Just now, I have added a file to our website about Carol Godreau’s art quilt that depicts a Maine ship, built in 1874, of which a relative was the captain. For more details and to see this ingenious recollection of history, please visit the file associated with the “Grace Deering” quilt.
Pat
The Pine Tree Quilt Guild, a guild that is comprised of members from all over the state of Maine, has succeeded in hosting yet another spectacular show at the Civic Center facility in Augusta, Maine.
Of course, the first place to which Jim and I headed was the room of antique quilts. This year, a small group of antique quilt owners allowed their quilts for children or for doll beds to be placed on display. A quilt for a trundle bed was included in the mix. For those of you who do not know what a trundle bed was, it was a shorter bed that slid under a taller bed during the day. It was often used for children. Many historic sites in the New England area feature examples of trundle beds. Two of those that come to mind quickly are Storrowton in Massachusetts, and Strawbery Banke (actual old spelling of the name), in Portsmouth, NH.
An all-white child’s quilt that was composed of nine-patches and heavily quilted is an unusual approach to a “wholecloth” quilt. Other quilts included early to late nineteenth century pieced quilts, an unusual appliquéd “Boston Pavement” quilt, and some examples of small Redwork quilts, that were tied, not quilted.
One could have spent a much longer time than an afternoon, to fully enjoy the many quilts on display. I have chosen just three of Jim’s photos to share with you.
This quilt is called simply, “Mariner’s Compass” by its maker, Kathy Elders Wiesner. The colors in this quilt caught my attention immediately, and I noticed later that the quilt had also won a ribbon.
“Toy Garden” seen above, was made by Donna Hamill for her ninth grandson. This quilt, as I had immediately recognized, is an adaptation of the “Calico Garden Quilt” originally made by master quilter, Florence Peto, in the 1950s. The original quilt resides in the Shelburne Museum in VT, and Donna used Froncie Quinn’s reproduction quilt pattern in designing this quilt.
“Tribute to Stephen King” by Judy Kenney is a very innovative quilt. King is, after all, a Maine resident, so this quilt seems most fitting for the occasion of the Pine Tree Quilter’s Show.
The show featured outstanding quilts. There were a number of group quilts in which members would take a slice of one photograph and re-create the landscape scene in their own way. The three, four, or five panels were hung together, closely, side by side in the show. This is not a new technique, but can be a very effective one if the quilters in the group are artistically-bent, and of a similar level of quilting expertise.
The 30th annual show continues all weekend. Tomorrow the hours are 9-5 p.m. and on Sunday, you may visit the quilts from 10-4 p.m. The space is air-conditioned, and many vendors are on hand to help you open your pocketbook. We thoroughly enjoyed this year’s show. Congratulations to all who were involved in its planning and execution. Here’s to at least 30 more wonderful years of quilts in Maine!
Patricia Cummings
Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, Route 3, Laconia, NH was the site of a talk provided by Alan Fraser Houston about his new book, Keep Up Good Courage: A Yankee family and the Civil War. photo by James Cummings
Alan Fraser Houston presented a most engaging talk about the Civil War, and his family’s connections to it, at the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum on July 25, 2007 at 7 p.m. He explained that a Civil War pocket diary from 1864 surfaced among family belongings. He found out that a soldier, Cpl. Lewis Q. Smith, had a granddaughter who married Houston’s great uncle. Some 125 letters from the soldier, sent during the war years, are divided evenly between letters from the soldier, and letters to him from home.
Dr. Houston engrossed in explaining a point in his speech. photo by James Cummings
All of these letters are currently included in Houston’s book, Keep Up Good Courage: A Yankee family and the Civil War (Portsmouth, NH: Peter E. Randall, 2006).
Cpl. Lewis hailed from Sandwich, NH which is still a small, rural town in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. He belonged to the Fourteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers, 1862-1865. The Sandwich Historical Society, with whom the author collaborated for this book project, holds all of the regimental histories for New Hampshire, save one that has “gone missing.”
Alan Fraser Houston has a deep understanding of the militia units and their history. He shared insights with the audience that were astounding, centered around conscription practices, the draft, war protesters and how policies were ever evolving and were also influenced by decisions made for political reasons.
As a former flight surgeon, and as a medical doctor, Dr. Houston researched the medical end of things and found that death by disease killed twice as many soldiers as did death during battle. He spoke of nineteenth century diseases that we may have heard by name, but have certainly never experienced or seen these conditions in other people. He also mentioned that the number of amputations were actually much less than some have assumed.
For one hour, the audience sat captivated as Alan Fraser Houston shared his vast knowledge of conditions during the nineteenth century, his awareness of the major political players of the time, details of a deciding battle in the war, and the situation of the woman left at home.
Of greatest interest to me, personally, are the occupations of the men and women of Sandwich, NH during one census taken while the Civil War raged. 75% of the men were farmers. Only fifteen women of the 2,200 surveyed had occupations other than homemaker. There were seamstresses, and teachers, and mill girls. He describes the conditions in the mills as “dust, din, and danger.”
These tantalizing tidbits do not begin to scratch the surface of all that Dr. Houston said that evening or the information contained in his book. If you love history, this is one volume you will definitely want to add to your library.
We are very happy to have had this fine opportunity to hear Dr. Houston speak, and we are looking forward to reading his book. Please visit his website: www.alanfraserhouston.com
For more information about the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society, please contact Ann W. Sprague, Executive Director at (603) 366-5950 or visit the museum’s website: www.LakeWinnipesaukeeMuseum.org
As a final anecdote, I will share a statement that impressed me a lot. I overheard the good doctor say, while he was autographing books after the lecture, that he does not sign his name with M.D., except for official purposes. He stated that he was born without those initials after his name and that some things in life are earned. What a refreshing thought! We wish this very sincere man all the best that life has to offer!
If you go to our website and key in the words “Civil War” in the word search function on the home page, a list of quite a few articles will pop up. Enjoy!
By the way, we saw this event advertised in The Weirs Times, Thursday, July 19, 2007 edition.
Patricia and James Cummings
A cross stitch Sampler made by my mother presents a colorful array of roses and tulips and vines, and an enclosed area that includes the words, “Truth is Beauty.” Mother loved to embroider and her needlework piece is just another iteration of the timeless words of other people, gone before, in history.
In “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats (1795-1821), the poet’s last two lines are these:
‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty – that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.’
The Holy Bible says this, “…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely; whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things.” – Philippians 4:8.
There is a certain timelessness to needlework. Early Samplers made by little girls, just learning to embroider, often included religious and moral statements.
There is something that is timeless about Truth. In the end, it will always prevail. It will always come out. The timeless principles of truth should box in the parameters of our own lives. To live a truthful life and to be true to one’s own moral conscience are two ideas to consider that will aid you in your own search for beauty…when you are looking for those roses among the thorns of life.
Today, seek Beauty.
Patricia
This afternoon, I wrote and published a new article, about Hungarian embroidery. This evening, a member of my online list for outline stitch embroidery enthusiasts sent me additional images of a lace tablecloth she collected in Hungary, as well as some beautiful photos of places she visited there.
My writing and photos center on Kalosca embroidery, visions of beauty. Hope you enjoy the article.
Tuesday – 7/23/07 – An account of Chris Thiessen’s trip to Hungary and her photos have been added, as well as a link to a site that sells kits of Hungarian embroidery.
Patricia Cummings
Tammy Faye Bakker Messner, with her overdone, theatrical make-up (her trademark), has died. She passed away on Friday, bringing an end to the curious mix of public messages and media sound bites that comprised her life. Married to James Bakker for thirty years, together they built a mega-empire, complete with a Christian theme park, provided by the goodwill of their followers. Their “PTL” or “Praise the Lord” ministry raised millions of dollars during its 1980s’ telecasts.
Convicted of fraud and “swindling” folks out of millions of dollars, Bakker was sent to federal prison. Tammy remarried Mr. Messner, the chief builder of the theme park, who was also sent to prison, on other charges.
Some people have the mistaken notion that giving money to churches is either buying a ticket to heaven, or at least beating a path in that direction. My point is this: God in heaven is self-sufficient. He does not need your money or mine. Just as “money won’t buy you love,” according to the Beatles, money will not buy you heaven.
Recently, someone mentioned to me that she viewed “church” as little more than a social club. “Church” is also a way to exclude those who are not of the same religious persuasion. To me, there is an extremely vast difference between having faith, and adhering to a specific religion.
Religions can be dangerous because they breed fanatics, and we know all too well that fanatics can be lethal (witness 9-11?). They don’t care who they “take out” with them, because they are so convinced that they are going straight to heaven themselves.
God bless, Tammy Faye. I hope that she will find a peace unknown to man. I hope that God welcomes her home, and rocks her gently in His arms for all of eternity. She has suffered in this life, as do all who struggle for fame and fortune.
Each of us faces our own life issues and our own mortality, knowing that there will be a terminal point. Just remember that what we do today counts more than what we botched yesterday, or last week, or twenty years ago. We all need to live in the moment, for this moment is all we really have.
Talk is cheap. Good deeds speak for themselves.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Patricia
The following letter was received today:
Dear Pat,
I enjoyed all the information on your site about the Ladd-Gilman house. I am a descendant of these families and plan to visit the house sometime this fall. I’ve been trying to collect information before the trip so that my family will be able to fully appreciate the visit. Your site has given the best information so far.
I was interested in your retelling of the firescreen legend. The firescreen appears to be a copy of the Gilman coat of arms, which includes the black boot in the enter of the shield. I researched this on the Internet and found several websites which show this imagery for the Gilman coat of arms. The firescreen would support that.
Unfortunately, none of the websites contain anything so colorful as the Gilman legend to explain the choice of the boot as the symbol for the family! It is interesting that I have another ancestor with a “leg” in the family crest and their explanation is that the original family member lost a leg in defending either Richard the Lionhearted or William of Normandy.
Anyway, thank you again for posting the information! As a homeschooler, this will be a great introduction to the site for my children.
Sincerely, Pam
Information about the Ladd-Gilman House
We always enjoy hearing from appreciative readers. Thanks, Pam!
Too often, when I am trying to write something, at my computer, the phone rings. Now, mind you, I always love to hear from my family or friends, so if any of you are reading this, my words are not intended for you.
Lately, most of the calls have been from telemarketers. The tell-tale signs are there: background sounds of other people talking and phones ringing, a foreign-sounding voice (sometimes they are calling from another country), or an oh-too-cheerful tone, and sense of familiarity.
The call might start with, “Mrs. Cummings, how are YOU today?” I am always tempted to provide a running account of my latest ailments, beginning with the crook in my neck from having slept the wrong way and ending with a full account of the bad Chinese food I’d eaten the night before and the dire consequences. I try to refrain. My goal is to get off the phone, as quickly as possible.
Most of these calls are baffling because we are on the national “do not call” list, for solicitations. However, the kicker is that if you have ever bought something previously from a company, they are “exempt” because of a “prior business relationship.” Businesses can be called, period, and my home phone number doubles as a “business” phone, as I work from home.
CASE IN POINT
Yesterday, I received a call early in the morning. The woman said, “Is this Mr./Mrs. Cummings”? I was sure that I was one of the two, but that early, before a cup of coffee, I had to stop and wonder what she was getting at, and which person I wanted to “confess” to being! I mean, do I sound like a “Mr. Cummings”?
Then there are the faux police/ faux firemen who call and ask for donations, or for you to buy tickets to such and such a concert, and if you don’t like the band, you could just provide your credit card number and they will take care of the donation. I bet. I can even imagine that they might help you to divest yourself of any wealth, whatsoever.
CREATIVE APPROACH
I try to be creative when I answer the phone now. Taking a more light-hearted approach, I sometimes say, “Cummings residence, lady of the house speaking,” modeled after Hyacinth on the British comedy, “Keeping Up Appearances,” one of my favorite shows. I render this vocalization with such sincerity of tone, my friends burst into laughter. That makes my day. Other callers just get confused for a moment which, sometimes, is not a bad thing.
ARE YOU BEING PAID?
My aunt used to take a more direct approach that bordered on a terrorist tactic. She would ask a phone solicitor this: “Are you being paid for your time?” Inevitably, the person would say, “Why, yes!” Then she would say, “Well, I am not! Good-bye!”
She has a point! Time is a precious commodity, and these solicitation calls are exceedingly annoying because they waste time. I will never provide a credit card number to someone calling me on the phone, and you’d think by now, after hundreds of calls, and hundreds of equally abrupt retorts and hang-ups, the message would be spread to the folks who are paid to interrupt me. Why don’t they “get it”? It has been said that the definition of “Insanity” is doing the same thing, over and over, yet expecting a different outcome each time. Nope. Can’t get blood out of a stone,” and “Can’t get $$ out of a “frugal” Yankee.”
Scammers, wise up! This chick is not “a spring chick” and was not hatched yesterday. I’m onto you. Call me with nonsense, and you’ll get what you get – Nothing.
Moving on to other diversions. Thanks for listening. 
Patricia
Project Gutenberg Consortium Center is an online library of e-books that are available at no charge and are copyright-free. So far, 75,000 titles have been uploaded. A wide variety of books are offered.
Jim discovered this link while “surfing” last night, and it certainly is a treasure trove of good information. The book that I have perused so far, and printed for my own use, is entitled, Beeton’s Book of Needlework, (London: Ward, Lock, and Tyler, 1870). I am charmed by all of its detailed information about tatting, embroidery, and lacemaking.
I hope that you enjoy this site as much as I do (and will) in the future.
Pat and Jim Cummings
My father always referred to sneaky people as “snakes in the grass.” I have to smile when I think of the level of disdain with which he would render this pronouncement. Snakes have been both the object of fear and of worship. Some snakes are more venomous than others, just like the people to whom my father alluded. Snakes, the real ones, are pretty harmless, unless disturbed. They would prefer to slither off and mind their own business than to confront or be confronted by the human species. They hold a certain fascination for me. Even though, I know they are “around” our yard, I do not think of them until I happen upon one, as I did yesterday.
We had just returned home from doing some errands, and Jim mentioned that the paper sign, to advertise a neighbor’s yard sale (last weekend), was still clinging to a telephone pole near the sidewalk in front of our home. I went to retrieve the sign.
In front of the plants that are located all along the front of the house, I stopped dead in my tracks. I wildly motioned to Jim to go get his camera, but he did not understand my monkey sign language, or what I was so excited about seeing. I had to walk closer, and tell him to hurry and get the camera.
Curled-up Snake sunning itself on top of the “Hens and Chickens” plant (center)
Enclosed by a patch of lavender, Solomon Seal, Gloriosa daisies, lavender-color Hostas, ferns, and a few weeds, I spotted a garden snake taking a sun bath. He appeared not to know that we were there, and he remained in place long enough for Jim to snap a few pictures, of which this one is the best. He wished he’d had his other lens on the camera, so that he could get a better close-up view. Alas, this was a spontaneous decision to photograph the snake.
Unlike St. Patrick who “drove the snakes out of Ireland,” we will not be attempting to eradicate the snakes in our yard, any time soon. They eat “bugs” and are very beneficial. I say, “Live and let live.” As for the “snakes in the grass” that my dear father used to mention, well, I wish them (and you) all a “good day.”
Best Regards,
Patricia Cummings
