Images(2)

Napkin, Linen Damask, 1782

Date1782 (dated)

OriginAmerica

MediumLinen damask, 97 warp by 68 weft threads per inch

DimensionsOH 35 1/2" x OW 31 1/2" (90.2 x 80cm)

Credit LineGift of Elsa Verbyla

Object number2015-209

DescriptionThis is a rectangular, white linen napkin comprised of one piece of fabric 31 1/2" from selvedge to selvedge and 35" from hem to hem. The hems are 1/8 inch wide and sewn with a whip stitch. The napkin is marked in black ink "J. Aitchison/ 12/ 1782".The border contains a checkerboard square in each corner which elongates into a rectangular pattern resembling a basket weave on the sides. The center contains a field of symmetrical three-leaf sprigs.
Label TextDuring the eighteenth century, people marked their laundry with ink to ensure that it would not be misplaced during the laundry process. The markings on this napkin indicate the person's name, the year it was created, and its place in the set.
Markings"12/1782"
ProvenanceThe napkin was found among the effects of the donor's mother, Anne Rawn Cooke (Mrs. John Warren Cooke) who died in 2014. She was a native of West Virginia and moved to Mathews County, Virginia, with her husband about 1940. Her ancestors came from New England. John Warren Cooke's mother, Sarah Grosh, was from Elkton, Maryland, but her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Warren Grosh, were from Pennsylvania.

As of yet, no genealogical connection between Ann Rawn Cook and the original owner of this napkin has been found.