author
Frances Clary Morse
A careful early historian of American decorative arts, she is best remembered for Furniture of the Olden Time, a richly detailed study of antique furniture and craftsmanship. Her work helped preserve a sense of how everyday objects carried history, taste, and family memory.
1 Audiobook
Furniture of the Olden Time
by Frances Clary Morse
About the author
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Frances Clary Morse came from a family with strong ties to New England history and culture. She was the sister of writer Alice Morse Earle, and both women were associated with a deep interest in early American life and material culture.
Morse is known for Furniture of the Olden Time, first published in 1902 by The Macmillan Company. The book explores the design, use, and history of early American furniture in a way that blends close observation with a clear love of domestic history.
Surviving records also connect her to Worcester social and cultural life, including a photographed trip to the Orient in 1899. Though not as widely known as some of her contemporaries, her writing remains valuable for readers interested in antiques, craftsmanship, and the stories hidden in old household objects.