September 8 – 14, 2006
These restored messages come from the Quilt History List, an online forum where quilt historians, collectors, researchers, appraisers, and enthusiasts discussed antique quilts and related textiles. The archive dates from 1996 through approximately 2016 and is being restored gradually. Sign up in the form at the bottom of the page if you want to know when a new page is added. Original spelling, opinions, formatting, and inactive links may remain unchanged.
Primary topics of this QHL Digest:
- Ordering the Kansas Heritage Article — Members share the phone number and website for ordering Barbara Brackman’s article, report that the Kansas Historical Society has been flooded with calls, and order copies for their museums and guilds.
- Teaching Against the Underground Railroad Quilt Myth — Xenia Cord shares her letter and list of questions for teachers, while others describe requests from students and schools and a TV producer looking for a quilt that fits the story.
- Shaker Quilts — the late Pat Cummings answers a remark that Shakers did not make quilts by describing her magazine article, and others point to Pleasant Hill in Kentucky, a book on Shaker style, and the Shaker collection in Lebanon, Ohio.
- The Democrat Donkey Quilt — Julie Silber asks about a c. 1940 donkey quilt, and members cite a 1931 to 1932 Kansas example in Twentieth Century Quilts and a donkey quilt at the Michigan State University Museum.
- September 11 Remembrances — On the fifth anniversary members share a commemorative essay, a memorial quilt commission, and a visit to the World Trade Center site.
- Quilts for Wounded Soldiers — Sue Reich announces a fabric donation from Cranston Print Works for AQSG seminar quilts, and an Army veteran writes to thank the makers.
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 06:43:13 -0400 | From: Debby Kratovil (kratovil)
Wow, Velia! I just had to check out Library Thing and I am very excited. I have hundreds of books that I have desperately wanted to catalog and a paltry attempt at working with a database in years past just left me wanting. I am now able to list ALL my books so quickly and am then able to tag them, arrange them in all sorts of ways, AND INCLUDE a small pic of the book cover. And then I’m able to search other members lists and make mine available. I consult my books every day – and it sure helps that I know which ones I own, because I’ve been known to buy a book that I already have! Just thought I’d let the QHL list know about this because I know you all are book lovers (and owners), too. Debby
Debby (with a “y” and not “ie”) Kratovil www.quilterbydesign.com Programs & Workshops Projects Editor, Quilt Magazine
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 00:44:40 EDT | From: MargaretFahey
I wonder how long it takes for a reply to an email on this site to get through. I gave this info in an eariler response. But I’ll try again.
Call 785-272-8681 ext. 453 and you’ll reach Janice Alfrey at the Kansas State Historical Society and she’ll take your order. It is $3.50 for a copy of the Kansas heritage vol 14 #3 Autumn 2006
Or you could go to the website at http://www.kshs.org (if I’m remembering correctly. I got it from Google, what else?)
Good luck.
Margaret
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 06:51:19 -0500 | From: Sarah Hough (dougandsarah1)
Just went to www.kshs.org, placed an order for the magazine, and got my confirmation back.
Thanks.
Sarah
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 08:04:06 EDT | From: Kaytriplet
For those of you who know Nancy Kirk, but are not on her mailing list…
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 05:12:14 -0700 (PDT) | From: Kris Driessen (krisdriessen)
You can’t send attachments to the list, so here is a cut and pase from her newsletter:
September 7, 2006
Unexpected news of the week — I’m having bypass surgery tomorrow morning at Creighton Medical Center (St. Joseph Hospital) in Omaha. I’ll be in ICU through the weekend and not able to talk or get email, then in a regular room for the rest of the week. It will probably be several weeks before I’m back on the computer, so there will be a break in the Monday Minute and Old News schedule.
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Kirk The Kirk Collection www.kirkcollection.com
3516 Lincoln Blvd. Omaha, NE 68131 (402) 551-0386
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 07:05:40 -0600 | From: JESSICA VAUGHN (vaughn8047)
Have ordered several copies of the magazine. Thanks!
Jessica M. Vaughn Aurora, CO vaughn8047
Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you. – St Francis de Sales –
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 09:11:00 EDT | From: Mitzioakes
Ditto also – have just ordered copies of this article.
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 08:59:12 -0700 (PDT) | From: Judy Schwender (sister3603)
Hi all, I keep a file of all the UGRR controversy stuff so I can respond intelligently when asked by visitors here at the museum. So, I’ve ordered the magazine as well.
Recently the museum received an email about this subject. After my reply- with all its sources and information- I received the following:
“I appreciate your response and your assistance with much needed information. I was very troubled when I started to read “Hidden in Plain View” to me it just didn’t have the markings of a scholarly work. I have been obsessed with this as of late. I have found many great writters and books but I am still puzzled by the text reporting this as fact. I am taking an African American Art history class now and the text reports this as a fact that quilts were used as markers in the underground railroad. Thanks again for the articles. I may be able to shed some light on the subject at least to the rest of the people in my class. If the paper is any good I may submit it for publication in the Art History Journal.”
I am waiting for the name of the text book. A letter to the publisher could be in order.
Judy Schwender Museum of the American Quilter’s Society Paducah, KY
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 11:55:24 -0700 | From: Nancy (deweyquilts)
Thank you for the info on how to order this magazine. I just ordered a couple copies and was told they’ve been getting calls all day. I told her they’d probably be getting quite a few now that “the word” was out. Can’t wait to read it.
Nancy in Az
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 12:26:30 -0400 | From: Lucinda Cawley (lrcawley)
I just called to order the Brackman article. I’m also getting a catalogue from an exhibit called Material Pleasures (1985-I think) for an additional $3.00. I talked to Alfrey who promised to let me know if they do a catalogue for the upcoming quilt exhibit called Piecing It Together. Let’s hope! Cinda on the Eastern Shore looking forward to Sully on Sunday
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 13:02:18 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings (pat)
A few weeks ago, someone on this list had visited Hancock Shaker Village and afterward had remarked about what a shame it was that Shakers did not make quilts because their rugs are great.
At the time, I was unable to comment, as what I’d written was in an unpublished state.
Last May, Jim and I visited the last remaining village that has living Shakers, yes!, – four of them. Based on my previous extensive readings of Shaker Life, and the tour provided by the museum end of the operation, we submitted an article to The Quilter magazine for the November 2006 issue.
I was delighted to see the quilts in their curatorial collection, albeit few in number (like Hancock’s), and we photographed them and wrote about them for the article. Included are a lot of other textile details about cloth, clothing, machinery, looms, etc. This has translated into a five page article in full color.
I am so happy to have learned even more about Shakerism and Shaker textiles. I just wanted to update you all, with the latest information. The magazine just was sent to subscribers, but I suppose it will be available on the newsstands within the next week.
The reason for sharing this information is that I am proud of the discovery of vital new facts, and also because I would not want to leave anyone behind who wants to appear to be knowledgeable about textiles.
Best wishes to all,
Patricia Cummings, Quilter’s Muse Virtual Museum http://www.
Date: Sat, 09 Sep 2006 18:39:04 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram (gingram)
The Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, KY, has some Quaker-made quilts archived, I believe. They are part of the Shaker Villages consortium. Quilting is one of the crafts they demonstrate in one of the buildings that had been used for textile construction and sewing. When I was last there, the tour guide noted the community’s women quilted tops for “strangers” in addition to the ones they made for the community. In 1960’s-early 1970’s issue of “American Home” at least two of the quilts made by one of the northern communities (NH?) were pictured. The ones I have seen either in photographs or one of the villages are quite simple, based on triangles and squares, lights and brights, quite colorful.
Have you a bibliography on this subject, Pat? Published?
I was impressed by the extraordinary quilting–such fine stitches.
What are the standard sources on this subject?
Gail Ingram
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 17:08:35 -0700 | From: Julie Silber (quiltcomplex)
Hi All,
I am interested in some history on the “Democrat Donkey” quilt, the one made of small squares and triangles organized into multiple Donkeys “in profile.” I will post a photo of the c. 1940 quilt we have now on the e-Board later this evening or tomorrow morning.
Thanks, Julie Silber
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 20:20:49 -0500 | From: Karan Flanscha (SadieRose)
Hi, Julie, “Twentieth Century Quilts” by Thomas K. Woodard and Blanche Greenstein, shows a donkey quilt & an elephant quilt (pg. 100) with the text: “Donkey” and “Elephant” Leavenworth, KS 1931, 1932. Made by Mrs. Jameson. The Kansas City Star, a popular pattern source for midwestern quilters, published these patterns: Giddap, the Donkey, and Ararat, the Elephant. Since the maker was a Democrat, it is said that she made Giddap slightly larger than Ararat, which she made for her Republican husband. Photographs courtesy Sandra Todaro.” Barbara Brackman’s “Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns” shows Ararat # 226.76 published in the KC Star 6-6-31 and Giddap # 226.77 published in the KC Star 7-18-31. Hope that helps! Karan from chilly Iowa
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:49:18 EDT | From: MargaretFahey
And the very best wishes to you. I truly look forward to seeing/reading this article. I get ever more fascinated with the info on this site.
Margaret
Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 00:57:42 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings (pat)
Dear Gail:
What a good idea to compile a bibliography. I shall have to round up the publications that I found interesting while researching the subject. Of course, a great deal of information that I possess about Shakerism and Shaker works has been gleaned over the past twenty five years that I’ve been considering the subject…and much of it comes from hearing oral testimony, seeing a few examples of Shaker made quilts, and visiting some of the local New England Shaker museum sites.
I suppose if there is one dedicated volume, it would be Shaker Textiles by Beverly Gordon. However, the book has very little about quilts.
Some of the first hand testimonies by people who lived with the Shakers when they were young are also quite interesting, one of which is specifically mentioned in my article in The Quilter magazine.
Yes, before I forget which books I had read, in preparation for the article, I will try to round them all up in a pile and begin compiling a proper list. No doubt, I will publish more on this topic in the future, as I have compiled information that exceeds the scope of the one article that is already published.
I hope that you will get a chance to enjoy the five page article I wrote and all of its great photos.
Best,
Pat Cummings
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 08:20:30 -0400 | From: Beth Donaldson
The Michigan State University Museum also has a Donkey Quilt at: http://www.museum.msu.edu/glqc/collections_7535.1.html. Beth
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 09:42:13 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings (pat)
As you know, today is the fifth anniversary of the horrific events of September 11, 2001.
I have written a commentary on my website that, in part, honors the efforts of one of our own, Don Beld. Today, Don is among the invited guests at the Pennsylvania site where members of Flight 93 lost their lives.
Don’s efforts to honor those whom he considers to be American heroes, is ongoing. To understand the full scope of his work, please visit this new article and also the file on my site that contains an interview I did with him in June 2006.
Photos of his work appear in both files.
Our newly uploaded website has a site map and a search word function available on the left side bar, two very handy tools.
Today’s essay appears here: http://www.quiltersmuse.com/fifth_anniversary_of_sept_11.htm
Best,
Pat Cummings
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:49:51 -0500 | From: Andi (andi0613)
Hi all,
Yikes. I took the plunge and asked the principal of our tiny town’s combined schools (not a one room school house but all grades are in one really small building; the average graduating class is 30 or fewer) if anyone taught underground railroad lessons, and if so, I’d be glad to talk to their class(es). Here is her reply:
“Considering I’m a former History teacher I would love to hear you speak to our classes. I will forward this to Dave Fish. He covers the underground railroad. Thanks.”
Well, I don’t know Dave Fish except from the sports pages. Like so many teachers, he doubles as the coach of at least one sport or out-of-his-training-subject area, so I have NO idea where he may be coming from. I’ll certainly talk to him in advance of anything that comes of my offer, but for sure, our once-a-week paper covers his track conquests and mentions nothing about his history lessons.
Meanwhile, I have Pat Cumming’s writings as reference material, and the new Brackman article, but what I *don’t* have on hand is “Hidden in Plain View” or any of the more suspect “sources” that others on this list know about (OK – I do have the Eleanor Burns’ pattern book, too).
Merely because I discovered three historically significant quilts in the Keota Library basement, people around here think I know everything about everything quilts (even the church ladies!). This is SO not true! I was motivated to offer to speak to classes about UGRR when the high school principal, at a meeting of our educational foundation board, asked for more community involvement in the classroom. I’ve admired others on QHL who have taken teachers to task, and it’s safe to say, I leapt before I looked.
Let me summarize: Help!
Andi in Keota, Iowa
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 17:11:10 EDT | From: Mitzioakes
Hidden in Plain View copies are available alibris.com website (used books) for as little as $4.95. They ship within a few days also. I am sure you can find copies of this online fairly easy. I am getting very involved in these ‘events’ also and am looking for anything I can find. Go on to google also and you will be surprised what is out there regarding the UGRR and Quilts. Mitzi from Vermont’ Where the leafs are turning and the leaf peepers are clogging our roads.
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 17:21:32 -0400 | From: Lucinda Cawley (lrcawley)
We have been having perfect weather: sunny days and cool nights. What a treat to be at the Sully quilt show (outdoors in Northern VA) and not swelter in late summer heat and humidity. It seemed that this year there were fewer vendors and lower attendance. Mary Koval and Cindy Rennels (both of whom can be counted on to have lots of great stuff) were among the missing. Even so there were wonders to behold. You could do a crash course on American antique quilts by walking around the grounds at Sully on the Sunday after Labor Day. I saw my favorite quilt of the day in Stella Rubin’s booth as soon as I came in. It was an Alphabet with the letters appliquéd in red onto various shirtings, sashed and bordered with Eli Walker’s ubiquitous yellow on red print. The problem of the 26th letter was solved by adding the date 1913 after the Z. There’s no batting, but the appliqués go right through to the backing. There’s also a penciled note with the owners name and address (Mount Airy–but no state. Stella got it in New York. Anybody know a Mount Airy in NY?). You really could stay at Stella’s booth all day salivating. She had a spectacular Lone Star (10 or 12 different colors) with red and green appliqués between the points, framed by six inch Evening Star blocks on mauve backgrounds. This woman just didn’t know when to stop! There was a Log Cabin made of 3″ squares that was simply incredible. Appropriately enough, since we were in Virginia, we saw the ultimate Farmer’s Fancy quilt. Stars were surrounded by three rows of triangles and each block was framed by flying geese sashing which reversed direction mid-way. The cornerstones were square in a square. My other favorite (I”m allowed more than one) was almost at the other end of the grounds but visible from far, far away. Nine totally goofy and very large pink roses with orange stems appliquéd haphazardly onto black backgrounds (several different shades of black sateen). The needlework left much to be desired; the effect was stunning. One President’s Wreath was appliquéd with all the green in stem and leaves cut from a single piece of fabric. I suspect that, like me, the maker wasn’t crazy about appliqué and figured out this way she wouldn’t have to deal with all those little pieces. I’ll go on record that her method leaves much to be desired, but it did provide a good laugh. We saw some great chintzes including a brown toile featuring a snake slithering into a cartouche of cherubs. I was surprised by the number of new-to-me kit quilts; there seems to be no end to the patterns. I didn’t take any notes. I was too happy drifting in a quilt induced state of bliss. The Virginia Consortium of Quilters were selling the gorgeous new book, Quilts of Virginia: 1607-1899. All the contributors were there enjoying the unequaled ego trip of signing books, even I who did the two lonely counties on the Eastern Shore got to play author. The books were selling like hot cakes. I have to rest up for FVF tomorrow (life is hard). Cinda on the Eastern Shore
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:11:31 -0700 (PDT) | From: Judy Schwender (sister3603)
Hi all, Now I know it’s the being of the school year…… Today I received yet another request from a graduate student for information about quilts and UGRR. And, as before, I sent off the sources, book titles, articles, urls, thoughts about historical research, etc. that I have been stockpiling and filing, including the upcoming Brackman book. I make this information available and share it when asked. Pleasantly and professionally. HIPV may be the hare, but we are the tortoise……. Judy Schwender Museum of the American Quilter’s Society Paducah, KY
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:12:39 -0700 (PDT) | From: Judy Schwender (sister3603)
…….beginning, not being……….. (time to go home)
Judy Schwender sister3603 wrote: Hi all, Now I know it’s the being of the school year…… Today I received yet another request from a graduate student for information about quilts and UGRR. And, as before, I sent off the sources, book titles, articles, urls, thoughts about historical research, etc. that I have been stockpiling and filing, including the upcoming Brackman book. I make this information available and share it when asked. Pleasantly and professionally. HIPV may be the hare, but we are the tortoise……. Judy Schwender Museum of the American Quilter’s Society Paducah, KY
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:34:26 -0500 | From: Xenia Cord (xenia)
Andi, I am replying to you through the list so others can (if they wish) copy the letter below, sent by me to our local paper last February in response to yet another misguided Black History Month activity:
To the Editor:
CRITICAL THINKING
Teachers are supposed to encourage critical thinking skills in their students. With regard to the popularly held and comfortable idea that slaves used “code” quilts to prepare for an escape to the North, here are some questions that call for critical thinking:
1. Who devised the “codes” worked into quilt patterns, and how was the information behind each pattern disseminated among slaves on different plantations and in different states?
2. Were there more logical ways of communication, such as private conversation?
3. Where did slaves obtain the fabric and other supplies from which to make the 17 differently patterned “code” quilts, and on how many plantations did this occur?
4. During what years was the “Underground Railroad” operational, and did it exist in the South as well as in the North?
5. What quilt patterns were popular in the United States during the time of the “Underground Railroad”?
6. What “messages” in the Southern “code” quilts directed escaping slaves to safe houses in the North?
7. Did Northern sympathizers display quilts outdoors as a sign that theirs were safe houses, and did they do so in all seasons and all weathers and at night?
8. When was the tool called the monkey wrench invented?
9. Did slaves have knowledge of celestial navigation, natural phenomena, and geography, or were they entirely dependent on quilt designs such as stars and crooked path images?
10. According to Hidden In Plain View, what was Ozella McDaniel Williams’ weekend occupation?
11. How long did it take for Jacqueline Tobin to learn the full story of “code” quilts from Ozella Williams, and why?
12. Women’s magazines and newspapers published quilt patterns beginning in the 1830s. What is the earliest publication date for each of the 17 patterns listed in HIPV as “code” patterns?
13. What independent sources exist for stories of “code” quilts; for instance, are “code” quilts mentioned in the narratives of Harriet Tubman or Levi Coffin, or in the thousands of interviews with former slaves recorded by the WPA in the 1930s?
14. Literally thousands of quilts survive in collections and in private hands in America from the 19th century; have any “code” quilts from the 19th century ever been identified?
15. Who made the quilts used as illustration in Hidden In Plain View?
If you can answer these questions correctly you should not be teaching Hidden In Plain View as Black history. If you CANNOT answer these questions correctly you should not be teaching Hidden In Plain view as Black history. It is time for responsible educators to stop teaching this fiction as historical fact.
Xenia Cord Kokomo
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 19:15:23 EDT | From: TEXTIQUE
Xenia I am signing too.
I received the request below from AASLH list. It would be interesting if someone knows of a piece that supposedly fits Ms. Tobin’s UGRR quilt description to be referred to the History Detectives. I personally believe their research methods to be very creditable. If I remember correctly, someone of this list posted information about such a quilt. I can send the application for the program to anyone who wants it.
Jan
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing from Lion Television, an independent production company in New York. We are currently researching stories for the Fifth Season of PBS’s History Detectives. History Detectives is a prime-time series about the discovery, documentation and preservation of historic American buildings and artifacts. Our program revolves around the investigation of questions posed by individuals interested in learning the history behind artifacts or locations and their possible historical implications. We are currently seeking story submissions from all over the country regarding historically or culturally significant American buildings or relics. If you, or someone you know, have an object or building that may have played a key part in American history, tell us about your mystery. The most promising ideas are historically significant, and are still unsolved. If you have an ongoing investigation at this time, we would love to be a part of it. Please submit questions or story ideas to _kylesliontv.ky_ . I have also attached a flyer to pass on or use in your facility, if you feel this is appropriate. Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best Regards,
Kyle Silveri
Kyle Silveri History Detectives Lion Television
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2006 18:02:33 +0000 | From: jocelynm
Xenia, Thanks for this nicely thought out list. All, I have been thinking about collecting a packet of information that we (the members of QHL who are interested in the UGRR) could distribute to teachers in our areas, in time for Black History Month, showing the fallaciesof HIPV. Actually, I was thinking about doing a page-by-page critical analysis of HIPV (fortunately it’s a short book) just as an intellectual exercise and for the pure pleasure of tap-dancing ‘nanner nanner’. <G> However, it may be too long to be of any sort of practical use. Would anyone be interested in joining me in this project? I would especially like to include accurate historical information about quilting and Black History. I would need co-authors who would be willing to give up copyright to their materials, because I hope that people will start copying them to share with others, and I know that when that happens, eventually our names as authors are going to get severed from our work. It’s just bound to happen. But I’m willing to give up rights to ‘A Critical Analysis of HIPV’ (or whatever it ends up being titled) if it actually gets the word out there that there’s good reason to engage critical thinking before believing the message of this book.
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2006 14:16:08 -0400 | From: Velia Lauerman (velialive)
Dear Xenia, You are on the money again ! Thanks ! I guess many things come to mind when we want to make amends… Here in Hudson Michigan, a small town of 2400, we have a couple homes claiming to have helped the situation too. God knows I. for one, can only continue admiring all cultures who continue needlework in every way and enjoying the ART of sewing. Those questions listed have been discussed in our local group Western Wayne County Quilt Guild and sit and stitch groups from it . We could write a book on that too. Maybe we should. I do take notes about remarks and discussions. Maybe a point well taken is that we do talk about it and hope it won’t be repeated. Velia
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2006 08:29:24 +0100 | From: Audrey Cameron (audreycameron)
To all,
I have a book about the Shakers (Koomler, Sharon Duane, Shaker Style Form, Function and Furniture,PRC Publishing Ltd., 2000, ISBN 1 902616 81 2) which in the chapter on Textiles has a full page picture of a Shaker Crazy Quilt & a caption
“Crazy Quilt, Harvard, Massachusetts, ca. 1910 Quilting was not commonplace in Shaker communities but there are a number of examples of Shaker-made quilts. The elaborate Crazy Quilt was made in the early 20th century. Anne Belle Turner was a Shaker at Shirley & later Harvard, MA. (Michael Fredericks, Harvard Shaker Village):
Not much information but a few lines in the book states that bed covers in Shaker communities were mainly woven problem because they were less labour intensive than quilts. Quilts made were quite elaborate & out of character for a Shaker item.
That’s all I have.
Audrey Cameron in a bright sunny & very warm England.
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 08:45:11 EDT | From: Mitzioakes
Judy – any chance of you sending me some of your info you have on the UGRR/Quilts? I am doing a seminar/lecture on the “History of Quilts” at an upcoming quilt show and I already have been approached about this ‘subject’. I am trying to gather everything I can so I can speak knowingly about the subject (I even made myself re-read HIPV – which still irks me to no end!). Thank you in advance of any light you can share with me. Mitzi Oakes Will send my mailing address privately to you!.
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 07:58:57 -0500 | From: Kathy Moore (kathymoore)
Xenia, you’ve done us all a great favor by posting your list of questions related to the UGRR myth. Putting it in the context of teaching critical thinking skills in public education was a nice touch, too!
Thank you for sharing it.
I, for one, have printed it and will add it to my folder of information ready to be applied as needed…!
Kathy Moore Lincoln, NE
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 09:06:42 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram (gingram)
Good for you, Xenia.
Having observed the public and private educational bureaucracies and many of the young teachers entering education, it would be helpful if we could key these to state and national standards and goals. Many schools require lesson plans in which lessons are specifically keyed to particular curriculum objectives.
Is there a history teacher on the list who has a copy of standards for her state?
If not, I will google the national standards (did they ever get approved? Maybe not) and several state standards and try to organize these in educationese. Sig—for poor education.
Incidentally, I would like to put in a word of clarification re Louisiana’s standing in the recent Education Report Card. Last, alas. Our ranking was skewed by part of rubric that dealt with low-income students’ access to college education through special financial aid for low-income students.
We have a scholarship program called TOPS which covers many (if not most) of these students. The purpose of the program is to help the mid- and low-income students who might not otherwise consider college. The idea is that the top students will get generous scholarship aid, though they too are eligible to complete the costs of schooling through this program. Most, however, are covered by merit scholarships.
The TOPS program awards scholarship aid to graduating students from all public and private schools who have met the standards of LA Edu. Dept for certification. It has three levels, the first paying everything, including books, the last covering tuition and room & board. Every student who has a 2.5 average and an ACT/SAT that meets the national average is eligible for these awards. Because of grade inflation and lowering of college board standards, that includes most students who have the potential to benefit from college work. Recipients must not drop below 2.5 average in college years. The scholarship may be used at any public or private university in Louisiana. Thus the needs of students of low-income levels are met through what is a merit scholarship program, not a needs-based program.
Our public school system is not good enough, particularly in New Orleans (the state has by now taken over all but a handfull of schools in NOLA because they failed to improve performances for 3 years in a row) and parts of South Louisiana. Yet, it is better than it appears in this Report Card.
Gail Ingram
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 10:35:39 -0700 | From: suereich
Cranston Print Works has very generously given us 24 bolts of fabric from their line – American Glory released just this year. These bolts will be made available at the AQSG Seminar 2006 in Farmington, free of charge to anyone making or wishing to make a quilt or quilts for injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. You can find them in the Hospitality Room at the Hotel. I will have a rotary cutter, cutting board and ruler there for your convenience. If you are making quilts for our soldiers or would like to, it would be helpful if you came prepared with a pattern and fabric requirements in mind. This way you will be able to acquire the correct amount of fabric that you will need to finish your quilt. The web site below does make some suggestions regarding the design and size. Xenia Cord has so graciously offered to act as a collection contact and liaison person for those of you who participate. http://www.qovf.org/index.html Many thanks to Cranston Print Works and to all of you for your support in this worthy cause. sue reich
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 11:35:30 -0700 | From: suereich
I had reason to be on our highways yesterday, and I can tell you that the leaves in Connecticut are turning on cue for AQSG Seminar 2006. Our night-time temps have been in the low 40s. This is Mother Nature’s way of triggering the spectacular fall foliage show we enjoy every year. An added bonus for those of you who are driving, gas prices are coming down. That said, Connecticut’s prices are still some of the highest on the East Coast. So, plan to fill up anywhere but in Connecticut. AQSG members going on the Wethersfield tour have a special need. This would be a contraption that is an adult version of a bib with a catch basin. Let’s call it a drool cloth. What they are about to see on their tour is so-o-o good. Also, BRING YOUR CLEAN WHITE GLOVES, LINEN TESTER AND A MAGNIFIER WITH LIGHT. This will give you a closer look at the quilts covering our of earliest towns. My trip yesterday to Historic Wethersfield took me to review the wonderful textiles from their collection for your scheduled visit. Founded in 1634, Wethersfield is one the earliest towns in Connecticut. (You will be shocked to find this oasis of eighteenth-century life just a stone’s throw from I-91, the busy north/south corridor of our state.) I could tell you in detail about all of the wonderful crewel work bed coverings and hangings in silks and wool on cotton and linen dating to as early as c. 1690, or the selection of quilts, bed coverings and quilted clothing dating from the mid eighteenth-century to the first quarter of the nineteenth-century shown throughout the three historic houses owned by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Many of these textileshave strong provenance to Connecticut’s earliest and most influential families. I would be remiss to exclude the quilts to be viewed at the Keeney Memorial -the late nineteenth-century building that houses the collection of the Wethersfield Historical Society. The dates for those quilts range from 1806 through to the end of the nineteenth century. For those of you on the tour, I will be sending you information regarding lunch. You can join the locals at their favorite gathering places: Village Tavern, Mainly Tea, The Spicy Green Bean Deli, Main Street Creamery, Red Onion Restaurant, Village Pizza, Patty’s Cakes, and Old Town Caf. Some of these places will require a reservation. (I would suggest that you call before you leave home.) There is sidewalk cafe dining at some, and for others, you can order a box lunch and sit in the garden behind the Webb-Deane-Stevens Houses. Please save time at lunch to visit the First Church of Christ Congregational built in 1764. This beautiful church is an authentic 18th century building, whose light-filled interior inspires all those who gather here. The ANCIENT BURYING GROUND of WETHERSFIELD is immediately behind the church. Just in time for your visit are the “Scarecrows Along Main Street.” This afall tradition – in Old Wethersfield. You will get a chuckle from the variety and humor that goes into their creation. Be prepared for lots of pictures. . sue reich http://www.historicwethersfield.org/mapkey.htm http://www.historicwethersfield.org/
From: SoldierGrrrl
On 9/13/06, suereich suereich wrote: > > Many thanks to Cranston Print Works and to all of you for your support > in this > worthy cause. sue reich
I can’t be at the AQSG Seminar this year, but as a OIF veteran and a woman who’s husband is an OIF veteran and currently deployed…
Thank you. Thank you so much for giving my brothers- and sister- in-arms who have been injured something warm and heartfelt.
Sincerely, Spc. Jennifer D. Atkinson United States Army, Texas National Guard
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:45:07 | From: TEXTIQUE
Hi Pat and all; I cannot consider myself an expert on Shaker textiles but I have had 10 years of experience with the extensive Shaker collection at the Warren County Historical Society in Lebanon, OH. Their pieces were primarily, from Union Village, just 6 miles out of town. Members were converted first from thelocal Presbyterian Church starting on March 22, 1805. The community grew to a functioning, self-contained village in a short period of time. The only building that remains from the original settlement is Marble Hall, remodeled by the Shakers into a gorgeous Victorian in the 1890s. They disbanded in the early part of the 20th century. Because it was selling inexpensively, the owners of the Golden Lamb Inn in Lebanon began to purchase anything they could to furnish their guestrooms and restaurant. Buying for the inn fostered a great appreciation for the quality of Shaker workmanship and the family began to collect, in earnest, items from other Shaker settlements. A good part of their collection eventually went to the museumand since then others began to donate things too. I treated our Shaker textiles with reverence. The weavings, bonnets, shoes, etc. were beautifully made. We had no quilts but there was something even more rare a quilting frame. (Pat, I don remember if yousaw it when you visited so long ago but I can get you a photograph if you like.)
After seeing the frame I started making inquiries about quilts at other communities and have received some pics from other collections that I will happily share with you. The museum has hopes that they will get a Shaker sampler in the future. I have several books about Shakers in my library. Please check: The book most people have, Shaker Textile Arts by Beverly Gordon Community Industries of the Shakers: A New Look: A catalog of a 1983 exhibit at the New York State Museum in Albany, New York. Pg. 24 shows a pic of a Chair showroom, South family, Mt. Lebanon, c. 1930 taken by photographer William F. Winter. In the background hangs what appears to be a 16 patch, gated and bordered. Hands to Work: Shaker Folk Art and Industries by Marian Klamkin: Pgs. 103“ 105 discuss and show pics of a crazy quilt. Ms. Klamkin refers to it as a rather atypical Shaker-made patchwork. (Frankly, I havenseen a typical Shaker-made quilt.) The Shaker World: Art, Life, Belief by John T. Kirk. This is a lovely, well-researched book. Mr. Kirk has some references to quilts: one, a comfortable inscribed in ink MINISTRY 1857. He also mentions appliqu quilts as one of the mediums for textile versions of the well-known drawings of the Shakers. The parallels drawn between the Shaker and Masonic colors and emblems fascinate me. The questions that occur to me when looking at a quilt in a Shaker collection are, was it made before or after conversion or for sale to the outside world. In some cases that may not be easy to determine but I always try tofind out whenever possible, the date the maker became a Shaker. I will contact friends at the museum and the Shaker Study Group to ask if anything new about quilts is in print. Needless to say, I can wait to read your article. Jan
From: Teddy Pruett
I’m a little late in reading Pat’s tribute to the victims of 9-11. Even after five years, the sting and the horror and disbelief of the event remains intense for us all. Many of you know that I have been working on a commission in memory of one of the victims. I’ve been working on it fairly consistently – well, consistently on and off, anyway – for over seven months, and have had the victim’s items – artifacts – her personal possessions for over a year.
I can tell you that working on this quilt has been an humbling experience. Not only that, but with every re-run of the event, every time I see the first airplane hitting the first tower, I know that I personally, with my own hands, am holding what once was precious to a 23 year od woman – just a girl, actually – at her first job out of college – a young woman “living her bliss”, as her mother says. I have her clothing, her souvenirs, her class ring – an envelope of her hair, stories and photos and memorial tributes from which I have created what I hope is the essence of this charming young woman who lived her life at full tilt.
It is such an awesome responsibility to take this huge pile of disparate objects and know that it is totally in your hands, literally and figuratively, to create a cohesive way to display them and tell a story at the same time. I have perhpas another hour or two of handwork, and will be finished. I was cleaning in the studio this afternoon, gathering the bits and pieces and original photos, the things I will return to the client. As I gathered things from all over the studio, I realized that there is actually a period of “letting go” involved here. It is a sadness, accompanied with the burning question: Will the client like it? Love it? Will she think it is the best money she has ever spent, or will she feel cheated? Hmmm……..one doesnt know until the quilt is delivered. ANd the strangest thing is that I have been trying to force myself all day to call her and tell her the quilt is finally done. But I can’t make myself pick up the phone.
I think I said all that to say this: The 9-11 quilts did not stop just after the event – I think they are ongoing, and that they will be for a long time yet.
Teddy Pruett Dear Dorothy: How did you get out of the tornado? I can’t seem to find the secret! www.teddypruett.com
From: KYRA HICKS (khicks1)
Hello –
Recently I stumbled upon a Joycelyn Brown, Crafts Columnist for the Detroit News http://info.detnews.com/craftblog/index.cfm .
Are there still newspapers which offer regular features on Crafts or quilting? Who are they?
Thanks – Kyra Hicks http://blackthreads.blogspot.com/
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2006 08:09:12 -0400 | From: kaytriplet
My sister and I came to NYC and went to the World Trade Center site on 9/11 this year. It was difficult to watch, but also very touching. Across the street from the crater is the St. Paul’s Chapel, part of Trinity Church. It has been a tourist stop for those venturing into the Wall Street area for maybe 100 years. The parish was founded in 1697 by charter of King William III of England. The chapel opened in 1766, and has the pew that Washington used while president when the capital of the US was in NY. During 9/11 the church was also used for aid to the workers – massages to their feet, etc. The church somehow did not receive any damage from the blast other than a very bad coating of dust (which ruined the organ) and felled trees. Looking from the chapel yard across Broadway you saw the 250 yr old cemetary, then the hole in the ground, then the monsterous American flag hung on the building for the ceremonies. It was incredibly touching to see and think of the history of this countr
I know that you think I am posting a non-quilting post, and in a way I am. However, I wanted to set the scene for a fiber exhibit currently in St. Paul’s Chapel. It is called The Thread Project- One Thread, One Cloth. In the aftermath of 9/11, weavers from around the world joined together to communally weave a world cloth using individual threads collected from tens of thousands of people from more than 70 countries. “One Thread, One Cloth materializes the vision that we can live in compassionate community with one another.” It includes threads from a Mother Theresa cloth, and special memories from everyone who contributed special threads or fibers to make these wall hangings. They hang in the chapel until November 30. I wouldn’t make a special trip just to see it, but the emotional impact of these weavings is quite inspiring, and I would stop by if I were in the area.
Still madly working on my study quilt. I am stopping by a fabric expert here in New York today to see if he can help me with some details about the quilt I am reproducing. Still don’t actually know much about the quilt to post beside the reproduction, and hate to just make something up! 😉 See you all in a few weeks.
Kay Triplett
From: RAGLADY
Janet G. Staats, in the Home and Garden section of the Pittsburg Tribune, does various craft articles. She had a great flower BOM back in 2003, which is still onliine: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_110778.html I don’t follow the column (I live in metro-Detroit) so not sure what other articles may be in the archives….. She is a very nice woman; had contact with her when some questions came up on my CyberQuilters list about her flower BOM series.
Gloria raglady
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2006 11:04:18 -0400 | From: Judy Knorr (jknorr)
Special thanks to Pepper Cory and Gail Ingram and any others who responded to my request for help. My quilt guild, Huntington Quilters,in Huntington, NY, was given a collection of quilt books by the husband of one of our members who died recently. This member had been an elementary school librarian and her quilt book collection was quite extensive. We decided to sell the books to our members with our guild matching the funds and donate the total amount to a school in the area damaged by Katrina. Our check in the amount of $250.00 was sent last week to the Bay-Waveland School District in Bay St. Louis, MS with the funds earmarked for the North Bay Elementary School. I realize this is not Quilt History directly, but our contacts were made as a result of my participation on this list. Thanks again. We are sure that our deceased member would be happy if she knew she had helped a school. Judy Knorr
From: Karen Evans
I’m teaching a study session on quilted clothing, and I have reason to believe that some people on this list will be attending (Hi, Judy! 🙂 ). One question for everyone…do you want some “this is how I did it” tips, or just historical information?
Thanks! See you in Farmington!
Karen Evans
