Vesterheim receives furniture from Peale estate

Over 20 pieces of Norwegian furniture from the estate of Ruth Stafford Peale, the wife of Norman Vincent Peale, have arrived safely at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.

The pieces, a donation from museum trustee Dan Huebner of Decorah, include cupboards, Norwegian log chairs and a large standing clock.  Some date back to the 1700s.  "The furniture is outstanding, and the years of work involved in bringing it to Vesterheim have truly been a testament to patience and perseverance. I am thrilled that Bonnie and I could play a part in its acquisition," Huebner said.

Ruth Stafford Peale died in 2008, leaving the furniture to Vesterheim in her will.  The furniture remained at her home while the estate was being sold.  Just before Christmas Vesterheim officials were told the furniture would be shipped to Decorah.  Vesterheim Executive Director Steve Johnson says the transportation of the furniture cost around $10,000, but Dan Huebner agreed to pay the cost.  "Everything arrived safe and sound earlier this month," stated Johnson, who added that Vesterheim is in the process of photographing, cataloging, and creating condition reports on the pieces of furniture.
The furniture will be featured in a special exhibition in the Hong Gallery on the third floor of the museum's Main Building beginning September 22.       
 

Photo 1 - From left to right: Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim Registrar; Steve
Johnson, Vesterheim Executive Director; and Dan Huebner, Vesterheim trustee.
 
Photo 2 - Dan Huebner, Vesterheim trustee, and Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim
Registrar.