"Aunt Sallie's Quilt," Samplers, and More Needle Treasures

A few months ago, my husband and I (Teri) spent a lovely afternoon wandering the small town of historic Shepherdstown, West Virginia. We passed the Entler Hotel, which houses a museum, and entered just in time to enjoy the exhibits—we had about a half hour until it closed. I had been there with a friend years ago and remembered seeing an album quilt on display. I was hoping to see it again.

Shepherdstown was founded by Thomas Sheperd in 1734. He was commissioned to start the settlement to create a buffer between the French and the Indians. The town was full of artisans, mostly of German origin; many of the artifacts in the museum reflect that artisanship. In case you don't live close enough to visit in person, I hope you'll enjoy this virtual tour of the Historic Shepherdstown Museum, in the Entler Hotel. 

The front room was the dining area, which included several clocks made by early clockmaker, Jacob Kraft. 

Desk and clock

Tools of Domesticity

Manual sewing machine and iron

An old ringer washing machine

Apron

Laundry rack

The Traveler's Room

The Traveler's Room: green plaid dress and triangle quilt, c. 1840s

Traveler's Room, c. 1840s
Guests at the hotel were expected to share a room, and perhaps a bed, with a stranger,
unless they paid an extra fee of 25 cents. Rooms were for sleeping only. 

Traveler's room: hexagon quilt and coverlet; c. 1840s

A Room Full of Stitching

48 Star Flag: Crocheted by Mrs. William Tennant during WWII.

Sampler, stitched by Helen Blackford, 1850

Detail: Sampler, stitched by Ann Huffman, 1819

Detail: Sampler, stitched by Ann Huffman, 1819

Turkey Track quilt; 1875

Aunt Sallie's Quilt

I was not disappointed! The quilt I remembered is still hanging, though I may have made it just in time. I was told that it will soon be taken down for preservation purposes. I was only able to see half of it, but it was enough to fill my heart with joy.

Aunt Sallie's Quilt, 1856; Historic Shepherdstown Museum, Shepherdstown, WV

I loved that Aunt Sallie's Quilt was used to spur a modern version in a local high school art class. In the true spirit of an Album quilt, the talents of many students were combined to create this quilt. What a wonderful way to inspire young minds to pick up a needle; even if it is just a seed planted in their minds for the time in their lives when the busyness of life has settled a bit.

The museum has patterns available for the quilt. Perhaps you might wish to create your own version of Aunt Sallie's Quilt. Or better yet, a group working together to create an actual album quilt. Any takers?! To read more about the museum, you can visit the website by clicking here.

Well, the museum had closed, and it was time to stroll up the street to go home. I hope you have enjoyed visiting the quaint town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and the many needle treasures of the mid-1800s. Thanks for joining me!