Name/Title
Baer Crazy QuiltEntry/Object ID
1995.004.001Description
A crazy quilt probably first constructed in blocks; however, only one - a square within a square design is prominent. Square areas are of fine fabric and embroidery work, but where these come together, the randomness of fabric and workmanship is not of the same quality.
Textured fabrics, pre-embroidered fabrics, silks, satins and velvet were used. Oil painting of daisies, springs of berries, of child in snow, and daisy bouquet. Embroidered designs include: spiders, web, multi-interlaced rings, flowers, butterflies, wheat, fans, horseshoe, crosses, paisley shapes, shamrock, moons, birds. A signature and date is worked into the quilt.
The backing and border were added in 1940 by an aunt of the donor. There is a single plain black synthetic satin border (2 1/2'') with mitered corners. The backing of the quilt is composed of 2 vertical strips that measure, 28'' and 33''. It is a solid grey synthetic fabric. The back is tied with various silk thread, embroidery floss, and yarn.Context
This is a generational quilt. Oral history states the quilt was made by at least 7 Baer Family women on summer visits to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware between 1880 and 1892 and that children did contribute.
The women were from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and can trace their ancestry to Adam Miller, the first white settler of Rockingham County. The names of the Baer women who worked on the quilt are sister Virginia Baer, Hattie Baer, Evaline Baer, and "Mid" Baer, as well as their sister-in-laws Mary Baer (wife of George Baer) and Genie Baer (wife of Wanfield Baer). The backing was added later by Jessie Hough, the daughter of Virginia Baer. The quilt was given as a wedding gift in 1940 to Mr. W. Brown (donor) once his aunt put backing on it. It was also believed to have had the top be given as a wedding gift in 1892.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1995.004Source or Donor
William BrownNotes
Donated Sept. 29, 1995Made/Created
Artist
Women of the Baer Family - Mother, Sisters, and Sister-in-lawsDate made
1880 - 1940Place
* Untyped Place
Elkton, VirginiaNotes
Names of women who worked on the quilt: Virginia Baer (born Rockingham CO.), sister to Hattie Baer, sister of Evaline Baer, sister of "Mid" Baer. Mary Baer (wife of George Baer) and Genie Baer (wife of Wanfield Baer) were sisters-in-law. Jessie Hough was the daughter of Virginia Baer, and she was who did the backing.
Was also worked on in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
"Aunt Jesse," the aunt of the Donor, did the backing of the quilt to give to Mr. Brown for his wedding in 1940.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Signature, Date, InitialsTranscription
"Pathson (or Pattison) April 19 1884" (center-right block) - indecipherable name
"Robt. E. Pattison March 17 1884" (lower-center) - indecipherable name
"LLB" or "JJB"Material/Technique
EmbroideredNotes
Some possible inkingMaterial/Technique
PaintedDimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
61-1/2 inLength
81 inDimension Notes
3 x 4 blocks - 20 totalDimension Description
Center Block*Width
18 inLength
17 inDimension Notes
*Usually Crazy Quilts are constructed of blocks. However, this quilt only has one full block - the center block.Materials
Material
Silk, Satin, VelvetMaterial Notes
Mixed: solids, stripes, prints, and plaidsCondition
Overall Condition
WornNotes
Velvet is all good, all the silk is beginning to break down.
*has had extensive netting - conservation workOverall Condition
GoodNotes
Many fabrics are deteriorating
Contains sleeve and tag
