1860 - 1865 Matilda Whisler's "Whig Rose" Appliqued Quilt
1860 - 1865 Matilda Whisler's "Whig Rose" Appliqued Quilt
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- Description
- Matilda Whisler appliquéd this variation of the “Whig Rose” pattern in the mid-19th century. She accentuated the pattern with outline quilting on all of the appliquéd motifs. Quilted feathered plumes (“Princess Feather”), diagonal lines ¼-inch apart, and clamshells on the outer edges further enhance the design. Finely quilted at 7-10 stitches per inch, hers is a typical example of the red and green quilts popular in that period.
- Matilda Kramer was born in Frederick County, Va., on 18 March 1817. She married Henry Whisler, a native of Rockingham County, Va., in 1818. According to census information, they lived in Rockingham County and had three daughters and a son. Henry was a shoemaker. His son, Cambias (1846-1909) followed his father in the shoemaking trade. Henry died in 1885, and Matilda on 15 September 1898. Both are buried in Trissell’s Mennonite Church Cemetery in Rockingham County.
- In 1942, the donor, one of Matilda’s daughters, wrote: “In 1861 my mother made a very beautiful quilt which is still in excellent condition.... I shall be glad to donate it.” Matilda’s carefully crafted quilt in the “Whig Rose” pattern was considered a “desirable specimen” by the Museum.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- quilt
- date made
- 1860-1865
- maker
- Whisler, Matilda Kramer
- Physical Description
- fabric, cotton (overall material)
- thread, cotton (overall material)
- filling, cotton (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 82 in x 83 in; 209 cm x 210 cm
- ID Number
- TE.T08613
- accession number
- 162596
- catalog number
- T08613
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Myrtle Mallette
- subject
- Quilting
- Mennonite
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Textiles
- Domestic Furnishings
- Quilts
- Textiles
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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