Davidson pipe (jan 1, 1865 – jan 1, 1892)

Description:

Thomas Davidson manufactured kaolin clay pipes in Glasgow, Scotland between 1865 and 1892. Two pipe stems imprinted with DAVIDSON and GLASGOW on opposite sides were recovered at Yeaton-Walsh. A member of the Welch family likely used these pipes, which were predominately made for export.

At archaeological sites of the Irish diaspora, pipe fragments are commonly found with Irish imagery on them. These include Celtic harps and shamrocks, or anti-colonial political statements such as “Home rule” and the faces of politicians. (Stephen Brighton, Historical Archaeology of the Irish Diaspora)

The lack of nationalist pipes at the site could indicate the Welch's desire to distance themselves from the trauma of the potato famine, or the An Gorta Mór, and tumultuous politics as they 'became Americans.'