Name/Title
Hudgins QuiltEntry/Object ID
2021.003.001Description
Eight rows and eight columns of hand pieced and hand quilted blocks. This quilt is known as a "potholder" quilt, a style that was typically done in the early to mid 1800s. They are a "quilt as you go" style of quilt in which each block is completed and bound separately, then whip-stitched to other like blocks. These quilts could have been completed by one person, or, more than likely, were completed by a group of individuals as the blocks could easily be done by individuals. The blocks are set with sashing made out of a green and yellow print fabric. It measures 1'' wide by 10'' long.
The use of the cheddar print in the eight-pointed star is typical of this period. The blues, pinks, and cheddar fabrics used in the blocks are consistent throughout the quilt, as is the green binding of each block. The brown and the white fabrics vary by block.
The binding is the same green and yellow fabric used in the sashing and has been applied as part of the sashing. It measures 3/4'' wide and contains squared corners. The backing is a white, cotton print fabric. The batting is a thin cotton.
Machine quilted using single, white, cotton thread in straight diagonal parallel lines. The direction alternates.Context
The construction of this quilt goes against family history - the family reports that this quilt was made by Elizabeth Taylor [Haley] c. 1805 for Elizabeth's daughter, Louise Jane Haley Hudgins. However, the fabric is not that old. Genealogy research does confirm that Elizabeth and her husband John did have a daughter named Louise in 1806, as well as ten other children.
It is likely that the quilt was actually made c. 1860, which is when Elizabeth died. Louise is more than likely the maker as the quilt came down through her family. However, this is a potholder quilt, meaning it could have many makers. With Elizabeth having eleven children - 5 of whom were girls - all the women of the Haley family could have contributed.
Louisa Jane Haley (c.1806-Nov. 19, 1887) married Churchill (Churchwell) Hudgins. They had a son named George Washington Hudgins (February 4, 1836 - May 8, 1923). His widow, Suzie Margaret Thompson Hudgins (June 29, 1872 - December 11, 1949) inherited the quilt before passing it to their daughter, Ruby Doris Hudgins Gardner (August 16, 1900 - September 6, 1966). Ruby's daughter, Doris Imogene Gardner Courtney Cleland (November 24, 1926 - October 28, 1990) inherited the quilt before passing it to her son, Walter James Courtney (May 15, 1953 - March 19, 2020). It was then passed to Ruby Jane Courtney Beazley Foster (February 2, 1947-present), the daughter of Doris Imogene Gardner and Ollie James Courtney.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2021.003Source or Donor
Ruby FosterAcquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Hudgins Family of VirginiaAttribution
Attributed toRole
MakerDate made
circa 1860 - circa 1900Notes
*likely closer to 1900Dimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
90 inLength
90 inDimension Description
Individual Block DimensionsWidth
10 inLength
10 inDimension Notes
8 x 8, total of 64 blocksMaterials
Material
CottonMaterial Notes
PrintsColor
Cheddar, Teal, White, Pink, ClaretCondition
Overall Condition
Very GoodNotes
Fading due to fugitive cheddar. A couple of stains on the back (left and right side and on the top).
