Papers of Jane Armstrong (Jen or Jennie) Tucker (1866-1964)

Historical/Biographical Note

Historical/Biographical Note

Jane Armstrong Tucker (1866-1964) had the longest history of residence at Castle Tucker and was dedicated to preserving her family home and its contents. Like her siblings, she attended a number of schools somewhat irregularly; she concluded her formal education with a year at St. Joseph's for "finishing." Jane pursued a number of careers as an adult, including over two years of work at the Art Exchange and R. H. Stearns (where she painted decorative items, made custom embroidered buttons, and gave lessons in needlework and painting). Some of her other occupations included working at Vantine's (an import firm that popularized Japanese decorative items), taking shorthand, travelling as a saleswoman for the McCalls pattern company, and helping her mother run the summer boarding business in their home. After she returned to live permanently at Castle Tucker, Jane looked to the family house for support. She opened Castle Tucker as a tourist home, farmed the land, and raised squab for the luxury market. Upon the death of her mother in 1922, Castle Tucker became the property of Jane Armstrong Tucker, who maintained it until her death in 1964.