Coverlet, White

Date1790-1830

Artist/Maker Mary (Hattie) Hottel Snarr

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Shenandoah County, Woodstock

MediumCotton warp and weft (fiber identification by textile lab) 52-56 epi warp vs. 72-76 ppi weft

DimensionsOverall: (96.5" x 91") including fringe; Fringe: W 2 1/2"; Side panels: (30.5" x 91); Middle panel (31" x 91")

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-818

DescriptionThis is a white cotton coverlet composed of three panels with knotted fringe on three sides. The pattern is a huck variant with diamond honeycomb pattern that forms a series of rectangles in rough surface texture and ribbing. The fringe is a modern replacement. The hems are rolled, seams are overcast, and selvedge exhibits slight compression.
Label TextThis woven white coverlet is attributed to Hattie Hottel Snarr of Shenandoah County, Virginia. Working in white held special significance given the difficulty of crafting and keeping these textiles clean.
ProvenanceThe coverlet is of the type made in the late 18th century. Origin: Woodstock (Shenandoah County), Virginia. The coverlet was woven by Mary (Hattie) Hottel Snarr (1793-1855) and passed to her daughter Catherine Ann Snarr Coffman (1824-1897) who gave the textile to her daughter Alice Cornelia Coffman Miller (1857-1916). The coverlet was eventually donated to the Colonial Williamsburg collection by Martha Alice Coffman Palmer (1884- date of death unknown) who had received it from her aunt Alice Miller.
History of Maker: Mary (Hattie) Hottel Snarr was born on February 15th 1793 in Toms Brook, Shenandoah County, Virginia. She was married to John Snarr in 1807 and had seven children. She died on January 21st 1855 at the age of 61 and was survived by both her spouse and all seven children.