“54-40 or Fight” Quilt Block
Yesterday, as I was standing in line at the post office, waiting to part with some cold cash, the total amount owed by the man in front of me was $54.40. He said to the postal clerk, “54.40 or Fight?” Confused, the clerk had never heard the historical term “54-40.” The customer went into a detailed explanation about the term’s connection to disputed land ownership in the Oregon County/Columbia District, with both the United States and the British having had an interest in claiming the land that reached from the 42N to the 54 40 N parallel. To read the details for yourself, please visit Wikipedia.
I spoke up and stated that “54-40 or Fight” is a name for an historically-based, quilt block. He said, “a WHAT?” I replied “a quilt block.” I’m sure I lost him.
This photo, taken by me in May 1994, with a Polaroid camera, shows two blocks on the right that are of that same pattern. The other two blocks are “Ohio Star.” The sashings is a Hoffman print, I believe, of hot air balloons. The quilt measures 37 1/2″ square and was a gift to my sister. The name of it is “Balloons for Barb.” I took the photo so that I would have a memory of the quilt, as she lives clear across the country and I knew I would never see it again.
I made a single “54-40 or Fight” block in red, white, and blue, to illustrate an article for The Quilter magazine. Quilt blocks that have associations or greater meanings are very appealing. They are like mini-recordings of historical moments.
Have a great Wednesday!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications – The front page has a photo of an unidentified quilt block of grapes and leaves. Have you seen this before?
