Local History at the Old Stone Fort - Dental Keys & Rocking Chair

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 12/8/25 | 12/8/25

Dental (Tooth) Keys

Used for pulling out teeth during the 18th and 19th centuries at the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie sent to us by Site Administrator Clay Edmunds. Their handles were commonly made from wood or ivory. Dental Keys use dwindled during the 19th century due to the increasing use of forceps.

Rocking Chair

Owned by David Ellerson who served in Morgan's Rifle Brigade during the American Revolution along with Timothy Murphy. Ellerson also helped defend the Middle Fort during the 1780 Johnson Raid. The chair's finished wood features a split cane seat and backrest, patterned in a

herring bone style.