar chests; thus, today's chest of drawers. Coffers were smaller chests used to store and transport smaller valuables.
The American Colonists and Early Cedar Chests
Many reports taken from the ships that carried settlers to the American continent record that the only pieces of furniture many of the colonists brought were chests, including cedar chests. In the mid 1600's, and based on the tradition of the much fancier coffers that were popularly used by wealthy Europeans, cedar chests made from wide panels with a solid board top were being produced in Connecticut and Massachusetts. These chests were made from readily available pine, as well as the more pricey mahogany, cherry, pecan, walnut and cedar chests. Cedar was used to line some of the chests made from other wood because of its ability to repel insects.
Cedar Chests in the Colonial Household
In addition to storing valuable items and clothing, colonists used cedar chests as benches. Seating was a precious commodity at a time when chairs were an extravagance not found in most households. Of course, cedar chests were also used to conveniently store blankets, easily accessible during the cold months, and safely stored away during warmer seasons. Keep in mind that early colonial homes did not have closets and their attics were not convenient to get into on a regular basis. Plus, damp cellars were far from ideal for storing fabrics. Cedar chests served several purposes and were very convenient.
Cedar Chests as Dower or Hope Chests
Chests were often used by young women to carefully store linens and other necessities - cookware, dishes, quilts and clothing - she would bring with her into a marriage. These cedar chests and their contents were the brides' dowry; thus, came the title dower chest, which later came to be known as a hope chest. In later years, these precious cedar chests might be the sole possessions women had to journey into the unknown western frontier.
Indeed, cedar chests have a rich history, illustrating their importance for our ancestors. Cedar chests continue to fulfill their traditional roles, as well as some new functions, for us today.
