November 11 – 14, 2004
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:
- Quilt Appraisal Stories — A member shares the experience of appraising Hollis Chatelain’s award-winning quilt “Precious Water,” sparking a digital-camera-for-documentation side thread. (see the article on quilt appraisers)
- AQSG 2005 & Quilt History Events — Members trade notes on the upcoming AQSG conference and other quilt-history gatherings.
- Political & Patriotic Quilts Research — A researcher’s questions about political-themed quilts prompt a discussion distinguishing political from patriotic quilt imagery, including Mr. Peanut and Delaware-slogan examples.
- Home of the Brave / Sanitary Commission Quilt Projects — Members discuss ongoing charity quilt projects for veterans and injured soldiers, including contact and coordination questions.
- Jonathan Holstein Contact Search — Members try to track down contact information for noted quilt historian Jonathan Holstein as a possible speaker.
From: “BOBBIE A AUG”
I had the privilege of appraising Precious Water for Hollis Chatelain last August when she shipped her quilt to my home. I had the honor of studying every inch of this textile and I can tell you that it was pure artistry. And, there was quilting and thread enhancement everywhere! All of her quilts come to her in dreams and she spends sometimes years drawing them and executing her designs. It was painted in four hues of yellow and stitched with over 200 spools of thread. I guess that counts as sewing!
My digital is a Nikon Cool Pix. It is 3.2 MP and I have had it about 2 years or so. It was over $500 and is probably half that now. I am very pleased with it in every application – including a 3 minute movie mode that I use with my laptop and LCD projector for illustrating sewing techniques, etc. I have a battery recharger with an adapter for my cigarette lighter in my car, but I don’t find that battery usage is a problem. However, I always carry a spare. Shopping for features is ongoing as products change rapidly to keep up with competition and now cameras are so cheap that having more than one is not unreasonable, depending on the application.
The quilts in Houston were wonderful – but so is every FINISHED quilt!
Bobbie
Bobbie A. Aug Author, lecturer, teacher, AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser
From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>
Here’s quick armchair browsing for camera selections http://tech.nytimes.com/top/news/technology/products/cameras/index.html
From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
Hi, Marcia – don your boots and cowboy hat for Golden October 7-9, 2005! And if you really want to plan ahead, mark down October 6-8, 2006, for Farmington, CT.
I was sorry to hear your trip to Italy resulted in a bum back; those airline seats are killers, especially if you sit for 8 hours. Houston was interesting but not particularly lucrative; the quilts, however, were spectacular, and the show floor and exhibit spaces just keep getting bigger! Someone said if you walked all of the aisles (which I did) you would have walked 5 miles!
Thanks for the offer of the page(s) from Modern Priscilla. I am still trying to buy an actual copy; can’t believe they are so hard to find, and so pricey!
Xenia
From: “Marcia Kaylakie” <marciark@>
HI All, for those of you who might have had my old email address marciarkev1.net , please note that I have turned off that service due to server problems and am only using my current address. I will put up a reminder on my website. Thanks, Marcia Marcia Kaylakie, AQS Certified Appraiser Austin, TX 20 www.texasquiltappraiser.com ——_NextPart_000_0021_01C4C7B9.A9ECC480–
From: Linda
I was so tired yesterday…. I reviewed my post and realized I got my wires cross about which group I was posting to. I made a remark about an “onion” who traveled far to be with us. Just to clarify, I am on an on line list of antique sewing machine collectors as well as this list dealing with quilt history. The term “onion” refers to a person on the Treadle On (used to be called a Treadleonian, then shortened to “onion”) At any rate, that remark (though few of you are on both lists, I note) was totally off topic for this group and I apologize. At any rate, what I meant to comment on here (but was really not “up” to posting, I guess) was that our own Pat Cummings and her wonderful husband Jim traveled about an hour’s ride from Concord NH to join out group in making these historic quilts for the soldier’s families. It was great to meet her. Just wanted to add that if you are not familiar with Pat’s writings or work, that she is as gracious as she is an excellent writer and quilter. Her sewing kit is this amazingly crazy quilted “wonder”! She is quite talented! Please do take note that Pat’s article on this project will be appearing in the next issue of The Quilter magazine. Thanks, and sorry of being a bit “off” last night. Linda Heminway Plaistow NH
From: Joan Kiplinger
Linda — I enjoyed your slide presentation and thanx for sharing those moments. I recognized Pat Cummings but wish there had been a way to ID the others who gave their time to help with this project. Linda Heminway wrote:
> I was so tired yesterday…. I reviewed my post and realized I got my > wires cross about which group I was posting to. I made a remark about > an “onion” who traveled far to be with us. Just to clarify, I am on > an on line list of antique sewing machine collectors as well as this > list dealing with quilt history. The term “onion” refers to a person > on the Treadle On (used to be called a Treadleonian, then shortened to > “onion”) At any rate, that remark (though few of you are on both > lists, I note) was totally off topic for this group and I apologize. > >
From: “pines”
Thank-you for hosting this, all the hard work you put into it. Wow, six quilts–that is a far cry from one or two, I am glad that we will make a positive impression on the grieving families.
pines
From: pkeirstead@
I’m going to piggy-back on Lynn Gorges’ request about not hitting reply. I agree with her–it’s annoying to read the same original message several times–but it’s OK to hit reply if you delete the original message at the bottom of the page.
Having said that, I want to add that I can put up with this mild annoyance for the privilege of reading what all you talented and well-informed quilters have to say.
I’ve noticed that some computer-savvy QHLers cut and paste relevant portions of the original message so they can respond point by point; I really like that!
Thanks for listening.
Peggy Keirstead in mild north Texas
From: “ElizaBeth L. Haubold”
Peggy, where in mid-north Texas do you live, if I might ask? I live in Denton. ElizaBeth
Peggy Keirstead in mild north Texas
ElizaBeth eliza1057@
From: “Teddy Pruett” <aprayzer@>
Lynn Says: <<No one responded to how the Fla. quilt project will be done. Will it be treated as several states? How will Fla. quilts be determined?>>
Well, with sincere apologies to the Florida members of this list, we ain’t got a clue. Does such a thing as a “Florida Quilt” exist? As an appraiser who works all over the state, my business consists of 90% Yankee quilts that have retired to the Sunshine (and hurricane) state. Because we will be encouraging guilds to document their members quilts, and because 90% of those members are from upnawth, my guess is that we will be documenting quilts from New England and surrounding areas, particularly PA, OH, Michigan and other points north, but very seldom west of the Mighty Mississippi. Please bear in mind that my response is right off the top of my little white-spikey haired head, and is in no way to be construed to be information of any value whatsoever.
Those of you who were kind enough to sign up for my AQSG study center are heads-up on exactly what a Florida quilt is. As for our committee, we are still planning and organizing and getting our act together. Teddy Pruett
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 13:11:20 – | From: Patricia L Cummings <quiltersmuse@>
Dear List Members:
How pleasant to find so many compliments about my husband and I on the list this morning. We certainly enjoyed the time we spent yesterday with Linda and a very dedicated group of quilters who are making Sanitary Commission repro. quilts. Some of these same ladies also get together on a regular basis to make quilts for the homeless through a program called “Ugly Quilts”. If some of you don’t know why it is called that, the idea is that the quilts be warm but not so attractive that they would have value, money-wise, to the point that they would incite violence, or be stolen to be turned into cash.
So far, New Hampshire has lost six soldiers to the War on Terror. One would have been too many. I heard Linda say that when she is making quilts for the homeless, or these quilts, she ponders how very lucky she is in her own life. We can all count our blessings, and it IS a blessing to do for others.
My article in The Quilter magazine, Jan. 2005 issue, first appeared about a week ago. Since then, Don Beld, the quilter and historian (and our friend) who first conceived of this nationwide effort, has been contacted over and over again by those wanting to help, or by those who have lost a family member and do not have a local guild willing to make a commemorative quilt. The calls he gets sometimes bring tears to his eyes. Our nation’s dilemma and its ongoing entrenchment in lands far away, and the loss of our young people, is beyond sad.
I would just like to encourage any of you who can sew, to think about joining in this project. You don’t have to make perfect quilts. These are machine stitched, and hand tied or even perhaps, machine quilted. The thought is what counts, more than anything. The blocks are easy to make. Even if you can make one block, that is a big help.
I am very inspired by Linda and Don and all of the ladies who have stepped forward to work on these quilts so far. Just as the Civil War women who made quilts for Union soldiers made a difference and then stepped into the annals of history, so too, are the quilters of today who are helping to shape the face of history by their generosity and kindness. Their actions will NOT go unnoticed, now or in the future.
Thanks again, Linda, for your very kind words. I am sure the Jim and I were very pleased to help and were delighted to finish the quilt destined to be given to the four year old child up north. Blessings to you as you continue your outreach efforts. Don, all I can say is, “you’re the best”.
Hugs,
Pat Cummings
From: Judy Knorr <jknorr@>
Pam, At the NJ State Quilt Show last June in Edison, NJ there was a special display on quilts with houses as a theme. One of those quilts was about President Bush and the White House. If I remember correctly its title was something like “The House My Daddy’s Friends Built”. I got such a big chuckle out of that quilt and I took a picture of it. I just checked my album, but I haven’t printed those pictures yet. Thought I might be able to pick out the name of the maker. Maybe someone else on the list was at that show and has the name or picture of it. I just happened to think about my show program and I checked it. The exhibit was titled “Dwellings”. I remember the quilt was made by a man and the only male name on the list of quiltmakers for that exhibit is Jim Griffin. The name given for the quilt in the program is “Political Dwellings”. It’s a small quilt but very clever. The exhibit said it was “an exhibit of Art Quilts from NJ Artists based on the word Dwellings, curated by Lois Griffin”. The NJ Quilt Guild website is: www.njquilt.org Perhaps they could help you track it down. Judy Knorr
From: “Christine Thresh”
Is this an old listing for political quilts?
http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/news_print/news009_print.html
Christine Thresh
From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
Okay. I don’t want anybody accusing me of introducing politics to the list. I’m answering Pam’s querstion. I made a polictical quilt to commemorate the 2000 election. It’s a redwork portrait of George W. inside an appliqed President’s Wreath of Ely Walker (his g-g-grandfather founded the company) fabric with a frame of bunting-type red. white and blue fabric. Next to his left eye I appliqed a tiny butterfly to mark the bizarre circumstances in Florida. Challenged (by DH John) to make a 2004 quilt, all I had the heart to do was to applique a diagonal red stripe acoss his face. Cinda on the Eastern Shore
From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
To apologize for my gaffe early this morning, when I sent a message to everyone that was meant for Marcia K., here is a little more info on political quilts. I think it may be necessary to make a distinction between political quilts and patriotic quilts; is the focus of this research just quilts featuring political candidates, or does it include those quilts with patriotic themes and colors that refer to events that may be of political origin?
Here are two good examples: Prosperity Is Just Around the Corner. made by Fannie B. Shaw, Van Alstyne, Texas, 1930-32. Cotton, pieced and appliqué with embroidery, 72” x 86”. Twentieth Century Quilts; and the National Recovery Act quilt, p. 100.
Both of these quilts commemorate events or situations arising from the politics of the 1930s; are they patriotic, political, or both?
Here are some titles (in no particular order) where political/patriotic quilts and textiles can be found:
The Bird, the Banner, and Uncle Sam All Flags Flying The Baltimore Album Quilt Tradition Glorious American Quilts (MAFA) The Hawaiian Quilt Twentieth Century Quilts 1900-1950 How to Compare & Value American Quilts The Fabric of Persuasion The Power of Cloth, Political Quilts 1845-1986 Antiques Journal July 1971, “Presidential Quilts” p.17 Celebration and Remembrance, Commemorative Textiles in America 1790-1990 Threads of History
…and don’t forget that these themes also appeared in woven jacquard coverlets in this country from about 1830 into the centennial period.
Finally – 4 years ago I was dragged to an inaugural party for W, and decided to show my colors by making and wearing a vest of all patriotic/political fabrics. I did it crazy-quilt style, with embroidered bits reminding all of the “chad” controversies. I later gave it to a friend with a substantial collection of political items, and it recently appeared in an exhibit!
Xenia
From: “Molly”
How about jonathan Holstein. Doesn’t he live in nearby Cazenovia??? —– Original Message
From: “Doug and Sarah Hough”
Thanks for responding. I didn’t realize I was supposed to report to this group. Will try to do better in the future.
Sarah
Your answer as to what a Florida quilt is was great. I don’t have a clue, but will keep plugging.
From: “Doug and Sarah Hough”
Guess I am the guilty party regarding the Florida project but didn’t realize so many people were waiting for a reply.
I am Sarah Hough, so-called facilitator for the Florida project. I am still in the process of trying to get a project going. I have made a proposal to the group (it will be in the next newsletter which should come out shortly) that we have a trial run of a documentation project, hopefully in January, before we “go public”. I still have lots of questions to be answered but will try to do better in keeping this group informed.
Some of my questions have to do with Seminole patchwork and quilts of the many minorities in Florida. In re-reading the book that was published after the first documentation project, these quilts were not covered – pun not intended.
Would appreciate any help you can offer
Thanks
Sarah Hough dougandsarah1@
From: Beth Davis
Hi Molly, The Genesee Country Museum Program Director actually suggested Jonathan Holstein as a possible speaker, but I cannot find out how to contact him. Does anyone have his e-mail address or contact information?
Beth
Thanks for your kind words on this digest, Pat Cummings, about our work to help the homeless and also this current Sanitary Commission Quilt project. I, too, urge more of you to come forward and help with this project in your own states. Don Beld has informed me that there are still several states where no one has come forward to lead an effort to make quilts for the families of our departed soldiers. Don is amazing, by the way. He is organized, clear in his goals and a tremendous person to take this on! I must say that I kind of “gulped” when I took this on. I’m a pretty busy person, as we all are. But, I put my own projects aside, temporarily, to do this. I am unable to comprehend the feelings of loss that families who have lost a soldier in this horrible war might be feeling. I think having a quilt with so many signatures from all over our country will be a true comfort. We can’t replace their loved ones, but we can show them we care and give them something special, something only a quilter can give. They will know that we, as citizens, appreciate their sacrifices and what they are going through. By the way, when I first volunteered to do this, there were only three soldiers from my state who died, now we are up to six. But, as we are now getting “caught up” on making these, should there be (and I certainly hope not) another soldier from NH that dies, it won’t be such a huge undertaking to get one quilt at a time done. If you are fearful that it’s just too much for you, you might want to take on a volunteer gathering role and try to inform people about this project in your state, I’d suggest posting notices at quilt shops and asking local guild presidents to inform their members. It’s a grassroots effort and I know the quilting community CAN get these quilts done. Should you consider volunteering, there is no deadline as to when you “have” to get these quilts made. I have chosen not to inform the families that the quilts are being done for them until they are completed, then I feel no pressure. That’s important to me, as I have a family and I can work at my own pace. As you saw from the photos, there were several volunteers who came forward. I didn’t identify them, by name, as you all wouldn’t probably know them. A few are local people who help me in my volunteer effort to make quilts for the homeless came forward. One woman, by the way, is not a quilter, she is just a caring woman and I put her to work pressing and cutting border strips! One person is an antique sewing machine collector and the remaining wonderful ladies came from my quilt guild, Hannah Dustin. None, other than Pat, are on this list. However, I’d be glad to list their names if any of you want to know. Now, I must ask all of you experts a few questions. If this project took place 100 years ago and you, as a quilt historian, found documentation of this project, what might you want to know as far as documentation? I am going to create a scrapbook (and I am not a scrapbooking person, but feel I should document this project for history’s sake). There will be some obvious information included in this book such as the names of the soldiers, date of death and birth. The names of the families who recieved the quilts as well as a photo of each completed quilt and the names of those who participated in the project. But, what other information would you all want to see there? I was thinking of donating this scrapbook when this war is over (soon, I hope) and our people come home to the New England Quilt museum. I think it’s an important enough project that documentation will be something that will be kept and treasured at some time in the future. Is the quilt muesum the best place for this to go, or would you all recomment another place? Linda Heminway Plaistow NH
From: Pat Kyser <patkyser@>
Years ago I saw a wonderful political quilt made by someone in Georgia. It was called, “Jimmy Who?” It was the familiar peanut character in top hat with cocked legs and a cane, but with an unmistakable likeness of Jimmy Carter for its face. I first saw it a few months after Carter was elected President and thought it delightful. I am sure it was published, but I have no idea who made it or where it is now. Certainly it would be a wonderful addition to any political quilt exhibition. Pat in Alabama
From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
Cinda,
Please bring your Bush Redwork quilt to study group on Tuesday.
Please, please!
Judy, aka the Ringoes Kid judygrow@
—– Original Message —– From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawleycomc
From: “Molly”
Hi Beth,
I understand that Jonathan will be a guest speaker at the Erie Canal Museum in March. Try contacting them..eriecanalmusuem.org Molly
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2004 11:13:06 -0500 | From: “Nancy Roberts” <aquilter@>
The link as published in the 11/11 QHL Digest (http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?showSlidetrue&Ucb1dqjnvj.alsfnut7&U y-c6g8ts&Ux0) shows an “Album Not Found” message. Is more info needed to find the photos? Thanks. Nancy Roberts
From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>
Candace — The Tajima website states that chenille or chenille cloth was first made in 1866 by machine and provides some background on the subject. You can pass on this site to your friend who was looking for information.
http://www.tajima-west.com/tajimaChenille.htm
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2004 11:25:18 -0500 | From: “Nancy Roberts” <aquilter@>
Okay, I got the link for Home of the Brave Quilt Project to work after all. Apparently I was missing part of the address the first time. What a productive group! Thanks for sharing these photos. Nancy Roberts
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2004 11:40:33 -0500 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
The Mr. Peanut quilt “Jimmy Who” was part of Julie Powell’s wonderful exhibit “The Fabric of Persuasion: Two Hundred Years of Political Quilts.” It’s on p. 35 of the catalogue which includes the following information: Jill Jayne-Read, a Georgia volunteer, traveled to New Hampshire as a member of Jimmy Carter;s Peanut Brigade to work in the 1976 primary. She started to make the quilt during the campaign and titled it “Jimmy Who” because that was the question most frequently asked of the primary campaign workers. A smiling peanut figure in the center is bordered with embroidered Carter patches made for the brigade volunteers working in NH. Jayne-Read collected enough patches from fellow volunteers to complete her border.” Cinda on the Eastern Shore who will certainly bring her “Dubya” quilt to study group in NJ
From: Pam
Xenia wrote:
I think it may be necessary to make a distinction between political quilts and patriotic quilts; is the focus of this research just quilts featuring political candidates, or does it include those quilts with patriotic themes and colors that refer to events that may be of political origin?
Pam writes:
That is just one of the questions I am trying to answer for myself in my decision on how to focus this project:
Political as in:
Protest? Campaign oriented? Presidential commemoration? Quilts to campaign for one’s cause?
Others?
As always, many thanks to Xenia and others for your invaluable insight.
Pam in NH where the snow storm is my fault—I planted the last tulip bulbs yesterday, so today it snows!?!
From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
The subject line refers to the Delaware slogan. Actually it’s an improvement over the previous “Home of Tax Free Shopping.” I guess if you are the second smallest state in the Union it’s hard to find something to crow about, not being unique even in being really tiny (for you Texans who laughed at Connecticut, Delaware has three counties!). Right now a really good thing is happening in Dover, DE at the State Museums Visitor Center, an exhibit called “Stitches of Art and Comfort: Delaware Quilts, 1740-2002.” About 60 quilts (also 5 quilted petticoats from 1780- to 1880) from the collections of Delaware’s state museums are exhibited along with many sewing-related items. Anytime you get a chance to see so many quilts from a small area you know you’re going to learn something. My generalizations are: women in 19th century DE made lots of quilts without borders (that I think is unusual) and they liked to set their quilts on point (a New Jersey influence, perhaps). A surprising number of the mid-19th century quilts were signed. I hate to complain, but all the quilts (except for one on a bed and a couple of doll quilts) are folded. However each label includes an overall picture of the quilt. Sadly there is no catalogue available, but I think that everybody who goes should ask them to do a digital image quickie like the DAR is doing for their current exhibit. The perfect should not be the enemy of the good (if you can’t get a grant for a professional catalogue go to Kinkos). It’s easy to get to Dover from Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia areas. You could visit the John Dickinson Plantation at the same time. The address is 406 Federal Street; phone (302) 739-4266; hours 8:30 to 4:30 Mon.-Fri., 9-5 Sat., 1:30-4:30 Sun. Cinda on the Eastern Shore
From: “Marcia Kaylakie” <marciark@>
Hi All, \May I ask for your help in finding the address/telephone/web address of the Trenton Historical Musuem or is it the NJ State Historical Museum? You know, the one you all talked about with the wonderful exhibit recently? Thanks, Marcia Marcia Kaylakie, AQS Certified Appraiser Austin, TX 20 www.texasquiltappraiser.com ——_NextPart_000_0007_01C4C8D2.41E74760–
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2004 15:20:25 -0800 (PST) | From: catz@
Hi: I am a new member of this list and find all of the information so informative ! My passion for many years has been antique textiles – especially quilts. I am grateful to Bobbie Aug for suggesting this site as a valuable place for information ! I have tried to access the archive listings and my password does not work .. is there something special that one needs to do to get into the archives ? Or perhaps that is not open to list member ? Thanks you very much ! Marie Johansen
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2004 11:32:30 -0500 | From: “Carol Garnaat” <cgar88@>
Hello, Does anyone know if there is such a project going for the state of Michigan?
BTW, Linda did a great job of updating her group and I am so impressed with the final product! Carol in Mid-Mich
From: “Marilyn Maddalena Withrow”
I’m working with Don Beld in California to make these reproduction quilts for the soldiers’ families, as Linda is working with him in New Hampshire 2E20 Several local quilters have taken on the challenge to make a quilt, but a s the days go by, sadly more and more names are added to the list of quilts needed for families. If anyone would like to help by making a quilt or s ome blocks, please let me know and I’ll add you to my Northern California lis t.20 Information on the project is on my website — www.marilynquilts.com — a nd I’m putting out the call for quilters to pitch in and do what you can to support not only our troops, but their families. Please contact me if yo u can help in any way. Linda, your photos were wonderful!! I hope to be a ble to put together a day or two of quilters getting together to make these quilts, but I’m realistic enough to know it’s not going to happen until after the holidays. If we can just do what we can in the next few weeks, even if it’s to make a block or cut some fabrics — you know, between wrapping packages, baking, shopping, and of course finishing those quilty gifts — then we’ll go at it full force after the first of the year. I’ m in Sacramento — (home of Governor Arnold!) — but everyone is welcome t o help with this national project. I hope to hear from you. Marilyn Maddalena Withrow Professional Quilt Appraiser, Judge, Designer, Textile Historian and Speaker www.marilynquilts.com ————–Boundary-00_XTV3LVC0000000000
Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2004 19:05:18 -0600 | From: “Kathy Moore” <kathymooreneb.@>
Since no one else has responded, I will jump into the breach on the post given below: yes this is old information. I think it is in reference to an exhibition curated by Julie Powell in the Fall of 2000 on political quilts. The exhibition was at the Brandywine River Museum and catalogs of this exhibition are still available. You should contact the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, PA for a copy. You’ll have to Google the musuem, I don’t have contact information.
I recommend it if you are interested in political themed textiles.
Kathy Moore Lincoln, NE
Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2004 19:47:18 -0600 | From: “Kathy Moore” <kathymooreneb.@>
A heads up to all you quilting book bibliophiles: Jonathan Holstein’s Abstract Design in American Quilts with a forward by Shelly Zegart is now available at a bargain basement price of $6.99 plus shipping. The University of Nebraska Press has a couple of pallets left and they plan to destroy any copies left after February.
This will be your last chance to get this book at such an affordable price. The toll free number for University of Nebraska Press is 1-800-755-1105.
Kathy Moore Lincoln, NE
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 01:14:14 EST | From: Jccullencrew@
Dear Linda, Congratulations for getting something going with the Sanitary Quilts. I’m in NJ and hope to do the same in 2005. I, like most everyone else, can barely keep up with day to day activities, but in Jan/Feb etc. I’m sure there will be free time and cold, windy, snow/sleet/rainy days to keep me home. Had our first snow last night–kinda early actually. I’m hoping this is not an indication of what’s to come. We have three young men in my area whose families are in need of the quilts…so very sad, but the young men all seemed to feel they were doing what was right and justified. Their patriotism made their families proud despite the outcome for themselves. I wish you success in finding others to help you. I’m going to put an article in the paper and at the churches to see if I can get help too. I’ve never assembled a quilt so will need help myself. Maybe you can get help this way too. I hope you let us know how things are going for you. Kind regards. Carol Grace
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 07:57:22 -0800 | From: “Christine Thresh” <christine@>
I just ran across a site that had some remarks by Laura Bush. Check paragraphs 6 and 7. She needs better information about quilts.
http://www.preserveamerica.gov/firstladyremarks-mobile.html
Christine Thresh
* * * * * * * *
Dear Christine:
Thanks for the link to the summary of Laura Bush’s remarks in her Mobile, Alabama speech recently. This is a dark day for quilt historians. Now, it seems, those involved with politics are going to pick on pieces of Americana, namely quilts, to win over minority audiences.
The Truth may be dull and boring, but feel good messages appease the constituency. I am extremely disappointed that any public figure who is as much admired and respected as this woman, would not inform herself before sharing information about a subject of which she is so dismally unaware.
I further realize that quilt historians have been brewing “a tempest in a teapot”. Apparently, their studies and conclusions often go no further than amongst themselves, or to those students and teachers of History who truly care to seek the truth.
What Mrs. Bush imparted in her speech is not verifiable quilt history. Evidently, this news has not reached the White House…yet. But then again, the people who live there have been more concerned lately with continuing that status (of living at the White House).
Okay, so who is going to take this on?????
I really wish that Laura Bush would visit my website and that of others on this list who have placed information about the lack of evidence regarding a connection between slave made quilts and blocks and their purported use on the Underground Railroad.
Instead of helping to celebrate Black History, misinformation is, in my opinion, an extreme disservice to the Black Community who deserves to learn and know about their very rich cultural history, not be handed a bunch of hooey.
A high school student wrote to me last night. She is doing a paper and had read my writings. She could not tell, for sure, which way I felt about the situation, so she asked outright if I think that the UGRR/quilts issue is a myth or a hoax. Sadly, I had to tell her that I personally believe that it is what I refer to as the latest American myth. I went on to add that a lot of other information about the heroism and work of abolitionists and the courage of escaping slaves. There is so much to applaud about black history. I could cry when I think of the suffering of this race of people, and I could scream and rant about the false re-writing of their history.
Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 09:02:33 -0800 (PST) | From: Dana at Material Pleasures <danabalsamo@>
First Lady Laura Bush USA.first.ladywhitehouse.gov
First Lady Laura Bush:first.ladywhitehouse.net I don’t feel I have the knowledge or credentials to fight this fight, but those of you who do, this is a start.
My best, Dana
Patricia L Cummings <quiltersmuse@> wrote: I just ran across a site that had some remarks by Laura Bush. Check paragraphs 6 and 7. She needs better information about quilts.
http://www.preserveamerica.gov/firstladyremarks-mobile.html
Christine Thresh
* * * * * * * *
Dear Christine:
Thanks for the link to the summary of Laura Bush’s remarks in her Mobile, Alabama speech recently. This is a dark day for quilt historians. Now, it seems, those involved with politics are going to pick on pieces of Americana, namely quilts, to win over minority audiences.
The Truth may be dull and boring, but feel good messages appease the constituency. I am extremely disappointed that any public figure who is as much admired and respected as this woman, would not inform herself before sharing information about a subject of which she is so dismally unaware.
I further realize that quilt historians have been brewing “a tempest in a teapot”. Apparently, their studies and conclusions often go no further than amongst themselves, or to those students and teachers of History who truly care to seek the truth.
What Mrs. Bush imparted in her speech is not verifiable quilt history. Evidently, this news has not reached the White House…yet. But then again, the people who live there have been more concerned lately with continuing that status (of living at the White House).
Okay, so who is going to take this on?????
I really wish that Laura Bush would visit my website and that of others on this list who have placed information about the lack of evidence regarding a connection between slave made quilts and blocks and their purported use on the Underground Railroad.
Instead of helping to celebrate Black History, misinformation is, in my opinion, an extreme disservice to the Black Community who deserves to learn and know about their very rich cultural history, not be handed a bunch of hooey.
A high school student wrote to me last night. She is doing a paper and had read my writings. She could not tell, for sure, which way I felt about the situation, so she asked outright if I think that the UGRR/quilts issue is a myth or a hoax. Sadly, I had to tell her that I personally believe that it is what I refer to as the latest American myth. I went on to add that a lot of other information about the heroism and work of abolitionists and the courage of escaping slaves. There is so much to applaud about black history. I could cry when I think of the suffering of this race of people, and I could scream and rant about the false re-writing of their history.
Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com
Material Pleasures Affordable Vintage Linens, Lace, Textiles, Buttons & More! www.material-pleasures.com
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 12:28:11 EST | From: Jccullencrew@
In a message dated 11/14/2004 12:03:50 PM Eastern Standard Time, danabalsamo@ writes: http://www.preserveamerica.gov/firstladyremarks-mobile.html Hi, Can you tell me how you got to read her words in the paragraphs mentioned? When I pull up this site, the type is so miniscule I can’t read it even with my reading glasses. I’d like to see what she said before I comment. Thanks. Carol Grace
