First Thimble Matin 200 Years Ago

A tmmoie was origmally a thumbbell, because it was worn on the thumb, as sailors still wear their thimbles. It is a Dutch invention, and in 1884 in Amsterdam the bi-centennial of the thimble was celebrated with a great deal of formality. This very valuable addition to my lady's workbasket was first made by a goldsmith named Nicholas van Benschoten, the ancestor of the Am ericas famiiy of Van Benscotens. And it may further interest colonial dames to know that the first thimble made was presented in 1684 to Anna van Vv'edy, the second wife of Küiaen van Rensselaer, the purohaser of Rensselaerwyok and the first patroon. Mme. van Rensselaer's memory was duly honored in Holland on the occasion of the thimble bicentennial. In presenting his useful gift Van Penschoten begged Mme. van Rensselaer "to accept this new covering for the protection of her diligent fingers as a token of his esteem." It was not until 1695, just 200 years ago, that the thimble was introduced into England by a Hollander named John Lofting, who opened a thimble manufactory at Islington.-