Thomas Day State Historic Site

10/17/2026

One curious item found in the ledgers of John Wilson, one of the owners of the Milton General Store, was a “lined and bound mahogany coffin” made by Thomas Day. These coffins were made from wood, lined with cloth like muslin on the inside, and were held shut with straps made from materials including silver, iron, lead, and brass. This centuries-old practice likely improved the coffin’s structural integrity and helped keep them watertight (like with barrels).

No other “lined and bound” coffins are known to have been made by Thomas Day, indicating they weren’t as popular among his clientele.

– –

Photograph: Newspaper image of an ironbound coffin used by British magician Carl Mysto in 1904. Image credit to London “Daily Mirror,” Newspapers.com.

10/11/2026

Grim as it may seem to modern tastes, death was another way to show off family wealth and social standing in early 19th century America. For a cabinetmaker like Thomas Day, wealthier customers came looking for fancier coffins. Coffins and grave markers were considered reflections of the wealth and status of those they contained, so families of the deceased often paid for more services to demonstrate their high standing.

Durable and resistant to decay, mahogany was much sought after for building coffins, and no one was better known for working with mahogany in Milton than Thomas Day. Multiple invoices from Day to wealthy clients describe the “finest” mahogany coffins to drive the point home that his goods were made from the best materials money could buy. One of Day’s most expensive coffins was made for the family of William Scott in 1837. Compared to a $3 ($104 today) pine coffin sold the same year, the mahogany coffin Day made for the Scotts cost $75, the equivalent of $2,617 in today’s money!

10/08/2026

Due to morning group visitation today, October 8, 2026, the Thomas Day State Historic Site will not be offering the 10am and 11am tours. We apologize for any inconvenience!

10/03/2026

From the birth of the U.S. well into the 20th century, cabinetmakers like Thomas Day were community sources for coffins and other funeral items. Thomas Day made coffins of various price points for many Miltonians over the course of his career, and even offered gloves, muslin wraps, and the use of a hearse among the services provided.

Coffins were made in a separate two-story wing of Day’s cabinet factory, presumably added after his purchase of Union Tavern in 1848. By 1893 the coffin shop had moved to the larger factory wing behind Union Tavern but the original wing was still there. By 1925 the factory wing was demolished, and the original Coffin Shop wing had been converted into a longer 1 story wing. A standalone brick wall and some stone foundation are the only remnants of the Thomas Day House that tell this part of his story.

10/01/2026

What a September we had at the Thomas Day State Historic Site! With landscaping goats, our annual Historic Sites Summit, the Brightleaf Hoedown, the Milton Porch Ramble, Danville’s Art On the Lawn, and a Cross-Divisional Collaboration seminar, it’s safe to say the past month was busy busy busy!

Thank you so much to Duke Homestead, the State Capitol of North Carolina, and our Support Group for your help in running this event. We’re looking forward to seeing what other experiences October brings!

09/25/2026

There will be no regular tours tomorrow as we’ll be participating in Ramble Fest!

Come out and enjoy the day with us, have fun, learn something new, watch tool demonstrations, and explore the site as part of the event.
It’s a great opportunity to experience history in an exciting and interactive way!
We hope to see you there!

09/24/2026

Heads up! Today, Sept. 24, there will be no guided tours after 12:00pm. Self-guided tours are still available until 5:00pm. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
--

09/19/2026

We’ve got some great activities at our booth in the Bright Leaf Hoedown, come and see us!

09/18/2026

It's time to say good-baa to the goats! 🐐

In just three weeks, they have worked around the clock to clear over an acre of land both behind the Thomas Day House and our visitor center. Their work has made a huge difference.

Tomorrow, be sure to stop by our booth at the Bright Leaf Hoedown in Yanceyville or visit Thomas Day State Historic Site for a guided tour!
-

09/12/2026

Just two weeks away! It will be a "Day" to remember!

Come see our site as we participate in the annual Milton Porch Ramble on September 26! We will be open 11am-5pm. Admission is free with donations encouraged!