Textiles and the Triplett Sisters

I’d be remiss if I didn’t address the obvious fire engine blocks found in more than one Baltimore Album Quilt. I’d been hopeful I would be able to tie the blocks specifically to a Fire Company. I’ve not been able to find an ad selling blocks for a fundraiser for the engine etc. So far, I’ve only been able to tie the block circumstantially to the First Baltimore Fire Company. In 1842, J. Share & Sons created a new suction fire engine. The theory was that it could shoot a stream of water higher and farther than other traditionally built engines. According to the newspaper, one demonstration proved it sent a stream of water 171 feet and “could bend an arch over the roofs of any ordinary building.” By 1843 the creators provided another demonstration using...

As I continue to research the connection of Fire Companies of Baltimore and Baltimore Album Quilts, based on the diary note, there are interesting results. This new line of investigation is leading to new answers and possibilities. In our last blog post we explored the Ladies Liberty Temperance Benevolent Society associated with the Liberty Fire Company. The Liberty Fire Company participated in a public procession and mourning of President Andrew Jackson. The Union Fire Company joined the Liberty Fire Company in shrouding their Fire Company banners and halls with mourning for six months for Andrew Jackson. I’ve looked in vain for some direct link between the Jacksonian Blocks and why they were included in the certain BAQs. My current working theory asks if these blocks were sewn by the two fire companies’ ladies to acknowledge their...

As I was researching the chinoiserie panel, I saw several borders used in different quilts, which got me wondering about borders. Naturally, I then had to research border fabric that has obviously been around for some time. Also, I was surprised to see borders printed both horizontally and vertically which is convenient depending on the fabrics intended use. Border fabric was printed to be used for petticoats, with one border printed horizontally to provide a finish to the petticoat. A simpler print was used on the remainder of the fabric, which would make for easier block printing. It also allowed for one seam to be added to create the tube and as an early form of ready to wear, kept in stock. Once the petticoat was selected it could simply be fitted at the waist. Some...

Although the Poos Collection is limiting the number of new acquisitions, this month two important quilts were added to the collection. Not surprisingly both would be considered in the chintz quilt genre of the collection. A cut-out applique quilt, likely English in origin, has some of our favorite famous fabrics that we started tracking in 2012 including some Bannister Hall fabrics. For more information on the many owners of Bannister Hall, please see the link to a previous blog article providing details. When studiying the peacock fabric, it is interesting to the industrial espionage that was taking place. Changing the direction of the head was one way to avoid being accused of "copying."  The second antique quilt, also likely English, was added because of the chinoiserie panel in the center. This is the second antique quilt...

I’m interrupting the research to give you an update about some coming events. We’d love to see you at some of these in person events or via Zoom. In some cases, they are both an option. My long-awaited research trip to Philadelphia and New Jersey is coming up the end of May. I’ve located some original sources and I’m hopeful that will shed light on these Northern Style Cut-out Applique (NSCAs.) Thanks to AQSG for providing some of the funding for the research trip. On June 1, I’ll be presenting on NSCAs, with my presentation Delaware River Valley Quilts at Penn Dry Goods event hosted by the Schwenkfelder Museum. It looks like a fabulous event, so if you are interested in attending in person or via Zoom, here is the link. Also, those in person will...