Label
Amy Brackett Pike of Stowe, Vermont, is referred to in local histories as "Crazy Amy," and is said to have been diagnosed with "religious mania." Records indicate she spent only a short period at the Vermont Asylum in 1852, while she lived with and was cared for by her family through most of her adult life. This coverlet, embellished with extensive embroidered text of a religious and political nature, reveals the creator's disdain toward elected leaders and their perceived misuse of taxes and, most importantly, her desire to build a new temple dedicated to the Lord in her hometown of Stowe. While seemingly incoherent at first glance, upon closer reading it becomes clear that the text and few embroidered images on the coverlet convey a complex, consistent belief system.
Select transcriptions of the Embroidered Text:
- To build the temple of the new era in Stowe, VT it is the set time to restore the kingdom the household of Sir Isaac Brackett and Sir Andrew Luce of Stowe, VT are the lawfull heirs to the crown and scepter measuring chain. To divide the land equal to the heirs. Of kingdom time ends on the senate to the people by a resident time is reconed first year of redemption in Stowe, Vt. Amen/ The spade and the spindle in the land rest to the redeemed.
- The house to the living by me the Lord of the living in this land of taxing to kill to build up the house of fornication and idolatry to the Children of the States of this continent times ends Amen.
-Behold I the redeemer stand in the defeat to defend the rising nation from the order of the head ruling men time ends on the head leaders as now to hold the people in the house of lords in idolatry as the heathen nation in the devotedness to bow to gods of their Fathers in full as the leaders stand to command the people to obey asa commadn of the almighty everlasting Jehovah the God of Abraham all as one to pay the yearly tax bill to keep up the house of music to worship the Lord God of Abraham in by tradition and superstitious on hallowedness man.