Sunday, June 22, 2008

Signature quilt

I bought a tatty old quilt at a garage sale on Friday. The seller was the grandson of the quiltmaker and said that she was from Shamrock, Texas and the quilt was probably 100 years old or older.

Since then I've done a little snooping and if the Doris Ann Hoodenpyle is the same one (what are the chances there are two with a mother by the name of Ruth?) then this quilt would date from 1931 to 1940. I've found four of the signers in Cotton Co., OK.So now, what do I do with it?

Here are the signature blocks.
Ressie Austin
J.A.L.
J.C.L.
Gladys Crow
Stella M.
Margaret Hawkins
Ethel Hoodenpile
Helen L.
Jessie Daniels
Sandlin
Doris Ann Hoodenpyle
Louise Hawkins
Clara Crow
Ella Susan or Suson
Ruth Hoodenpyle
Mrs. W.D. Spurlock
Mrs. L.?
Betty D.
Mrs. Hawkins
Doris L.
I know I would be thrilled to find a block that one of my grandmothers had signed, even if I could only have a picture. Should I offer the blocks to descendants in the unlikely event they contact me? Donate the quilt? What? Help me out here.

7 comments:

Nancy Jo said...

Aunt Jo,
I wonder how many of these women are still living? It would be nice if there was someone that was just thrilled to get it. But what if you get in contact with someone and they say they would like it but you can tell they really aren't the type that loves these things? Boy this is a hard one.I don't know whats a good idea either.
NANCY JO

Annie said...

You could work on restoring it, then donate to the local hysterical - uh - historical society, with your signature as donor/restorer.

SchnauzerMom said...

Wow there is a lot of history there. I'm not sure what you should do though. I think I would keep it, not everyone appreciates quilts like we do.

SchnauzerMom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Beemoosie said...

I am here Aunt Jo!!! Something had to give for a little bit, and it was the blogging! Geez, I still have a little package here to send out to you...never fear, my last day of work is Thursday (around noon) followed promptly by a job interview at 1:40!!! Oh my! Will it ever end? LOL!!! In the mean time, I have finished a quilt, read some books, gone crazy at school and have had many puppy adventures! I will update my blog soon...I hope!!

I love that quilt! There was a blurp in Country Living magazine about the value of signature quilts. I would probably be a softy and offer it to family members if they wanted it! Can't be leave the grandson sold it in the first place!!

HUGS!
B

Mona said...

Aren't those old quilts wonderful?! I'd contact the local historical society to see if they would be interested in it. If so, donate it. If not, treasure it yourself.

Unknown said...

About 15 years ago I bought a box of old quilt blocks at a garage sale. Some of the blocks were in pretty bad shape however I loved the blocks and I vowed that some day I would make a quilt out of the blocks. Guess what, I finished the quilt and some of the names on the blocks are some of the names you listed. Actually most of the names are on my blocks. I purchased the box of quilt blocks in Dallas, Tx. Please email me at 99jan@tx.rr.com if you would like a list of names. Also, one signature has Enid, OK under the name.