THE ALBUM NATIONWIDE
The fad for album quilts sprang from the popularity of paper albums: books with signatures, drawings, and poems gathered from friends and family. Made by one individual or many, fabric squares replaced the paper pages to create album quilts. They were made to mark a rite of passage or to reinforce the bonds of family, religious community, or group membership.
THE ALBUM IN MARYLAND
Different styles of album quilts evolved throughout the country, but the Baltimore Album was a distinct version copied throughout Maryland. Block styles vary, but all are distinctive for their complexity of design, large block size, and bold colors. Identical blocks with identical fabrics are found on multiple quilts, suggesting production for sale commercially. Research continues to better understand the blocks’ design sources and dispersal.
Made for Betsey Hobbs Harper (b. ca. 1810) and William Harper (b. ca. 1804)
Made by Ruth Pettit Penn (b. ca. 1807)
Made by Eliza and Sarah Waring and other family members
Made by Cornelia Amanda Everhart Wissler (1836-1921)
Quilted by Kate Wissler in 1907
Made by Mary Mannakee Nicholls (1827-1916)