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Descended from 17th century Scottish immigrants to Cape Cod, Ralph Eugene Cahoon, Jr. was essentially a self-taught folk artist. His only formal training consisted of a two-year course at the School of Practical Art in Boston.
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In 1932, Ralph met and married Martha Farham, the daughter of Swedish immigrants. Martha’s father, Axel, was a talented furniture decorator who had learned the art of painting furniture (rosemaling) in Sweden. He taught this craft to Martha, who in turn taught Ralph.
Upon marrying, the couple set up home in Osterville where they established a business decorating and selling furniture and antiques.
In 1945 they moved their family and business to Cotuit, purchasing the 1775 Crocker building for that purpose.
Around 1953, one of the Cahoon’s customers, art patroness Joan Whitney Payson, convinced them to frame some of their designs for her to exhibit in her Long Island Country Art Gallery.
The transition from furniture to easel painting was a su