09.28.08
Posted in Announcements, Quilt History at 1:03 pm by Administrator
NEW BOOK
Ellen Emeline (Hardy) Webster, 1867-1950: Her Amazing Quilt “Charts,” Her Writings, and Her Life, by Patricia and James Cummings is a comprehensive profile of a 1930s, New Hampshire, quilt historian. This labor-intensive research project resulted in 355 pages of text and has uncovered many delightful discoveries in the world of quilt history. Some of its 340 photos serve to celebrate New Hampshire, “then and now.” Other photos of Ellen’s family members date to before the Civil War and show hair styles and manner of dress of the day.
The full page photos of Ellen’s quilt “charts” prove how diligently she worked to reconstruct and “save” antique quilt patterns to use in her lectures. Ellen was a multi-talented woman, whether playing the organ at church, hiking Mt. Moosilaukee, serving as president of the Audubon Society and the local Woman’s Club, or teaching Bible Studies at the college level, Mrs. Webster was a true leader, with diverse interests. The reader will follow her activities throughout her life, via her own letters and diaries, and her writings, published and unpublished. Ellen Webster was an extraordinary and beautiful woman who was kind to all. This volume is an enjoyable read for anyone who wants to know more about New Hampshire history, and the details about one pivotal player in the quilt world of the early twentieth century.
A gift of Patricia Cummings, quilt historian, and James Cummings, photographer, all proceeds of CD sales, will benefit the New Hampshire Historical Society, Concord, NH. These CDs are being replicated by the museum. Please be patient, if you order one, now.
The price is $24.95, plus $7.95 shipping & handling ($32.90). Mail orders may be made by credit card, check, or money order in U.S. dollars, payable to the New Hampshire Historical Society and mailed to the New Hampshire Historical Society Museum Store, 6 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301. For further information about ordering, contact store@nhhistory.org
Permalink
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
Permalink
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
Permalink
« Previous entries · Next entries »
