Quilt
PeriodDated 1849
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumCotton
Dimensions99 × 98 in. (251.5 × 248.9 cm)
ClassificationsQuilts and Coverlets
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Jay Rogers, 1951
Object numberT1974.2
DescriptionA quilt in the "Chimney Sweep" pattern, hand pieced in a five by five block arrangement straight set, with bright green print cotton sashing and borders. Each block uses a different red print, all blocks inked with a variety of signatures and embellishments. The center presentation block is inscribed "This Tribute of respect was presented to Mrs. Martha Rogers by her Burlington friends 1849."Curatorial RemarksPresentation wedding quilts were part of the golden age of friendship quilts, which began in the 1840s and was at its peak throught the early 1870s. Quilts were made by groups of female relatives, friends, groups attached to specific churches, congregations, or auxilliary groups. Most were signed, dated, or otherwise marked for remembrance. Quilts were assembled and presented to those getting married, pastors and their wives departing for another congregations, and for those moving away to distant locations. The Chimney Sweep pattern was popular through the 1840s and 1850s.NotesThis cheerful and bright red, green, and white Chimney Sweep quilt was presented to Mrs. Martha Rogers in 1849. Research reveals that it was made as a wedding presentation quilt. Martha F. Stillwell was one of ten children of Abram and Phoebe Smock Stillwell. Born in the Stillwells' Corner area of West Freehold in 1828, Martha married tobbaconist James V. Rogers (1823-?) on March 19, 1849. Although it is unknown how Martha knew her "Burlington friends" who held her in such respect, they clearly felt it was appropriate to spend the time and effort creating such a lovely gift as a wedding present. In the late 18th and through most of the 19th centuries many young girls worked on patchwork, applique, and whole cloth quilts, completing them and storing them away in anticipation of needing them to set up their own households when married. It was not uncommon for women to gather together to produce quilts for a friend approaching marriage. The Historical Association has several documented wedding quilts in its collection. Martha and David Rogers had two children, both of whom died before Martha. Martha Stillwell Rogers died in 1908 at the age of 81 and was buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
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