Images(2)

Quilt, Doll

Date1890-1900

MakerGrandmother of Edna Mae Rohrbaugh

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania

MediumCotton

Dimensions14 x 15"

Credit LineGift of Miriam Denton

Object number2008.1200.1

DescriptionMiniature doll quilt pieced from 49 squares of cotton, alternating white cotton with cotton printed with small-scale black sprig on red ground. White cotton backing is brought to front to form narrow edge binding. Quilted with running stitches following the quares. No batting.
Label TextDoll quilts were made by both mothers and daughters. Often these quilts were used as teaching tools, allowing girls to learn the art of quilt making while also preparing them for their future roles as mothers. Quilts made by children would usually be patchwork as opposed to appliqué. Like many toys, these quilts were small versions of their full-size counterparts and often mimicked the styles that were popular during the time they were made.
ProvenanceThe quilt was made for Edna Mae Rohrbaugh born in 1893. It was made by her grandmother who was a Freed from York County, PA. Edna's mother was Sarah Freed born in 1850 who married Charlie Rohrbaugh. Edna's daughter was Miriam Keys Denton, mother-in-law of the donor. The donor thinks that the quilt could have been made for Sarah Freed and then passed down to Edna.