Time Travel 1938

 

 

Time Travel---Back to 1938

Not the best year ever

but a good one for the textile collection

at the National Museum at the Smithsonian

The museum in the early 20th century

According to their 1938 annual report:

"The collections of early American homecraft textiles and needlework were considerably enhanced by gifts and loans, totaling 8 coverlets, 6 quilts, a linen tablecloth, 38 specimens of fine needlework, and 8 specimens of hair work. 

Betsy Totten's quilt from Marvel Matthes

Among these were: A cotton patchwork and applique quilt, “The Star of Bethlehem,” made in 1810, presented by Mrs. Marvel Mildred Matthes, West Brighton, N. Y.; 

Quilt presented to Ellen Calder dated 1851 (?)

"An 'album' or 'autograph' quilt, made in 1849, a gift of Mrs. Laura 

Calder Stonebraker, Hyattsville, Md." 

Two applique quilts attributed to Lizzie Lisle

"FLANNERY, Mrs. J. P., Baltimore, Md.: 2 bordered appliqued quilts made between 1866 and 1870 by the lender’s aunt, Lizzie Lisle (Mrs. Eden Randall), of Cadiz, Ohio (144535, loan)"

See a recent post:

Strip quilt attributed to Lovisa Seeley Gates

"Lewis, ELEANOR CC. Yellow Springs, Ohio: (Through Mrs. Adelia D. Bauer) 1 pieced cotton quilt in a stripe pattern made about 1840 in New York State by the donor's grandmother, Mrs. Lovisa (Seeley) Gates (1796-1861) (145004)."

The report mentions six quilts but I could find only five. Th quilt below may have been deaccessioned or just re-labeled.

"LANE, Mrs. C. A., Bozman, Md.: Early nineteenth century quilt, pieced in 8-pointed star pattern and joined with squares of hand-blocked chintz, made by an ancestor of the Lane family (147894)."

These annual reports are good sources for a little more about the donors, which can lead us to more information about the makers.

The Totten quilt, a real treasure

.