11.19.07
William Henry Harrison and political quilt blocks
Today, I have added to our website the second of a series of articles that feature quilt blocks and other textiles made to honor presidents and famous wanna-bees. This time, the focus is on just one person: William Henry Harrison. If one listened to his presidential opponent, incumbent Martin van Buren, Harrison lacked both education and class. That was simply not true and some of the quilt blocks diminished those charges by making fun of them, as would a good cartoon.
A “Harrison Rose” block, in the process of being hand quilted.
What I love about political quilt blocks is that they gave women a voice, at a time when they had no vote. After 1920, when women first were allowed to vote in the U.S., the tradition of making quilt blocks with a political bent simply continued.
While revisiting this article that I’d first put together more than three years ago, I began thinking about the political process in this country. I am struck by the fact that many of our nation’s leaders previously served in the military.
Our first president, George Washington, did so. Teddy Roosevelt and his “Rough Riders,” served during wartime in 1898, and Dwight D. Eisenhower distinguished himself during World War II. Harrison was known for fighting the Indians at Tippecanoe. In fact, the campaign slogan, “Tippecanoe and Tyler, too,” has a catchy ring to it.
In choosing those who have held military leadership positions, perhaps the voters think that their loyalty, love of country, and abilities as warriors, makes them apt candidates for the presidency.
Politics are ever intriguing, and though we may have a slightly imperfect system, we make a stab at fairness and the continuation of a democratic process of elections.
I hope you enjoy the article: Quilted Tributes to William Henry Harrison, Our Ninth President.
Patricia Cummings
