Domestic Furnishings

Tiffany Floor Lamp

Washboards, armchairs, lamps, and pots and pans may not seem to be museum pieces. But they are invaluable evidence of how most people lived day to day, last week or three centuries ago. The Museum's collections of domestic furnishings comprise more than 40,000 artifacts from American households. Large and small, they include four houses, roughly 800 pieces of furniture, fireplace equipment, spinning wheels, ceramics and glass, family portraits, and much more.

The Arthur and Edna Greenwood Collection contains more than 2,000 objects from New England households from colonial times to mid-1800s. From kitchens of the past, the collections hold some 3,300 artifacts, ranging from refrigerators to spatulas. The lighting devices alone number roughly 3,000 lamps, candleholders, and lanterns.

Topic: Textiles

1900 - 1925 Antoinette C. Comstock's Crazy-patched Cushion

Antoinette Comstock fashioned this cushion using a crazy-patched mat that was once used under vases or lamps. She backed it with red wool fabric, and edged it with a fancy cord of silk, chenille and metal.
Description
Antoinette Comstock fashioned this cushion using a crazy-patched mat that was once used under vases or lamps. She backed it with red wool fabric, and edged it with a fancy cord of silk, chenille and metal. Antoinette wrote: “The patchwork was an unfinished oblong and I made it into a small pillow or cushion. The silk cushions had been mats for valuable old vases [from] my own childhood [I] knew in our N.Y. City house.” A second cushion (TE.T15700) is also in the Collection. The two cushions are an example of refashioning a memento from the late 19th century for a different purpose in the early 20th century.
Antoinette Cole Comstock was born on February 18, 1883 in New York City. Her parents were Emily Cole (1853-1935) and Frederick Harmon Comstock (1853-1939).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900 - 1925
maker
Comstock, Antoinette Cole
ID Number
TE.T15699
accession number
297587
catalog number
T15699

1820 - 1840 Alston Family's Framed Center Quilt

This fine example of a framed center quilt belonged to the Alston family and came from the Fairfield-on-the-Waccamaw plantation near Georgetown County, South Carolina.The center is composed of three block-printed squares.
Description
This fine example of a framed center quilt belonged to the Alston family and came from the Fairfield-on-the-Waccamaw plantation near Georgetown County, South Carolina.
The center is composed of three block-printed squares. These were specifically designed and produced in the first half of the 19th century to be used as quilt centers or for cushion covers. The center of the quilt is framed by five borders cut from printed floral stripe cottons, each with a tiny geometric band. A sixth border is appliquéd with flowers and birds cut from various glazed chintzes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1820-1840
quilter
unknown
ID Number
TE.T11666
accession number
225700
catalog number
T11666

1835 - 1920 Brooke Family's Quilt Top

Mary Pleasants Younghusband Brooke made this pieced and appliquéd quilt top at her home in Brooke Grove, Maryland, about 1835-1840.
Description
Mary Pleasants Younghusband Brooke made this pieced and appliquéd quilt top at her home in Brooke Grove, Maryland, about 1835-1840. In 1910-1920, the donor (Mary Farquhar Green), her mother (Edith Brooke Green), and grandmother (Anna Farquhar Brooke) added the embroidery, lined the top, and hemmed the edges. Although family tradition held that the piecework and appliqué were done in 1797, the roller-printed cottons that were used for the piecework indicate a later date.
Mary Younghusband was born in Virginia and married Roger Brooke V in 1804. It is said that her father, Isaac Younghusband, left her a shilling to buy a piece of rope to hang herself for marrying a Quaker. Mary and Roger had five children. Mary died in 1840.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1835-1920
maker
Brooke, Edith
Farquahar, Anna
Younghusband, Mary Pleasants
ID Number
TE.T12884
accession number
245319
catalog number
T12884

1840 - 1850 Powell's Quilted and Stuffed Counterpane

Martha Powell created this quilted and stuffed counterpane. Stuffed work refers to the technique of adding extra cotton wadding under the designs before quilting, resulting in a three dimensional effect.
Description
Martha Powell created this quilted and stuffed counterpane. Stuffed work refers to the technique of adding extra cotton wadding under the designs before quilting, resulting in a three dimensional effect. The center of this counterpane is a sunburst in a laurel wreath surrounded by a flowering vine. This is in turn is framed by arcs of flowering vines. Around the outside edge are baskets of fruit and sprays of flowers. It has a cotton lining and filling. All the stuffed motifs are outlined in quilting. The background is quilted in a triple diagonal grid, 11 stitches per inch. No separate binding, front brought to back 1/4" and whipped.
Martha Powell was born in DeKalb County, Georgia, on August 6 1831. She married Fielding Travis Powell (1828-1898) in 1849 or 1857. He practiced law, was a surgeon during the Civil War, and was also known for his many writings in various fields. They had two sons, and a daughter (donor of the quilt). Martha died in 1917 and is buried in Atlanta, Georgia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850
1840-1850
1840-1860
maker
Powell, Martha
ID Number
TE.T07721
accession number
136919
catalog number
T07721

1880 - 1890 Adele Paturel's Crazy-patched Parlor Throw

Adele Paturel probably made this example of crazy patchwork not only to show her skills in needlework but also to serve as an album of special occasions.
Description
Adele Paturel probably made this example of crazy patchwork not only to show her skills in needlework but also to serve as an album of special occasions. Among the many patches with motifs of the era (flowers, animals, spiderwebs, etc.) are several printed silk ribbons commemorating California events and organizations, some dated 1887 and 1888.
Adele Paturel was born in Santiago, Chile, in 1865. She was brought to California as an infant and lived there until her death in 1954. She married Emile Soher (1863-1910) in 1895. He was a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and several ribbons included on Adele’s parlor throw are from that organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1890
maker
Soher, Adele Paturel
ID Number
TE.T16996
accession number
310786
catalog number
T16996

1900 - 1905 Pocahontas Virginia Gay's Quilt

Named the “The Pocahontas Quilt” by the family of the maker, Pocahontas Virginia Gay, it is a wool counterpane that displays both her design and needlework skills. The thirty-six 11-inch blocks are appliquéd with motifs cut mainly from wool fabrics.
Description
Named the “The Pocahontas Quilt” by the family of the maker, Pocahontas Virginia Gay, it is a wool counterpane that displays both her design and needlework skills. The thirty-six 11-inch blocks are appliquéd with motifs cut mainly from wool fabrics. These are further embellished with embroidery, silk fabrics, ribbon, and details in pencil or ink.
Pocahontas based her motifs on popular illustrations of sentimental vignettes and Southern heroes, as well as the Victor dog trademark adopted in 1901 by the Victor Talking Machine Company. Proud to be a seventh-generation descendant of Pocahontas and John Rolfe, she included a likeness of the Indian princess as she appears in a 17th-century engraving frequently reproduced in genealogies.
Pocahontas Gay, or “Aunt Poca” as she was known to family, was born in Virginia on September 5, 1831. She was the daughter of Neil Buchanan Gay and his wife Martha Talley. She never married and remained connected to the family home, Mill Farm in Fluvanna County, Va. She died on October 14,1922.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900-1905
maker
Gay, Pocahontas Virginia
ID Number
TE.T11694
accession number
225103
catalog number
T11694

1800 - 1825 Geometric Counterpane

Seven large squares and six large triangular sections, set diagonally, create the focus for this mosaic counterpane from the early 19th century.
Description
Seven large squares and six large triangular sections, set diagonally, create the focus for this mosaic counterpane from the early 19th century. The segments are both pieced and appliqued with a multitude of block-, plate-, and roller-printed cottons as well as a few Indian painted cottons. It is finished by a narrow border attached with piping along each side, creating a frame for the center. The lining is a roller-printed, floral motif cotton; small pieces of the same fabric were also used for the geometric top. The many fabrics used to create the complex design make it an interesting example in the Collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800-1825
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14558
catalog number
T14558
accession number
278173

1900 - 1950 William Skinner and Sons Satin Quilted Square

This padded and quilted blue satin square, produced by William Skinner and Sons, was probably a sales model used at their New York City store. The sample is padded and hand quilted in a 2¾-inch grid pattern.
Description
This padded and quilted blue satin square, produced by William Skinner and Sons, was probably a sales model used at their New York City store. The sample is padded and hand quilted in a 2¾-inch grid pattern. Extra filling in the unquilted borders makes them higher than the quilted surface.
In the early 20th-century, William Skinner and Sons was a prominent silk production and textile manufacturer. From 1874 the manufacturing business was located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. After the death of the founder, William Skinner in 1902, his sons took over the business. The family sold the business to Indian Head Mills in 1961. This square is an example of “Skinner’s Satins,” as they were popularly known.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900-1950
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T07005
accession number
119013
catalog number
T07005

1840 - 1860 Newman Family's "Tulip" Applique Quilt

The uncomplicated quilting and simple tulip motifs rendered in red and green make this a striking example of mid-19th century quilting.
Description
The uncomplicated quilting and simple tulip motifs rendered in red and green make this a striking example of mid-19th century quilting. The quilt is from donor Mary Newman's family, long-time residents of Somerset, Kentucky.
The pieced tulips are appliquéd on 16 ½-inch blocks, which are set diagonally. They alternate with plain white blocks of the same dimensions. The tulips are quilted with close parallel lines, filling the shape and following the outlines. The background is 3/8-inch straight grid quilting.
The “Tulip” quilt came to the Museum in 1936. At the time Edith B. Newman wrote, “I have a very beautiful [quilt] . . . early handmade and very artistic . . . which I inherited from my husband’s family. . . . I am growing old and have no immediate heirs who might appreciate it. . . . [It should] bear the name of my deceased husband’s sister [Mary] as its donor.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T07886
accession number
141830
catalog number
T07886

1880 - 1890 Kaziah Bathurst's Quilt

Kaziah North Bathurst made this cotton quilt as a gift to her stepson, Samuel Harvey Bathurst. The carefully pieced baskets with their appliquéd handles contain scraps from the dresses of Samuel’s mother, Emily Susan Bathurst (1833-1869).
Description
Kaziah North Bathurst made this cotton quilt as a gift to her stepson, Samuel Harvey Bathurst. The carefully pieced baskets with their appliquéd handles contain scraps from the dresses of Samuel’s mother, Emily Susan Bathurst (1833-1869). Samuel was born in Washington County, Iowa, in 1853. He farmed and was a lifelong resident of Adair County, Iowa, until his death in 1937.
Thirty pieced and appliquéd 7 ½-inch blocks in the “Basket” pattern alternate with plain white blocks. These are framed by a 5 ½-inch white border. The quilting patterns include feathered circles and undulating ivy vines, with pairs of birds between the baskets in the outer row. Each bird is in profile with its head turned to the back, revealing an eye embroidered in black cotton thread.
Born in Pennsylvania in 1841, Kaziah (Keziah) North was living in Iowa with her family by 1860. At age 30, Kaziah married Roland Curtin Bathurst, a widower with eight children of which Samuel was the eldest. Kaziah and Roland had three more children. According to family history, Kaziah made a quilt for each of her eight stepchildren using fabrics from their mother’s dresses. She also made quilts for the three youngest children, Roland, Pearl, and Iva Gay, with fabrics from her own dresses. Kaziah’s husband, Roland, died in 1900, and she died in 1922. Both are buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Atchison County, Kansas.
Samuel’s daughter, Effie, donated his quilt to the Museum in memory of her father, and as a tribute to Kaziah who used her quilting expertise to keep memories alive for both her children and stepchildren.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1890
maker
Bathurst, Kaziah North
ID Number
TE.T15107
catalog number
T15107
accession number
288155

1800 - 1825 Elizabeth C. Nunn's "Liberty" Quilted Counterpane

After its adoption in 1782, the Great Seal of the United States became a popular design motif. An adaptation of the eagle design centers the top of this hand-woven cotton quilt that was block-printed in the early 19th century for a Mrs. Farris of Kentucky. Mrs.
Description
After its adoption in 1782, the Great Seal of the United States became a popular design motif. An adaptation of the eagle design centers the top of this hand-woven cotton quilt that was block-printed in the early 19th century for a Mrs. Farris of Kentucky. Mrs. Farris’s daughter, Elizabeth C. Nunn, lined and interlined the top with cotton and stitched the layers together in a diamond quilting pattern.
Blocks for printing such bedcovers were of crudely carved wood, with individual motifs that could be arranged in a variety of designs. The color on this example, probably originally printed with Prussian blue, has faded from washings.
Elizabeth C. born in 1783 in Virginia, married William Nunn (1783-1822) in March 1805. Elizabeth died in Kentucky in 1871.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800-1825
maker
Nunn, Elizabeth C.
ID Number
TE.T15294
catalog number
T15294
accession number
292230

1875 - 1885 James, Kent, Santee & Co. Fabric Sampler Quilt Top

The quilt top is comprised of twenty-five 13-inch printed cotton squares that are samples from the textile firm, James, Kent, Santee & Co., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All of the squares are plain-woven, roller-printed cotton.
Description
The quilt top is comprised of twenty-five 13-inch printed cotton squares that are samples from the textile firm, James, Kent, Santee & Co., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All of the squares are plain-woven, roller-printed cotton. Thirteen squares are different red on pink or pink on red floral designs; twelve are brilliant polychrome prints, mainly paisleys. The squares are hand sewn, but the border is stitched on by machine.
James, Kent, Santee & Co., was a successful textile firm established by William C. Kent and two friends in 1840. A New York Times notice (February 22, 1860) listed the firm among other Philadelphia merchants, as “enemies to the institutions of the South.” They were listed under “THE BLACK LIST, OR ABOLITION HOUSES, OF PHILADELPHIA.” Despite this and a disastrous Philadelphia fire in February 1866 that destroyed their buildings, the firm prospered until it was reorganized under another name in 1882.
The donor’s father, Henry D. Welsh, joined the firm in 1852, became a partner in 1856 and continued in the firm until 1881. William C. Kent and Henry D. Welsh and others, in addition to the textile business, successfully invested their time and energies in the development of railroads. Among many other civic activities, Henry D. Welsh was one of the incorporators of the Centennial Exposition in 1876. Both men, self-made, died successful businessmen. The quilt top represents the product of the textile firm that was instrumental in their careers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875-1885
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T07540
accession number
112548
catalog number
T07540

1840 - 1860 Susan Ladson McPherson's Appliqued Quilt

“It [quilt] was made 125 years ago in Charleston, S.C., by my great-grandmother, Susan Ladson McPherson. It is in perfect condition as it has evidently never been used, only hoarded as an heirloom.
Description
“It [quilt] was made 125 years ago in Charleston, S.C., by my great-grandmother, Susan Ladson McPherson. It is in perfect condition as it has evidently never been used, only hoarded as an heirloom. I have no daughter to leave it to and it is too large and elaborate for everyday use.” So wrote the donor in 1943.
The original quilt had the center floral wreath encircled by rose vines with a few appliqued flowers around the edge. At a later point appliques were removed (evidenced by many needle-holes) and others added to the center (scrolled frames and vases of flowers) as well as roller-printed cotton borders.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
McPherson, Susan Ladson
ID Number
TE.T08886
accession number
165195
catalog number
T08886

1850 -1875 Rachel Burr Corwin's Whole Cloth Tied Comforter

Four lengths of a cotton fabric with a palm-tree-and-pheasant design were used to create the top for this tied whole cloth comforter or counterpane.
Description
Four lengths of a cotton fabric with a palm-tree-and-pheasant design were used to create the top for this tied whole cloth comforter or counterpane. A color palate of blue and white on a dark brown ground was used for the roller-printed copy of an 1815 English block-print design. The lining, four lengths, is also a cotton roller-printed fabric of a striped geometric in brown, red, and white on a tan ground. A very thick layer of cotton was used for the filling. It is tied with white cotton. The Collection has other quilts made by Rachel Corwin.
Rachel Burr, daughter of Samuel Burr and Sibyl Scudder Burr of Massachusetts, was born March 3, 1788. She married Samuel Corwin of Orange County, New York, October 14, 1809. They had four children. Needlework examples by one of their daughters, Celia, are also in the Collection. Rachel Burr Corwin died March 14, 1849, in Orange County, New York.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1875
maker
Corwin, Rachel Burr
ID Number
TE.T07115
accession number
121578
catalog number
T07115

1840 - 1860 Floral Applique Quilt Block

The floral motif with stem and leaves is appliqued of reddish brown, orange and dark green cottons on white cotton. Part of a series of blocks intended for a quilt.Currently not on view
Description
The floral motif with stem and leaves is appliqued of reddish brown, orange and dark green cottons on white cotton. Part of a series of blocks intended for a quilt.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E387833.00E
accession number
188128
catalog number
E387833E

1825 - 1835 Abbie Corey Brackett's Whole Cloth Chintz Quilt

According to information given with the donation in 1945, this quilt originally belonged to Abbie Corey Brackett. Abbie Corey [Corah] married Ichabod Brackett, a hired man on the Corey family farm in Plainfield, Conn., in 1816.
Description
According to information given with the donation in 1945, this quilt originally belonged to Abbie Corey Brackett. Abbie Corey [Corah] married Ichabod Brackett, a hired man on the Corey family farm in Plainfield, Conn., in 1816. “All her father, Squire Joshiah Corey would allow her to take from home, were the two quilts, which she made. He allowed her nothing more. The Coreys were Scotch.” While this may have explained the other “quilt,” a woven coverlet, this particular quilt dates from about 1825-1835.
The quilt top consists of lengths of a single glazed, roller-printed cotton. The “Pillar Print” design is in red and brown, with an olive drab color added by surface roller. The combination of architectural and floral elements was particularly popular from 1825 to 1835 in American household furnishing fabrics. The quilt has a plain-weave white cotton lining and cotton fiber filling. Concentric diamonds and a quilting pattern variously known as “Rob Peter and Pay Paul,” or “Lafayette Orange Peel” or “Dolly Madison’s Workbox,” quilted at six stitches per inch, complete the quilt.
Records indicate that Abigail Corey was born about 1789. She married Ichabod Brackett (about 1790-1862) 3 February 1816. Sadly, after his death, Abigail is listed on the 1870 census as “Nabby Brackett” born about 1787 and living in Dudley, Worcester, Mass., as a pauper. On the 1880 census she is listed as Abigail Brackett and an “inmate” in Dudley. The donor received this quilt and a woven coverlet from a friend of her mother’s, Mrs. Hattie Vinton Wright, who was the great-granddaughter of Abbie Corey Brackett. When the items arrived at the Museum in 1945, they were deemed “excellent examples representing types not duplicated in the collections.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1825-1835
maker
Brackett, Abbie Corey
ID Number
TE.T09126
accession number
169638
catalog number
T09126

1850 - 1875 "Shoo-fly" Pieced Quilt

“Shoo-fly” blocks, composed of roller-printed floral and geometric patterned cottons, provide the design for this quilt. The same large floral print cotton was used for both the bands separating the blocks and the ruffled flounce on three sides.
Description
“Shoo-fly” blocks, composed of roller-printed floral and geometric patterned cottons, provide the design for this quilt. The same large floral print cotton was used for both the bands separating the blocks and the ruffled flounce on three sides. The lining is pieced with three lengths of roller-printed cotton in a bold design, depicting a running mare and foal that appear to be in a field or partial wreath of flowers. The quilting is a diagonal grid pattern, 6 stitches per inch. The quilt was donated by a collector of early American domestic furnishings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1875
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E388878
accession number
182022
catalog number
E388878

1890 - 1910 Alma Starr's Pieced Quilt

Alma Baker Starr crafted this quilt in the “Wild Goose Chase” or “Odd Fellows’ Cross” pattern. The quilt is composed of a vast sampling of late 19th-century and early 20th-century fabrics.
Description
Alma Baker Starr crafted this quilt in the “Wild Goose Chase” or “Odd Fellows’ Cross” pattern. The quilt is composed of a vast sampling of late 19th-century and early 20th-century fabrics. Geometrics, florals, and polka-dots printed on cotton; plaids and florals printed on wool/cotton; florals printed on wool; solid colored wools; and silk and plain white cotton are all represented. The quilt has a white cotton lining and cotton filling. It is quilted to accentuate the pattern, seven stitches per inch.
Alma’s granddaughter, Alma Rosenbaum, donated the quilt in 1969. Her grandmother, Alma (nee Baker) Starr was born July 8, 1856, and died January 21, 1946, in Richfield Springs, New York.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1910
maker
Starr, Alma Baker
ID Number
TE.T14866
catalog number
T14866
accession number
282099

1850 - 1875 Corwin Family's Pieced and Appliqued Quilt

Forty-two 8¾-inch blocks of pieced baskets with appliqued handles are set diagonally with 8¾-inch squares of roller printed cottons. These are framed with three 1½-inch borders.
Description
Forty-two 8¾-inch blocks of pieced baskets with appliqued handles are set diagonally with 8¾-inch squares of roller printed cottons. These are framed with three 1½-inch borders. The squares, one of the borders, and the binding are all the same small floral, roller-printed cotton. A squared spiral pattern (6 stitches per inch) was used for the quilting.
The quilt was in the Corwin family of Middle Hope, New York. Mother, Rachel Burr, and daughter, Celia, both have other needlework examples in the Collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1875
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T06882
accession number
115031
catalog number
T06882

Milanese Bobbin Lace Border Picturing the Goddess Diana

This Milanese style bobbin lace border depicts Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, with her dog. It was probably made in Flanders early in the 18th century. The delicate motifs are executed with bobbin made decorated tapes in fine linen thread.
Description
This Milanese style bobbin lace border depicts Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, with her dog. It was probably made in Flanders early in the 18th century. The delicate motifs are executed with bobbin made decorated tapes in fine linen thread. The connecting mesh is decorated with regularly spaced square tallies.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1650-1700
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E252705
accession number
49730
catalog number
E252705

1796 - 1798 Bethiah Green's Embroidered Counterpane

Under the center basket of this embroidered counterpane is the inscription “Bethiah D. Green” and on the basket at the top is “Begun October 2, 1796.” The date “1798” appears several times in the border.
Description
Under the center basket of this embroidered counterpane is the inscription “Bethiah D. Green” and on the basket at the top is “Begun October 2, 1796.” The date “1798” appears several times in the border. In addition to the many birds and floral motifs, other designs include the head of George Washington; his riderless horse; a milestone inscribed “12 miles to Boston;” and a pig. According to family tradition, this quilt was inspired by an event that Bethiah witnessed in 1789 when George Washington, passing through Weston, Massachusetts, was nearly thrown from his horse when a pig ran across the road.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1796-1805
1796-1798
maker
Green, Bethiah D.
ID Number
TE.E388872
accession number
182022
catalog number
E388872

1898 Lura Watkin's Pieced Quilt

Lura B. Thomas made this quilt for her 10-year-old granddaughter, Lura Woodside, in 1898. It was part of the contents, donated in 1953, of Lura Woodside’s late 19th-century child’s bedroom in Malden, Mass.
Description
Lura B. Thomas made this quilt for her 10-year-old granddaughter, Lura Woodside, in 1898. It was part of the contents, donated in 1953, of Lura Woodside’s late 19th-century child’s bedroom in Malden, Mass. Furnishings, children’s clothing and playthings were among the items donated. Like the quilt, most of the clothes and doll dresses were also made by Lura Thomas, who had been a professional dressmaker.
Lura Thomas pieced this quilt of triangles utilizing many different roller-printed and woven checked, plaid, and striped cotton fabrics. Two 2 1/2-inch triangles are joined into a square, and the squares are joined so that the triangles of the same print form a diagonal row. In the center of the quilt “Lura 98” is embroidered in yellow. The quilt has a cotton lining and filling. It is quilted in a chevron pattern at 7 stitches per inch.
The donor, Lura Woodside, was born in East Boston in 1887, and grew up in Malden, Mass. She married Charles Watkins in 1910. An antiques collector and authority on New England ceramics and glass, she published several books and scholarly articles. She was a founder of the Middleton (Massachusetts) Historical Society, and the Lura Woodside Watkins Historical Museum was named in her honor. She died in 1982. Her quilt, made by her grandmother, represents her lifelong interest in history and the sharing of that interest through her many museum donations.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1898
maker
Thomas, Lura B.
ID Number
TE.E393391
accession number
197232
catalog number
E393391

1844 Susan and Henry Underwood's Album Quilt Top

This album style quilt top belonged to Susan and Henry Underwood of Baltimore, Maryland. The quilt top is composed of twenty-five 17½-inch blocks. Seventeen are signed or initialed by Underwood family members and friends associated with the Methodist Church.
Description
This album style quilt top belonged to Susan and Henry Underwood of Baltimore, Maryland. The quilt top is composed of twenty-five 17½-inch blocks. Seventeen are signed or initialed by Underwood family members and friends associated with the Methodist Church. Susan and Henry were married in the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore on August 5, 1830.
Album quilts, so popular in the mid-19th century, were frequently made by groups of women for presentation to a friend or relative upon a special occasion or as a token to honor a highly regarded member of the community. The blocks on this quilt top include traditional pieced and appliqued patterns, and original designs. One block is dated and inscribed: “I love to see the falling leaf/ To watch the waning moon/ I love to cherish the belief/ That all will change so soon/ Henry Johnson/Baltimore March 9th/ 1844."
The blocks or assembled quilt top were given to Susan and Henry, with Susan expected to finish the quilt. The top, never lined or quilted, was passed down through the family to the donor, Susan Underwood's great-granddaughter.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1844
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T15321
catalog number
T15321
accession number
293236

Flax Spinning Wheel; "J, Faunce"

Flax spinning wheel. "J Faunce" and "1625" are stamped on wheel, but it is believed that the wheel dates from the 18th century. The significance of the number and identity of J, Faunce are unknown.Currently not on view
Description
Flax spinning wheel. "J Faunce" and "1625" are stamped on wheel, but it is believed that the wheel dates from the 18th century. The significance of the number and identity of J, Faunce are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th century, even though "1625" is stamped on the wheel
believed to be 18th century, even though "1625" is stamped on the wheel
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T15127.000
catalog number
T15127.000
accession number
288743

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