Doll Quilt
PeriodCirca 1860-1870
Place MadeMarlboro, New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumVariety of cotton prints
Dimensions29.5 × 29 in. (74.9 × 73.7 cm)
ClassificationsQuilts and Coverlets
Credit LineGift of Mrs. William M. Kissam, 1992
Object number1992.1.2
DescriptionA small square quilt, likely made for a doll, with both sides pieced, using at least 38 different calico prints in shades of brown, blue, pink, green, tan, white, red, dull yellow, pale yellow, in stripes, ombres, chintz, seaweed, spots, floral sprigs, and much else. On the first side, two center pieces squares of an "X" block and a Pinwheel block, with several four-patch blocks and single patch "fill-in" panels to even out the overall panel. On the verso, a hundred small square patches arranged 10 x 10, in four x four four-patch blocks, in an array of fabrics. A narrow binding of pieces fabrics edges the quilt. The quilt is tied with plain cotton thread at each square and corner throughout.Curatorial RemarksThis charming and lively doll-sized quilt was made either by Elizabeth Dubois Smock (1865-1943) or her mother Catherine Schenck Smock (1825-1904). The quilt fabrics are fascinating, and range from early - perhaps even first quarter - 19th century ombre prints and delicate "seaweed" prints, mid 19th century stripes, and later (even last quarter) 19th century small repeats in soft colors. More than a half century of fabric prints are contained in this small quilt. Even the smallest scraps of fabric were used, as some of the four-patch blocks on one side are themselves pieced out to achieve the 2 1/2 inch squares. It is easy to imagine little Elizabeth Dubois Smock selecting scraps from her mother Catherine's fabric bag. Girls often started with small patchwork projects to practice their skills, including patchwork pockets (most popular in the very late 18th and early 19th centuries) and small-sized quilts for dolls.NotesElizabeth Dubois Smock was born in 1865 in Marlboro to Uriah Smock (1815-1881) and Catherine Schenck Smock (1825-1904). She was the youngest of four children. Two of Uriah and Catherine's children died young (Henry 1860-1861 and Anna 1862-1863), so Elizabeth grew up with her older sister Ella (1852-1890). In 1889, Elizabeth married dentist Dr. George B. Herbert. The couple had one son, Oliver, born in 1891. Dr. Herbert died in March of 1904. Elizabeth married a second time, to William K. Blodgett, mayor of Point Pleasant, on January 14, 1905. Elizabeth's son Oliver died at the age of 24 of tuberculosis. Elizabeth died on February 27, 1943. Many of her personal items went to niece Katherine Schenck Hobart Van Deusen (1879-1954), including the small quilt. Katherine's daughter, Dorothy Van Deusen Kissam, donated the quilt to the Historical Association in 1992.
Collections
ProvenanceCatherine Schenck Smock (1825-1904) to her daughter Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dubois Smock Hobart Blodgett (1865-1943) to her niece Katherine Schenck Hobart Van Deusen (1879-1954) to her daughter Dorothy Hobart Van Deusen Kissam (1913-2000)
