09.04.08
Posted in Announcements at 8:59 pm by Administrator
The shocking news finally reached me today that Helen Kelley, a quilt columnist for Quilter’s Newsletter magazine, passed away on
September 1, 2008. I don’t believe anyone can adequately replace her. She had a knack of telling stories, and it seems that some of the most outlandish things happened to her.
I realize that she was 80, but who counts numbers when someone continues to be as productive as Helen. I met her one time only and enjoyed her company over dinner. I am so glad that she was inducted into the Quilter’s Hall of Fame while she was able to enjoy the fact.
As I’ve said, again and again, it is always later than we think. Where is the lesson in all this, you say? My advice is to make the most of every day because truly, our days, hours, and minutes are numbered.
Make your quilts, make your beds, make your babies. There no time like the present to fully live today.
There are various sites to learn more about Helen, her quilts, her books, and more. Just do a Google search. She was a classy lady and one who will be sorely missed by many.
Patricia Cummings
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08.06.08
Posted in Announcements, Research at 3:17 am by Administrator
What does the word “research” mean to you? To me, research consists of making new discoveries that have been previously unexamined. Research is the gathering of facts, and more importantly, placing small facts within a greater context.
The process of research can take many forms. Usually, a researcher begins by asking one question, or even a lot of questions for which answers are sought. Investigation of any subject requires using all the resources available to find the answer. Some clues will be right under a researcher’s nose. For other information, more effort is required.
When you begin asking questions of an individual, the researcher never knows what that person knows or who else can be located through the contact. In my recent research project, one lady told me of another lady and she happened to personally know the family members who had letters, a diary, and old quilts that served up vital details. She also had documents for which I’d searched, high and low, so to speak. Wow! I felt I’d hit the jackpot.
Call it serendipity or lady luck or just plain persistence. Without constant inquiry, I would not have been able to create such a comprehensive project. We are just finishing this work. I would never have guessed that I could locate so much information about this woman’s genealogy, her friends, family, work life, religion, leisure activities, travels, education, and writings. It was beyond my imagination that I would find not one, but two, people who knew her, even though, if she were living, she’d be 141 years old.
Some facts (and photos) were more difficult to obtain and then suddenly, became available at the least likely time. I would never have thought that I’d ultimately put together such a large document. Right now, before further additions, it stands at 346 pages with 323 photos. More will be added.
I began with having access to some partially correct “facts,” and some egregiously wrong ideas. This exercise has been a reality check, that is a check of facts for viability, as well as a broad expansion of known details about Ellen Webster.
I am eager to add a few more photos, finish the Bibliography, and otherwise deal with the details that need to be finished. I am happy because of all the new historical information I learned and can now share. It is also a JOY to correct the record. Now, others can know Mrs. Webster’s true name, and enjoy her accomplishments and contributions.
The CD is scheduled to be released in the fall, and will be marketed by, and for, the Museum of New Hampshire History. Stay tuned!
Patricia Lynne Cummings, author of “The Amazing Quilt Charts of Ellen Emeline Hardy Webster, (1867-1950),” a five page article currently presented in The Quilter, Sept. 2008 issue
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06.29.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Announcements, Quilt History at 3:45 pm by Administrator
If a statement is in print, or even in a letter, we tend to believe it, don’t we? Often, we don’t think beyond the obvious long enough to ask the question, “Is this really true?”
Lately, I have found many historical misstatements, some of them delivered with such energy and gusto, one would be led to think them the Gospel Truth. Now, I must say this: some sources are better than others, but as our collective knowledge (cultural literacy, too) appears to be diminishing, across society as a whole, we have to be more careful than ever not to take statements as true. They may not be.
I could go into a lengthy explanation, but for now, I’ll save you the lecture. I just want to alert you to take time to figure out when a statement is fact, or when it is opinion. Some writers cleverly confuse the two. I also want to say that if you read a first couple of sentences and they seem to be “ok,” don’t assume that the rest of the manuscript is “right on.”
Just a reminder: During the first week of July, most subscribers to The Quilter magazine will be receiving their copies of the September 2008 issue. Newsstand copies will not be available until about July 15. You won’t want to miss my article about the amazing quilt charts of Ellen E. Webster. What a beautiful name: Ellen Emeline! She may have been named “Ellen” for her Aunt Ellen, and “Emeline” for her grandmother.
After preparing the magazine article, I continued researching her life, her work, and her family. My work has uncovered MUCH intriguing information. All of my findings will be given on a CD, free of charge, to a museum, so that they can make copies to sell in their museum store, as a fundraiser, beginning in September.
I thoroughly believe in presenting correct historical information, and my study brings to light some extremely interesting data and history. So, as you read the magazine, and see all the gorgeous photos there, keep in mind that as a follow-up, more information is being collected and processed, including significant and enjoyable contributions by other quilt historians, historians, family members, museum officials, and others. This has truly been a group effort! I appreciate everyone’s interest!
I continue to work daily on this e-book, all the while eagerly awaiting the reactions of readers (even if I never know their thoughts). So, in conclusion, I have to say that my most fervent hope is that you will be able to believe everything you read, when I write it. History is too precious to misrepresent. Of course, I also hope you will enjoy the magazine and the CD when they are ready. My gift will be in knowing that at least a few people are as inspired by Mrs. Webster as I am, and I hope that I’m underestimating that count.
Patricia Cummings
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