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Coverlet 2017.609.7
Woven Doublecloth Coverlet
Coverlet 2017.609.7

Woven Doublecloth Coverlet

Date1839
Owned by Lydia A. Reynolds (1813 - 1850)
OriginAmerica, Maryland
MediumWool and cotton
DimensionsOW including fringe: 81 ¾ in.; OH including fringe 93 ¾ in.
Credit LineGift of Retta McCullough Coupland
Object number2017.609.7
DescriptionThis is a rectangular red, brown, and natural color cotton and wool doublecloth woven coverlet by an unidentified weaver. It has a central field design of three blocks of floral and star designs that alternate. There is an inner border of tree-like motifs at top and bottom. The same inner border is at the sides with the addition of a Greek Key element. An outer geometric border is on all four sides. In each of the four corner blocks is the woven inscription: “LYDIA. A./ REYNOLDS/ WOVE IN/ 1839.” The coverlet is formed from two panels that are vertically center seamed. There is a self-fringe at top and bottom and a frayed selvage at both sides. A label on reverse in left bottom corner reads: “W. J. Waff./ North Shore/ Point.” A label on reverse at top in right corner reads: “Retta Waff.”
Label TextThe weaver of this fancy and figured doublecloth coverlet included the name of the intended owner, Lydia A. Reynolds, in the coverlet's corner blocks rather than his own. A double-woven textile is actually made of two layers of cloth woven simultaneously on a loom. Double-woven coverlets are heavy and warm, not only because of the two distinct layers but also because of the air pockets formed between them as part of the weaving process.

Lydia A. Reynolds lived in Cecil County, Maryland. The woven coverlet was a cherished family keepsake and descended through the matriarchal line until it was given to the museum.
MarkingsA label on reverse in left bottom corner reads: “W. J. Waff./ North Shore/ Point.” A label on reverse at top in right corner reads: “Retta Waff.”
ProvenanceThe woven coverlet was owned by Lydia Ann Reynolds Parker and descended to her oldest daughter Hannah Margery Parker McCullough (1845-1926) to her daughter Henrietta Reynolds McCullough Waff to her daughter Retta McCullough Waff Coupland to her daughter Retta McCullough Coupland Brassfield (great great granddaughter of original owner) who gave it to the museum.

History of Coverlet Owner:
Lydia Ann Reynolds Parker, the owner of this coverlet, was born in Cecil County, Maryland, on December 27, 1813, to John Reynolds (1770-1816) and Hannah Knight Reynolds (1775-1856). At age 16, she entered the Lititz Moravian Girl's School in Pennsylvania where she was listed as the stepdaughter of Cornelius Smith, the second husband of her mother, Hannah Knight Reynolds. Lydia probably lived in the Gerry House with Cornelius Smith and her mother, after her father died and her mother remarried. Lydia's initials appear on her older sister's (Hannah) sampler dated 1813. Lydia married William Price Parker (1814-1896) and they had five children: Leonard Smith (ca. 1838-1911); Joseph Koscuiszko (1842-aft. 1911); Daniel Megredy (ca. 1843-1891); Hannah Marjorie (1845-1926); and Mary W. (1849-1850). She died in Port Deposit, Maryland, on November 8, 1850.