Crazy quilt with nine blocks of crazy quilt patches of silks, satins, etc.. Of significance is a ribbon in upper middle block reading: "1854. / Chestnut Hill / ACADEMY / Reunion / 1876." Extensive decorative embroidery on seams as well as some extending into center of patches. Some ribbons are appliqued with decorative embroidery stitches only. Two blue ribbon bows also applied. Eight-inch-wide border of red velvet with mitered corners is a replacement as well as red satin floral weave back. This same red satin is used as a very thin edging around crazy quilt blocks. Binding also formed by backing brought forward.
Quilt made by donor's grandmother Harriet E. L. Alexander who was born in Cecil County, MD. and lived in Rock Spring, MD. Her parents were Robert Levis and Amanda Mullin; father operated a paper mill at Walnut Hill, Md. She apparently attended Chestnut Hill Academy in Colerain Twp, in early 1860s(?). She then met her future husband, Vincent King Alexander, while both were attending Millersville Normal School.
Maker's daughter May Jackson reportedly replaced the border and back. Thus, only the 9 blocks are original. See NOTES
Trish Herr believes the quilt has a Quaker look to it, especially due to its wide borders.
Southern Lancaster Co.
Provenance
Maker to daughter May C.A. Jackson (1875-1903) who "refurbished" quilt before giving to her daughter Helen Jackson (1912- ? , married 3 times) according to Anna S. Alexander (donor's sister-in-law). Helen gave quilt to her cousin John S. Alexander (donor).
Note in file indicates backing was replaced c. 1960.
Scattered deteriorating patches. Most have shredding or splitting. One in middle block of top row is brittle and broken with extensive losses. See condition report in file. Border and back have been replaced.
Object ID
G.96.22.1
Notes
Ribbon pertains most likely to the Chestnut Hill Seminary of Andrews Bridge, Colerain Twp., 1854-1877, run by Thomas Baker. The 1854 initial year of operation matches the date on the ribbon. Biographical Annals has a bio of Baker pp. 497-97, noting his teaching and surveying professions. A Bio of Hon. Marriott Brosius (1843-1901), p. 17, states his early education was in the "Octoraro and Chestnut Hill Academies under the tutorage of the veteran teacher, Thomas Baker..."
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Quiltmaker
Credit
Gift of John S. Alexander, Heritage Center Collection
