Needlework at Historic Hildene
May 10, 11 & 12, 2002, Arlington, Vermont
by Patricia Cummings
photos by James Cummings
The second show that we attended on
May 10, was the needlework exhibit at Hildene, the mansion estate of
Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln. The white sign
with black lettering at the side of the road announced the show, and we
turned off onto a winding dirt road, banked in the middle to prevent rain
puddles and erosion. The main building was not yet open to the public for
regular tours. Before opening each year, for the last nineteen years, there has been a
judged needlework show.
Living room at the Hildene, click image for larger view
This year’s exhibit attracted two hundred and five entries. There was something here to attract every needle worker’s special interest, be it counted cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint, quilting, rug hooking, Christmas items, drawn and pulled threadwork samplers, pillows, you name it. All of the submitted items were superimposed for display on antique beds, dressers, tables, floors, doors...everywhere one looked there was something new to see. Of course, the exquisite furnishings, drapes, bed curtains, old screens, and desks were a treat to see, in and of themselves.
One huge quilt, using Jinny Beyer border fabrics was hung in the foyer. What an incredible piece of work! Another favorite was a sampler in pastel colors of small birds, blue eggs, and other spring-like and cheerful motifs. There were two of these entered into the show, so I assume that they were made from a commercial design source.
One of the bedrooms with quilt
We were particularly intrigued by a shadow box which contained a southwestern motif in counted cross stitch in each unit. It was colorful and compelling and very well done. The show was a great overview of just what can be accomplished with needle and thread.
Hildene is a huge, stately, and very formal building with white colonnades at the portal. If one walks up a small hill to the left of the house, expansive farm land is visible. A farmer mowing the field to gather spring tillage, looks very small indeed, from this vantage point. Hildene is supported by membership funds and hosts many cultural and educational activities throughout their open season. In the winter, cross country trails are available free of charge to members, and hiking is allowed in the summer time.
On our way back home, we took a different route. Seeing a sign for “Battenkill Stitchery,” we stopped. The owner, Deborah Cullinan was most friendly and helped with my questions about availability of certain products for needlework. Her shop is the only needlework shop within a large geographic radius.
As we headed through the countryside just south of Hildene, we spotted some "wildlife." It being Mother's Day weekend we were compelled to take this photo of Mama Bear on someone's lawn. Isn't she beautiful?
All in all, we had a terrific day!
©Copyright 2002. Patricia and James Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire.