Energy & Power

• 

  knife, folding

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1876 - 1886

  ID Number

  DL.59.1116KK

  catalog number

  59.1116KK

  accession number

  111627

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  badge

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1887

  ID Number

  ZZ.RSN82653W50

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  ribbon

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1889 10 15 - 1889 10 16

  associated institution

  Grand Army of the Republic

  ID Number

  ZZ.RSN82658W02

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  ribbon

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1887 09 27 - 1887 09 29

  associated institution

  Grand Army of the Republic

  ID Number

  ZZ.RSN82658W04

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  insignia

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1870 - 1880

  ID Number

  ZZ.RSN82745W16

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Envelope addressed to William Tecumseh Sherman

  Description

  Framed part of envelope addressed to General William Tecumseh Sherman in French. Written in ink on the paper envelope is " A Monsieur Le General Sherman Commandant en Chef, des armees de l'Ohio, du Tennessee, et de l'Arkansas, a la Nouvelle Orleans par New-York (affaires de tanulle)". The envelope bears a postmark from Paris, April 8, 1864. The envelope was collected as a historical relic by its donor, E. A. Steiner.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1864

  used date

  1864-04-08

  addressee

  Sherman, William Tecumseh

  ID Number

  AF.301872

  catalog number

  301872

  accession number

  62012

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  pendants, batch of

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1888 05 14

  ID Number

  ZZ.RSN82752T20

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  1875 - 1885 Harriet Fry Hockaday's "Tumbling Blocks" Silk Quilt

  Description

  Harriet Hockaday, who exhibited and won prizes for her quilts at various fairs, crafted this unique silk quilt. She combined the precise “Tumbling Blocks” pattern with elaborate embroidery to create the top quilt. A second quilt provides the backing. Each one is quilted in a different pattern, 16 stitches per inch. The quilting pattern in one corner of the second quilt incorporates a few Odd Fellows’ symbols. The quilt is finished with a twisted cord along the edges and large tassels at each corner.

  Harriet Fry was born May 4, 1831, in Clay County, Missouri. Her mother and father, Susan and Solomon Fry, were prominent longtime settlers in Missouri. In 1850 Harriet married George D. Hockaday (1818-1899) in Clinton Co., Missouri.

  They lived in Lathrop, Missouri, and had four children. After the death of her husband in 1899, Harriet moved to Tacoma, Washington, and lived with her son, Eugene. She died in 1902.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1875-1885

  associated organization

  Independent Order of Odd Fellows

  maker

  Hockaday, Harriet Fry

  ID Number

  1989.0731.01

  accession number

  1989.0731

  catalog number

  1989.0731.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  1860 - 1880 "Whig's Defeat" Quilt Top

  Description

  This example of the “Whig’s Defeat” pattern was made in the mid-nineteenth century, probably in Arkansas. The quilter pieced and appliquéd six 25¾-inch blocks, using red and white cottons to make the quilt top. The blocks were set with 3-inch red and white pieced sashing and a 4¼-inch border.

  The pattern, “Whig’s Defeat,” has been linked to the victory of Democrat James Polk, over Whig candidate Henry Clay in the 1844 presidential election. Whether the quilter chose the pattern as a political statement or merely for its design is unknown.

  The quilt top was part of a donation to the Smithsonian by G. Ruth McHenry in 1961. It may have been in the family of Jane Winter Price, who made a “Carpenter’s Wheel” quilt that is also in the Collection.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1860-1880

  maker

  unknown

  ID Number

  TE.E387831

  accession number

  188128

  catalog number

  E387831

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  1870 - 1880 "Brick Wall" Pieced Quilt

  Description

  This quilt, pieced in the “Brick Wall” pattern, is composed of 2¼” x 3” rectangles. The rectangles were pieced in strips and artfully joined so that light and dark colors form diagonal stripes creating a dramatic overall effect. A roller-printed cotton depicting a pastoral scene, was used for the lining. This particular fabric, probably English, includes a man fishing, a woman carrying a hayrake, and an amorous couple in front of a cottage.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1870-1880

  maker

  unknown

  ID Number

  TE.T04221

  accession number

  65628

  catalog number

  T04221

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  1883 Fidelia Dickinson's Parlor Throw

  Description

  In 1883,Fidelia Dickinson created this parlor throw, a veritable textile sampler of silk fabrics from 1783 to 1883. She made it as a wedding present for her daughter Anna, who married Isaac Newton Knapp on December 5,1883. Not only did Fidelia collect all the fabrics, but she made a key to the origins of each.

  In 1931 her grandson, Arthur, wrote: “I have recently inherited a patchwork quilt made in 1883. I believe that it is an exceptional example of the quilt work of the time. It is in a perfect state of preservation and the exact history has been preserved of some forty pieces in it. The oldest piece is dated 1783. . . . I would be pleased to give this quilt to the National Museum for preservation, if you are interested.”

  Twenty-eight 8 ½-inch crazy-patched blocks are set off by a 5 ½-inch red velvet strip at the top and bottom. Four corner blocks are pieced in fan patterns, a motif often found on throws of the period. In addition there are embroidered motifs of a butterfly, spider web, and flowers. One badge or ribbon was worn by John Northend, Fidelia's son-in-law, on Connecticut’s “Battle Flag Day” in 1879. “Lovers Delight” is stamped on another patch.The throw is lined with a machine-quilted dark red silk and tied every 4 ½ inches with small silk ribbon bows.

  The distinguishing feature of this parlor throw is an embroidered number found on various patches. These numbers correspond to a detailed explanation of their source that was included with the donation. Thirty-six of the forty numbered pieces are from items worn on the occasion of their own weddings by relatives and friends of the bride or groom. Some examples are: “Wedding dress of Fidelia S. Hall (who made this quilt). Married Abner Wolcott Dickinson. February 28, 1844.” “Wedding vest of Abner Wolcott Dickinson.” “Wedding dress of Mary Elizabeth Dickinson. Married John Northend, May 6 [22], 1877. A sister.”

  The oldest piece was from a “Wedding dress of Eunice Hills. Married Timothy Hall, M.D. April 3 1783 in East Hartford, Connecticut.” There was even a piece of Anna’s gown described as “Wedding dress of Anna Dickinson. Married Isaac Newton Knapp. December 5, 1883. Afterwards part of the wedding trousseau of Bessie Knapp Pierce [their daughter] in 1909.” Items from parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, cousins, and friends are included. The wedding present that Fidelia crafted for her daughter is a textile version of a family tree.

  Fidelia S. Hall was born July 12, 1824, in East Glastonbury, Hartford, Conn. She was the daughter of Betsy Wells (1802-) and Austin Hall (1798-1851). Fidelia married Abner Wolcott Dickinson (1820-1903) on February 28, 1844. They lived in Connecticut and raised nine children. Daughter Sarah Anna (referred to as Anna), was born February 18, 1854. Anna taught school before her marriage to Isaac Newton Dickinson (1851-1930) in 1883. They had five children and lived in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Fidelia died March 20, 1909, and is buried in the Wassuc Cemetery, New Britain, Hartford, Conn. Anna died August 15, 1931, in Paris, France, and is buried in Washington, D.C.

  Fidelia fashioned her wedding present to her daughter not only as a lovely item for Anna's home, but also as a very personal textile document connecting Anna to her family and friends.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1883

  maker

  Dickinson, Fidelia S. Hall

  ID Number

  TE.T06963

  accession number

  116760

  catalog number

  T06963

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  1888 Stevens Family Silk Crazy Quilt

  Description

  In 1945, when Gertrude O. S. (Cleveland) White donated this parlor throw, she wrote: “The silk crazy quilt [parlor throw] was made here at Intervale Manor [Quinebaug, Conn. / Dudley, Mass.] just previous to the year 1888. My initials and the year are on one corner of the lining. My mother, my sister and myself made it.” Eben Stevens, the donor’s father, was a founder of Intervale Textile Mills in Quinebaug.

  Intervale Manor was a large private home in the late 19th century when the two sisters and their mother made this parlor throw. In the 1940s Intervale Manor became a tearoom, operated by a family member and known for its hospitality, exceptionally fine food, spacious grounds, and comfortable accommodations. Presently, what remains of the Intervale Manor estate has been converted to small apartments.

  Twelve 14 ½-inch heavily embroidered blocks are framed by a 7 ½-inch border. Set off by a gold silk cord and dark red velvet sashing, each of the crazy-patched blocks is given focus and order. Among the embroidered motifs are birds, dragonflies, cats, a ladder, a shooting star, anchors, butterflies, flowers, and geometric motifs. Various initials are embroidered, including “G.O.S. 1888” on the lining and “C.S.” for the two sisters, Gertrude and Celia. An embroidered “A Merry Xmas” may have indicated the deadline for finishing the parlor throw. The crazy patch blocks are embellished with cross, feather, buttonhole, chain, herringbone, outline, running, satin, and couching stitches. The lining is tan glazed cotton.

  Gertrude Olney was born May 1850 and married Eben S. Stevens in 1873. They lived in Dudley, Worchester County, Mass. One daughter, also Gertrude, was born in November 1873. She married Clarence Cleveland in 1894. Another daughter, Celia, who also worked on the parlor throw was born in 1874. In 1887 and 1888 the two teenagers and their mother created a neat and orderly version of the crazy-patchwork that was quite popular at the time.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1888

  maker

  Stevens, Gertrude Olney

  Stevens, Celia

  ID Number

  TE.T09127

  accession number

  169638

  catalog number

  T09127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  1886 J.A.L.'s Crazy-patch Parlor Throw

  Description

  “Pleasant dreams to you my friends J.A.L.” is embroidered on a diamond prominently placed near the center of this throw. Sentiments such as this suggest that these throws are often called slumber throws as well as parlor throws. In general, throws were made to display fancy needlework skills and serve as ornament rather than as bedding.

  This piece includes a Women's Christian Temperance Union ribbon in one block.

  Often they were made in the crazy-patch style that became fashionable in the last part of the 19th century. This throw utilizes crazy-patched and embroidered plain silk diamonds for the “Tumbling Blocks” pattern, creating an intriguing optical illusion.

  The center, pieced in the “Tumbling Blocks” or “Cubework” pattern, is framed by a 5 ½-inch crazy-patch border edged on each side by a 1 ¾-inch blue satin band. The lining is pink silk with a 1 ¼-inch blue silk band decorated with feather and herringbone stitches around all four edges. Silk, tinsel and chenille embroidery threads were used for the buttonhole, feather, French knot, herringbone double cross, running, stem, detached chain, and satin stitches that embellish this throw.

  An embroidered patch in the border contains a name, “C. D. Whittier,” and date, “1886.” Another has American flag motifs with the dates “1776-1886.” A moose head and an elephant with “Jumbo” embroidered on it are prominent among the flowers, hearts, horseshoes, birds, fans, web, broom and other motifs typically found on patchwork of the period. “Kate Greenaway” figures are embroidered on several patches. Kate Greenaway (1846-1901) was a popular writer and illustrator of children’s books. Her distinctive style for drawing children was widely copied and appears on various decorative arts of the time.

  Several painted diamond patches are signed “Agnes R. Hodgson” or “ARH 86.” One patch with that signature has a palette and brushes. Could she have been an artist who provided patches for crazy-patch work? A friend who had her own particular technique? Or was she the maker of the throw?

  The only Agnes R. Hodgson that was found appears on the 1860-1880 censuses. Agnes was born in Oregon City, Oregon, in 1859 to Francis D. and Mary Hodgson. In 1870 they were living in Seneca Falls, N. Y. By 1880 she was living in Milo, Yates County, N. Y., with her parents and five younger siblings. Agnes died in April 1888 at Horseheads, N. Y., of spinal disease (probably meningitis). She is buried in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester, N.Y. No information on the maker or origins of this throw was provided at the time of donation to the Collection in 1961.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1886

  maker

  unknown

  ID Number

  TE.T12726

  accession number

  239740

  catalog number

  T12726

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  1870 - 1886 Margaret Tormey's Crazy-patched Quilt Top

  Description

  It took Margaret Tormey sixteen years to carefully craft this 86-inch quilt top, dated 1886, and two matching pillow shams. She included campaign and club ribbons that name New York and Brooklyn; printed silks from the Robinson Company with such motifs as the Statue of Liberty; and brocaded silk pictures to personalize her project. Examples of chromolithograph printing on silk are also found on the quilt top. A multitude of embroidered motifs typical of the era embellish the crazy-patchwork.

  Margaret McNamara was born in Ireland (about 1835) and immigrated with her family to the United States about 1848. In 1861 she married Patrick Tormey, who was also born in Ireland (about 1835) and immigrated as a teenager. They lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. Patrick, a Civil War veteran, was keeper of the Brooklyn City Hall for many years. He died in 1900. Margaret died in 1910.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1870-1886

  maker

  Tormey, Margaret McNamara

  ID Number

  TE.T12927

  accession number

  247329

  catalog number

  T12927

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  1880 - 1886 Margaret Tormey's Crazy-patched Pillow Sham

  Description

  This pillow sham is one of two that Margaret Tormey carefully crafted to match an 86-inch quilt top, dated 1886. Crazy patchwork frames a central focus of the Mayflower printed in shades of gray on satin. A 3 ½-inch blue velvet border is machine-stitched to the center. All three objects are in the Collection.

  Margaret McNamara was born in Ireland (about 1835) and immigrated with her family to the United States about 1848. In 1861 she married Patrick Tormey, who was also born in Ireland (about 1835) and immigrated as a teenager. They lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. Patrick, a Civil War veteran, was keeper of the Brooklyn City Hall for many years. He died in 1900, and Margaret died in 1910.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1880-1886

  maker

  Tormey, Margaret McNamara

  ID Number

  TE.T12928.00A

  accession number

  247329

  catalog number

  T12928A

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  1880 - 1886 Margaret Tormey's Crazy Patched Pillow Sham

  Description

  This pillow sham is one of two (TE.T12928.00A) that Margaret Tormey carefully crafted to match an 86-inch quilt top, dated 1886 (TE.T12927). Crazy patchwork frames a central focus of a nosegay of pansies and blueberries painted on satin with the intiials EFC. Vignettes of birds and grasses printed in blue gray on satin, and a few embroidered motifs (flag, fan, sunburst, star, butterfly) decorate the sham. A 3 ½-inch blue velvet border is machine-stitched to the center. All three objects are in the Collection.

  Margaret McNamara was born in Ireland (about 1835) and immigrated with her family to the United States about 1848. In 1861 she married Patrick Tormey, who was also born in Ireland (about 1835) and immigrated as a teenager. They lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. Patrick, a Civil War veteran, was keeper of the Brooklyn City Hall for many years. He died in 1900, and Margaret died in 1910.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1880-1886

  maker

  Tormey, Margaret McNamara

  ID Number

  TE.T12928.00B

  accession number

  247329

  catalog number

  T12928B

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  1850 - 1880 Diana Hines' Pieced Quilt

  Description

  Diana DeGodis Washington Hines crafted this pieced quilt in the second half of the 19th century, probably while living in Kentucky. Triangular 11-inch blocks pieced in the “Sugar Loaf” or “Arrowhead” pattern alternate with 11-inch plain white triangles. These are framed by 1 ½-inch printed and plain borders. At a later date, possibly to save frayed edges, about an inch of each edge is folded to the front and loosely stitched.

  The donor, Diana’s grandson, included a hand-written family history when the quilt was donated to the Collection in 1966. Diana DeGodis Washington Hines was born in February 1797 at Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s home. “She was reared by the Washington family, lived with them in the Mt. Vernon home, until she was pass the age of twenty five. At that time there was a breaking up in the family and she was sold as a Slave to a Mr. Jackson, of Jackson Hotel at Arlington.” Diana married twice. Her second husband was Edward Hines. He too had been a slave in Kentucky with the McClure family, freed at age 21. “But he remained with the McClure family . . . . [they] were prominent and wealthy, owning several thousands [of] acres of land and stock, of which Edward Hines was manager. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hines left Kentucky in 1877 with their son John Hines for Greensburg, Ind., and remained there with him until their death.” In addition to their son, John, they had four daughters. Diana died October 30, 1891.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1850-1880

  maker

  Hines, Diana DeGodis Washington

  ID Number

  TE.T14114

  catalog number

  T14114

  accession number

  272512

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  1860 - 1880 "Tumbling Blocks" Child's Quilt

  Description

  The maker of this child's quilt remains unknown. Well worn, it is pieced in the Tumbling Blocks pattern, also referred to as Cubework or Boxes. The placement of the four inch diamond shaped pieces cut from various roller-printed cottons creates an example of an optical illusion in textiles. The lining is a roller-printed check cotton in red and brown. The quilt was completed with outline quilting, six stitches /inch, and bound with a strip of printed cotton folded over the edge and machine-stitched. The quilt was donated to the Museum in 1968 by Mrs. Dorothy Walkley Faul. She provided the information that the quilt had been in the Walkley family who had settled in Southington, Connecticut, about 1630 and that the quilt was probably made in the 1860s.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1860-1880

  quilter

  unknown

  ID Number

  TE.T14533

  catalog number

  T14533

  accession number

  277119

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Model 1851 frock coat

  Description

  This Model 1851 frock coat was worn by Lieutenant Charles R. Carville of the 165th New York State Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This unit, also known as the 2nd Battalion Duryee Zouaves, fought at the Battle of Port Hudson which turned into a siege that lasted for 48 days (May 21- July 9, 1863). Carville was killed in battle on May 27th. The siege was ultimately a Union victory; however, both sides suffered thousands of casualties.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1861-1865

  associated person; user

  Carville, Charles R.

  ID Number

  AF.10621

  accession number

  46623

  catalog number

  10621

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  1887 Mehitable Ware's Crazy-patch Parlor Throw

  Description

  “Commenced Jan 12th 1887. San Rafael . . . Finished March 12th 1887. . . M. M. Ware” is embroidered on this parlor throw composed of nine 21 ½-inch crazy-patch blocks. Many satin and velvet ribbons with California references are found among typical motifs such as a horseshoe, a fan, flowers, owls, bicycles, etc. A variety of embroidery stitches in many colors of silk thread decorate the throw. A red velvet 7-inch border and a red cotton lining complete it.

  Mehitable (Mettie) Babcock was born in Vermont in 1816. She taught school from the age of 14 until she married Preserved Ware (1811-1885) in 1836. They had eight children and from 1868 they lived in California, where Mehitable Ware died in 1897.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1887

  maker

  Ware, Mettie Mehitable Babcock

  ID Number

  TE.T16134

  accession number

  298792

  catalog number

  T16134

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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