Pennsylvania coverlet by Benjamin Ely, 1836, tied beiderwand (crosson variety)
Name/Title
Pennsylvania coverlet by Benjamin Ely, 1836, tied beiderwand (crosson variety)Entry/Object ID
CDP 26.5.034Description
This figured & fancy coverlet was woven by Benjamin Ely in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1836. The two cornerblocks read "Benjamin Ely T+T J+S 1836" The coverlet was woven in two panels, which are joined by a center seam. It has a Lilies of France centerfield pattern with acorn rosette motifs; the pattern repeats horizontally four and a half times. It has a distelfink and tree border on the sides and bottom with a double row of small stars along the outer edges. The coverlet has horizontal color stripes of red, navy, and green wool on undyed cotton ground with applied fringe on the sides and bottom. The tied Beiderwand weave structure uses supplementary light blue cotton tie-down threads in a 2:1 warp ratio.Context
Photographed in August 2026 in Turbotville, PA for the Coverlet Documentation Project. All rights reserved.Collection
Appleman CollectionCategory
Lilies of France