Stoddard Tin Shop

LOCATION: Main Street

All Sites, Tours, Shows, and Rides at Historic Nauvoo are FREE!

Sylvester Stoddard Home and Tin Shop

Tinsmiths in Nauvoo were very popular craftsmen because they made many of the items used in homes and farms. Lanterns, candle safes, candle holders, buckets, pots, pans and many other articles could be made quickly and economically from tin. These products were longer lasting than similar ones made from pewter or wood. Tinware was the most popular item carried by Yankee peddlers for over 150 years. The Nauvoo Tinners Association made the 1846 angel weathervane that adorned the first Nauvoo Temple. It was made from a drawing by William Weeks, the temple architect.

Stoddard made hurricaine lanterns such as these, which prevented the wind from blowing out the candle inside

Sylvester Stoddard built the original shop and home. He, along with others of his trade, supplied the growing need for tinware in Nauvoo. Sylvester, and his wife, Charity, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the early 1830s, and journeyed with the other members from Ohio to Missouri, and finally to Nauvoo. Sylvester served as a quartermaster in the Nauvoo Legion. Tragedy came to the Stoddard home when Charity died of consumption in 1844, leaving one daughter, Mary.

Come and visit this interesting shop and learn how useful items could be made from tin. A good tinsmith could make a tin pan in 15 to 20 minutes. You will also see a fine display of tools, equipment and utensils similar to those used in Old Nauvoo.