I don't know what year this was made, but it was probably begun in the early 1900s. As with many antique and vintage quilts, this one spent time in a chest, in hiding. Until our current home I had no wall large enough to display it. When I unearthed it from the drawer today, my first thought was bland. My second was dull. And my third was the beauty and intricacy of the hand-work of each square. To think those squares have been hidden away for years; invisible to the world. That is both sad for me and sad others have never see this amazing handwork!
In the the early years of our country women's needlework, including quilt making, were generally viewed as "pastimes" or "busywork"; generally nothing more than an amusement. I suspect this beautiful artifact was not then viewed as art, but a mere necessity for the family home or the way to keep womenfolk busy.
As I inspected it after so many years; I confirmed its fragility, not strong enough to be used on beds or hung on a wall. Even a museum would likely place it in a 'collection', likely in careful storage and only brought out for an exhibit. I didn't want that, so years ago I put it safely in the dark to keep for the love of family history. But today I decided it had to be seen and shared; I wanted more for all my great-grandmother's handiwork than darkness!
I use my 100+ year old silver every day. This should be no different, don't you think? I went to my neighbor and master quilter, Marianne, and we brainstormed options. At this point I am only in the photograph stage.
Alaska - Jan. 3, 1959
Hawaii - Aug. 21, 1959
I am still researching and will tell 'the rest of the story' once I have investigated and come to a 'probable' conclusion. In the meantime, I am excited to share these beautiful squares.