The Recipients
Eighteenth Century:
The receivers in the eighteenth century the Washington family and the Custis grandchildren. These gifts were all purchased prior to her husband's death, but given on her behalf. This shows the early power Elizabeth had in her social connections, that she could be a sole giver even if the payment came from her husband. She had a hand in offering advice and establishing the presence of America's first family.
Nineteenth Century:
The receivers in the nineteenth century were her nieces and nephews (and their children), and then the children of her family friends. At this point, these young men and women were celebrating marriages, childbirth, new homes, and establishing lives in the growing city of Philadelphia. She gave industrial themed goods to the younger children, which helped them develop skills at a young age, and be valuable to society. She paid for these goods herself, using money earned from various business ventures that she inherited after the death of her husband.