Name/Title
Harrison Family AlbumEntry/Object ID
1996.001.001Description
This quilt top contains 25 15'' appliquéd blocks in red and green solid colors and some prints on muslin. The patterns include numerous wreaths and also some crossed leaves and flowers. Eight of the blocks have signatures, including the names: Samuel Price, Sen., Martha Morton, Mary Pearce, Christiana Commerell, Elizabeth G. Miles, Francis A. Commerell, Miss Miranda Hicks (July 12, 1847), and Elizabeth Pearce (Jan. 1848).
There is a variety of excellent hand applique and stuffing techniques exhibited in this piece, including stuffed grapes, cherries, and roses, as well as embroidery embellishments. The border is 8'' wide in muslin fabric. The top is machine hemmed at the top and bottom, possibly to allow its use as a summer weight cover.Context
This quilt came from the family of Bishop Keener of the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was owned by his mother, Anna Maria Kenner. It is unknown why it was made. Red and green quilts were often considered some of the most well done quilts by women in the mid 1800s, receiving attention and being put on display for the needlework skills. Of the names inked on the quilt, all were women except for Samuel Price, Sen. This quilt was given to Charles D. Harrison of Harrisonburg, Virginia. He passed it to his daughter, Alice Harrison before being passed to the donor, Mr. Harrison's granddaughter-in-law.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1996.001Source or Donor
Helen LeighNotes
Donated Feb. 29, 1996Made/Created
Date made
1847 - 1848Notes
The following names are on each of the eight quilt blocks, possibly indicating makers: Samuel Price, Sen., Martha Morton, Mary Pearce, Christiana Commerell, Elizabeth G. Miles, Francis A. Commerell, Miss Miranda Hicks (July 12, 1847), Elizabeth Pearce (Jan. 1848).Inscription/Signature/Marks
Transcription
The following names are on each of the eight quilt blocks, possibly indicating makers: Samuel Price, Sen., Martha Morton, Mary Pearce, Christiana Commerell, Elizabeth G. Miles, Francis A. Commerell, Miss Miranda Hicks (July 12, 1847), Elizabeth Pearce (Jan. 1848), and Mary Pearce.Other Name
Keener Album TopDimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
90 inLength
92 inDimension Description
Individual Block DimensionsWidth
15 inLength
15 inDimension Notes
25 blocks totalCondition
Overall Condition
PoorNotes
holes, missing pieces, tear (attempted mending), unmendable areas on back
Contains sleeve and tag
