The John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts at Historic Rock Ford
John J. Snyder, Jr.
An extraordinary scholar and collector of Pennsylvania decorative arts, John J. Snyder, Jr. (1946-2013) was a passionate antiquarian with a wry sense of humor. He loved to research and collect Pennsylvania furniture—especially tall case clocks. John accumulated more than 125 clocks by the end of his life. His collection of furniture, clocks, silver, and paintings overflowed the rooms of Toad Hall, a brick mansion built in 1813 along the Susquehanna River in Washington Boro. Most of John’s collection was from southeastern Pennsylvania and particularly Lancaster County, whose furniture captivated his attention even as a young man. In the mid-1970s, Snyder upended longstanding assumptions about Lancaster County furniture in a series of articles debunking attributions of Lancaster rococo furniture to the Bachman family while providing well-documented attributions of other craftsmen. This culminated in his 1976 master’s thesis “Chippendale Furniture of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 1760-1810,” from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture. John also wrote important studies of Lancaster and Berks County clock cases. In later years, Snyder turned his keen eye onto Federal furniture made in Lancaster County and especially the Manheim workshop of cabinetmaker Emanuel Deyer.
John Snyder had an infallible memory for details about furniture and local cabinetmakers. He also had an insatiable curiosity—always looking for new discoveries—and was a dedicated public servant. John was closely involved with Historic Rock Ford for many years, serving as president of the board and longtime chair of the collections committee. He oversaw the furnishing of the Rock Ford mansion, using the inventory of Edward Hand’s estate as a guide to ensure authenticity. In a final act of generosity, John’s collection was donated after his death to numerous regional museums—including Berks History Center, Cumberland County Historical Society, Historic Trappe, Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, Winterthur, and the York County History Center.
The largest portion of John Snyder’s collection—including 32 tall case clocks, 63 other pieces of furniture, 62 silver objects, and 17 paintings—was donated to Historic Rock Ford. The John J. Snyder Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts proudly shares this extraordinary legacy for generations to come.
Highlights from the Snyder Gallery:
Conestoga Creek and Lancaster, 1833.
Jacob Eichholtz (1776-1842), Oil on canvas, 20.25 in x 30.25 in, 1833. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, gift of Mrs. James H. Beal 1961.8.10.
The John J. Snyder Jr. Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday and Sunday from 10:00AM—4:00PM, and Saturday from 10:00AM—2:00PM during our open tour season (April—November 17th).
For questions regarding the Snyder Collection, or to reach the gallery attendant, please call 717-392-7223 and press “2,” or email gallery@historicrockford.org.
New this season!
The Snyder Gallery audio guide features approximately 45 minutes of audio, and provides an in depth look at ten pieces from the Snyder Collection. It is available in both English and Spanish for $5.00 per guide. Disposable headphones are available for $1.00. Please visit “Hours and Ticket Information” for details on our bundled ticket package.