Skip to main content
DS2003-0576_R.2004-1202_2003.609.3, Blanket
Blanket, Embroidered
DS2003-0576_R.2004-1202_2003.609.3, Blanket

Blanket, Embroidered

Date1852 (dated)
Maker Phebe Crandall (1830-1862)
MediumWhite cotton woven with colored wool; wool embroidery (fiber identification by microscope)
Dimensions80 1/2 x 89 1/2-inches. Without fringe: 74 1/2 x 86-inches.
Credit LineGift of Mary Julia Todd Rees
Object number2003.609.3
DescriptionThis is a rectangular blanket of heavy white cottons woven in a large-scale plaid using red, and blue woolens. Two different abstracted floral sprigs embroidered of red, green, and pale yellow woolens alternate inside each white area of the plaid. Embroidery stitches include satin and outline. At the top center is the cross-stitched inscription "Phebe / Crandall / Columbus / Chenango / NY / 1852." The blanket is unlined and constructed from two pieces with a center seam. White cotton fringe is applied to the sides and bottom. The top has a narrow rolled hem. There are scattered small holes and losses in the woolen areas of embroidery and woven plaid areas..
Label TextWoven blankets embroidered with colorful woolens were popular bed coverings from the late eighteenth century to the middle of the nineteenth century.
This example is proudly signed with Phebe Crandall's name, her location in New York State, and the date of 1852. Phebe was born in 1830 in South Brookfield, Madison County, New York, and died unmarried in 1862. She is buried in the Columbus Corners Cemetery, Columbus, New York. Because she died without children, the blanket descended to the donor's great, great grandmother, Rhoda Crandall Ames (1838-1927), who was Rhoda's sister.
Inscribed"Phebe Crandall/ Columbus Chenango/ NY 1852" (cross-stitched on center top of blanket)
ProvenanceDescended to donor from her great-grandmother, Rhoda Crandall Ames (1838-1927). Phebe Crandall (1830-1862) was Rhoda's sister. Phebe was born in South Brookfield, Madison County, NY, and died unmarried at the age of 31. She is buried in the Columbus Corners Cemetery, Columbus, NY.