The Stamford Historical Society, April 17, 2005 – March 31, 2006

Portrait of a Family: Stamford through the Legacy of the Davenports

Elizabeth Davenport Spence (1907–1998)

Elizabeth Davenport, daughter of Theodore Davenport Jr. and Jane Woolston Rambo Davenport, was born in Stamford on December 14, 1907. Following graduation from Stamford High School she went to Russell Sage College in Troy, New York. After graduating in 1929 she pursued a career in New York City as a financial secretary. On December 17, 1949 she married John Emerson Spence of Princeton, New Jersey where they lived for a number of years.

From 1973 until her death on February 13, 1998 in Naples, Florida, Mrs. Spence gave the Stamford Historical Society a large collection of Davenport items including furniture, paintings, silver, textiles, books, photographs and archival materials relating to the history of the Davenport family.

The Stamford Historical Society deeply appreciates her great interest in Stamford history and her generous contributions which have made this exhibit possible.

Photo from Russell Sage Yearbook 1929, which is on display in the exhibit.

Lent by Russell Sage College
Photo © Russell Sage College

Two photo portraits of Elizabeth Davenport Spence Lent by Mrs. Carol Beauregard © Mrs. Carol Beauregard

This gown was worn by the donor at her christening in October 1908. It is completely handmade of fine woven cotton with lace trim and bands of lace insertion alternating with bands of fine tucking down the entire length of the garment. It is gathered at the waist and has long, wide ties at the back. Small puffed sleeves edged in lace complete this charming feminine garment.

Gold Bead Necklace

This necklace was purported to be about 200 years old when shown in the Stamford Historical Society’s Loan Exhibition in 1911. Many of the beads are dented from generations of teething Davenport babies. Several beads have been replaced with gilded silver ones.

Gifts of Mrs. Elizabeth Davenport Spence

Introduction

Stamford’s Colonial Period 1641–1783
The Later 18th Century and Stamford’s American Revolution
The Coming of the Railroad, Immigrants and Industrialization

The Dark Day
Davenport Coat of Arms
Davenports gather to launch exhibit at Historical Society

© Stamford Historical Society