There are many stories of quilts and quilters. Just as "every picture tells a story," every quilt has a story to tell, though perhaps it is hard to hear - until you listen very carefully, and ask it the right questions...

In this section, we will recount some of the stories quilts and quilters have told us - and perhaps there are those among you who have an interesting quilt story to tell - we hope that you will consider sharing it with us and our readers. We will be very happy to hear your stories about quilts, quilting, and quilters, past and present, and we will share the best ones with our readers if you like. If so, please use the "Ask the Quilter" form and send it to us.

The first stories we'd like to present are the stories of some old quilts that have "gone home."

I’m sure most people who have owned an old quilt (or for that matter, any antique) have wondered about its past at times. Some detail the political or social history of their times quite clearly, or have been handed down in families with the traditions that surround them. Many are unidentified, but obviously old, and have seen much of life in their existence. Others may have a date or names, or other information, but remain obscure.

Lisa loves antique quilts, and has a special affinity for the "Autograph" quilts. These are quilts with blocks that include a written or embroidered signature. They are also sometimes called "Signature" "Friendship," " or "Album" quilts. Some used specific blocks designed for the purpose, known as "album" blocks, which have a space for the name of the maker. (See Quilts in History for the full story of these quilts - coming soon!)

When I asked her about her interest in them, she replied; "They're so personal - they represent real people. You wonder about them, what their lives were like, why the quilt was made, what happened to them later... it's a link with the quilters of the past."

Over the years, she has collected a few, some finished, some as tops, and some as unassembled blocks. She thought of finishing them, but other projects took precedence.

A few years ago, Lisa, who had seen me come up with all sorts of information in my historic and genealogical searches by using the Internet, asked me if I could use the Web to find out something about these quilts and people. I wasn't sure, but was willing to try. After thinking about it, I decided the best place to start was the genealogy web sites, which I was familiar with from my own research. Here is what happened...

The London School Quilt story.

Antique Quilt Tops and Blocks for Sale to Makers or Descendants - Looking for information:

I am looking for information on the names on the following quilts and blocks. If we can find the makers or their descendants, I would consider selling them, either "as is" or finished. Pictures will follow shortly. If anyone has a lead, I’d appreciate it if you got in touch with me. Thanks!

Lisa

37 signature blocks, c. 1930, purchased as a group in Springfield, IL in 2002:

(Note: The individuals below signed only their initial and first name.)

B. Lloyd
B. Lela
B. Willie
B. Blanche
B. Walter

Batson, Phillip
Batson, Wanda
Batson, Al

Cade, Elmer

Denney, Alta Pearl
Denney, Lloyd Albert
Denney, Justin A.
Denney, Carolyn Sue
Denney, John William
Denney, Mary Lucille

Hicks, Clyde
Hicks, Alva
Hicks, Wava
Hicks, John
Moore, John Albert
Moore, Lawrence
Moore, Albert
Moore, Dorothy
Moore, Herb
Moore, Ruth
Moore, Daisy
Moore, C. B.
Moore, Sarah Jane
Moore, R.

Snyder, Juanita
Snyder, Mary
Snyder, Lula
Snyder, Jeesse
Snyder, Elta M.
Snyder, Robert
Parker, Marth A.
Perigo, Lloyd
Perigo, Redyth

Shartzer, Naomi
Shertzer, J. D.

Signature block quilt, hand quilted, purchased in Springfield, IL 2002. Begun in 1930s, finished in 1950s. Very Good condition.

Denton, Jim 1958
Denton, Bobbie 1958 Redding, CA
Denton, George Lee 1958 Washington, DC
Denton, Henry 1958
Denton, Herschel C. 1958 Garland, KY
Minor, Katherine 1932 Henderson, KY
Clark, Mrs. S.G. 1932 Springfield, MO
Parks, Ida 1932 Sebree, KY
Edwards, Mr & Mrs Wm A. , Feb. 4, 1932 Bagnall, MO
Aunt Elna 1932 Salem, KY
Jewell, Mrs. M.H. 1932 Henderson, KY
Spillars, Evelyn G. 1932 Sebree, KY
Denton, Laveda 1932 Salem, KY
Jeffries, Mr & Mrs S.P. 1932 Bagnall, MO
Hickle, Lucille 1932 Asheville, NC
Walker, Mrs. C.H. 1932 Asheville, NC
Major, Chick 1932 Sebree, KY
Clark, Helen “Smiles” 1932 Springfield, MO
Jewell, Maomi 1932 Henderson, KY
Jeffries, Mrs. 1932 Bagnall, MO
Taylor, Frank P. 1932 Salem, KY
Taylor, Elizabeth 1932 Salem, KY
Spillars, Rulry Alyene 1932 Sebree, KY
Kullum, Ruth 1932 Burnet, TX
Mom 1958
Foster, Mr & Mrs James A. 1932 Bagnall, MO
Kidwell, Bernice 1932 Bagnall, MO
Minor, Ella 1932 Henderson, KY
Jeffries, La Norma 1932 Bagnall, MO
Hutchins, J.R. 1932 Elizabethton, TN
Denton, Marj. 1958
Denton, Mary 1958
Denton, Vera 1958
Plemmons, Mrs H.H. 1932 Asheville, NC
Brown, Lena 1932 Bagnall, MO