Images(3)

Pillowcases, Marked "EHB"

Date1820-1827

Maker Emily Hannah Badger Smith (1806 - 1882)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Reading

MediumLinen, cotton marking threads

DimensionsA. EHB 2: 39 1/4 L X 17 1\4" W B. EHB 5: 39 1/4" X 17 1/4" W

Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford

Object number2006-101,A&B

DescriptionThese are two pillowcases of white plain-woven linen. The pillowcases are marked with red cotton cross stitching: Pillowcase "A" is marked EHB 2; Pillowcase "B" is marked EHB 5. Both are constructed with half-inch hems that are folded over and closely stitched. The selvages are butted together and closely stitched to form the long side seams, and the narrow end is closely stitched with a flat fell seam.

Pillowcase B has yellow staining at fold lines. Both cases are in otherwise strong condition.
Label TextThese fine linen pillowcases were made by Emily Hannah Badger prior to her marriage in 1827 to Levi Bull Smith. She carefully cross stitched her initials EHB and the number of the set on each of the cases. The marking aided in identifying and inventorying the cases during laundry.
Markings"EHB 2"
"EHB 5"
ProvenanceUsed by (and probably made by) Hannah Badger Smith (1806-1882), who was born in Bucksport, Maine and went to live with her aunt, Nancy Buck O'Brien in Reading, Pennsylvania. Hannah married Levi Bull Smith (1806-1876) in 1827; the couple lived in or near Reading. By descent through family to Beatrix Rumford who donated the pillowcases to the Art Museums.