The Cappon House 

      The Cappon families spanned the late Victorian to early modern American era, thus overseeing a large part of American history. From a cultural standpoint, the Victorian Era saw a transition from rationalism to romanticism, regulated social rules, and family values. While most late 19th century Americans made their living through agricultural means, a shift occurred as businessmen became the new social and economic leaders. The outset of the 20th century introduced greater changes as Americans began to strive for modernity in nearly all aspects of life, from technology and politics to social life. Corporate businesses (like the Cappon and Bertsch Leather Company) grew in size and influence, while politics involving womens rights, labor unions, welfare associations and journalism were popularized.

Average life expectancy (for white citizens) in 1880 was at a disturbingly low 41 years, while mortality rates rose to hit 214 per 1,000. Yet only ten years later, life expectancy rose to 47 and mortality fell to 151 per 1,000.

      America experienced financial ups and downs. The increased push towards large cities meant jobs and businesses equally increased. While big business raked in cash, the transition from agriculture to factory work meant many average citizens were at the mercy of their bosses. Because of their economic position, the Cappons were not faced with a risk of job or money loss. The leather company had come under considerable fire only a few years before, with a newspaper reporting a discharge of “over 75 of their employees”- while Cappon and Bertsch denied doing so, the event shows the massive economic impact that large companies began to possess within their home economies. Ideas on the ideal businessman were popular; they were meant to show perseverance, be honorable, and principled, but these traits were often overshadowed by a desire for money and success.

      The Cappons lived during intriguing periods for women. The first family lived under the strict societal rules that Victorian society imposed upon women, especially young women- clothing, behavior, looks, and lifestyle all carried heavy social implications and importance that women were not meant to deviate from. This continued into the 19th century, as girls were defined “in terms of delicacy and dependence” while boys were seen “as rugged and aggressive”. Due to increased industrialization, the responsibilities of men and women began to divert from a team-based marriage and family life, to the men making the money while women stayed home, raising the children and assuming the ‘homemaker’ role. Because the man made the income, they became the most important family member. Men were meant to keep their wives informed of their income, “otherwise she cannot properly regulate her expenses and he will be constantly in fear” of her overspending. By the time the daughters of the second marriage reached adulthood, America was in the midst of the first feminine rights movement. The 1920s brought in the 19th amendment, increased sexual liberation, and new gender roles as women entered the workforce and academia- many Cappon daughters attained a college education and went on to have long-lasting careers.

      Isaac Cappon placed extreme importance on education, ensuring all of his children could read and write. Their wealth and social position meant that access to a good education was easier to attain in comparison to lower-income families who needed their children to aid them with work. However, by the 1870s, entire communities began placing heavier emphasis on schools and education that previous generations had. The educational system was growing more refined, and even college attendance grew in size. Most Cappon children attended and graduated from college; the 1890s saw an increased ‘college culture’ that centered around both classes and extracurricular activities- societies, fraternities and sororities, clubs and sports exploded in importance and popularity. The Cappon children, especially Franklin and Lavina, involved themselves with many of these types of groups.

For a source list, please visit the 'Links and Resources' page. 

• ​