Historic Hood River
Last Chance Quilts!
Notes
This is you last chance to see the very popular exhibit of Historic quilts at the museum. This exhibit will be up until Saturday (December 30th). The museum will then be closed to visitors from December 31 until March 1 while the exhibit elves prepare everything for another great season.
This crazy quilt was made by Jennie McMullin, proprietor of Mt. Hood Tavern. This quilt was generously donated by Historic Hood River reader Steve Gibson.
This is the caption which accompanies the museum display:
Crazy Quilt
Jennie McMullin (1872-1956)
Early 20th c.
Even though they may appear to be a haphazard creation of random scraps, Crazy Quilts were actually very thoughtfully planned out pieces of art. Gaining popularity in the Victorian era, they embody the extravagant, over-the-top style of the time. Benefiting from the rise of mass produced fabrics, Crazy Quilters often utilized rich colors and fabrics not traditionally used for quilts such as fine silks and velvet.
Once all of the pieces were attached, quilters would then go back and hand stitch each seam, sometimes even adding embroidered designs, charms, or names of loved ones to personalize them as much as possible.
This quilt in particular was made by Jennie McMullin who opened the Mount Hood Tavern at the base of Cooper Spur Road and remained well known in the Hood River Valley until her passing in 1956. After being passed down for five generations, it remains a long lasting piece of Columbia Gorge family history and an impressive example of Crazy Quilts.
2020.11.1
Gift of Steve Gibson
Kalley
I was at the open house at the museum and talked with both Anne and Peggy. It was a great turnout of people appreciating the quilt display, listening to the singers and just meeting up with local folks to chat and catch up with each other.
At the White Salmon Library there was another open house and a wonderful quilt display. So, my Mom and I had a fun time together with a quilt filled afternoon. I’m a member of the Columbia River Gorge Quilt Guild too.
Marilyn
This is one impressive quilt, I wonder how long it took to make it.
kmb
I have always loved quilts like this, I believe the artistry that goes into these creations is under appreciated.