Virtual ExhibitsTitle:
QUILT
Date:
1918
Source:
Gift of the Ladies Auxiliary to Council 349, Order of the United Commercial Travelers
Object ID:
X1982.71.01
Description:
During World War I popular magazines promoted quilting as a way to support the war effort and Montana women readily took part in this endeavor. Additional, women's groups with diverse interests and social concerns made quilts that promoted their causes. Some of these quilts contained political slogans, others were made for fundraising raffles, and many were made to give to soldiers in need of warmth.
The December 1917 issue of Modern Priscilla magazine advised its readers of a campaign designed to raise funds to purchase ambulances, emergency equipment, and yarn for the Red Cross. Supporters were asked to donate between twenty-five cents and one dollar to have their name included on a special quilt; once finished, most of these signature quilts were then raffled, raising even more funds for the cause. This Red Cross quilt in the Society's collection - which is covered back and front with more than 1,300 names - was made by the Ladies Auxiliary of the United Commercial Travelers (UCT) Council 349, Cascade County, in 1918. At a time when the United States government urged its citizens to "make quilts [and] save blankets for our boys over there," the ladies of Cascade County took their duty to heart and stitched their patriotism into action, raising over $1,060 for the Red Cross in the process.
The December 1917 issue of Modern Priscilla magazine advised its readers of a campaign designed to raise funds to purchase ambulances, emergency equipment, and yarn for the Red Cross. Supporters were asked to donate between twenty-five cents and one dollar to have their name included on a special quilt; once finished, most of these signature quilts were then raffled, raising even more funds for the cause. This Red Cross quilt in the Society's collection - which is covered back and front with more than 1,300 names - was made by the Ladies Auxiliary of the United Commercial Travelers (UCT) Council 349, Cascade County, in 1918. At a time when the United States government urged its citizens to "make quilts [and] save blankets for our boys over there," the ladies of Cascade County took their duty to heart and stitched their patriotism into action, raising over $1,060 for the Red Cross in the process.
Click to Enlarge
Signature Quilt, X1982.71.01 (front)
Signature Quilt, X1982.71.01 (detail)
Signature Quilt, X1982.71.01 (back)
Signature Quilt, X1982.71.01 (back detail)
Signature Quilt, X1982.71.01 (front)
Signature Quilt, X1982.71.01 (detail)
Signature Quilt, X1982.71.01 (back)
Signature Quilt, X1982.71.01 (back detail)
