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reader will follow her activities throughout her life, via her own letters and diaries, and her writings, published and unpublished.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
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09.21.08
Posted in Quilt History, Uncategorized at 9:31 am by Administrator
Mikado quilt photo by James Cummings
Above, you see a portion of a piece of Mikado cheater cloth produced by the Cocheco Mills in Dover, NH in the late nineteenth century. After I bought a Crazy Quilt with this image, and those of many other characters in Gilbert and Sullivan’s musical production, I decided to investigate the story and any ephemera I could find regarding it.
What fun to watch the show on DVD, from the comfort of my own living room and to acquaint myself with the plot of the tale. In the November issue of The Quilter magazine , just now distributed, I have an article that summarizes the story, shows the entire Crazy Quilt and individual components. This subject was an enchanting one to research. As usual, the magazine is available from Borders, Barnes & Nobles, some grocery stores, Walmart, some quilt shops and from the company itself.
Two examples of the Cocheco Cloth have been located, one in the private sector, and one in a museum. In addition, two quilts with “Mikado” fabrics have been spotted in museums. Yet another quilt, that is rendered in Redwork, features an embroidered block based on the popular operetta.
I hope that you can round up a copy of the article. I believe it contributes quite a lot to the study of quilt history, as well as material artifacts.
Patricia Cummings, quilt historian
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07.25.08
Posted in Quilt History at 2:53 am by Administrator
Today, I had the distinct privilege of reading two, 5 year diaries of the woman whose life I have been intently studying since March. Just when I thought that I might be getting close to being ready to create a Bibliography, I realize that I have more to do. This document is not officially a report any more. Rather, it is an “e-book,” as the text exceeds 100 pages, in addition to the several hundred pages plus of “quilt charts.” Reading the diaries elicited a verbal “Wow” on quite a few occasions.
Entries mention when she created various charts, and where she gave quilt, bird, and Bible lectures, and other details that are just too extraordinary for words.
I am the recipient of additional photos of Ellen Webster’s family members, and they are wonderful in a way that only old photos can be.
This will be a continuing marathon for me to collate all the new information and to wind down toward completing this project. I can not remember when I have had so much fun with a research project, and I am eagerly anticipating everyone’s enjoyment of the final product.
Patricia Cummings
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