Saturday, April 19, 2014

GAR Feathered Star


G.A.R. Feathered Star
82" x 81"
Maker unknown
Nebo, Pike County, Illinois, 1894

To add to your list of Civil War Commemorative quilts:  a terrific feathered star with appliqued shields. The Illinois Quilt Research Project found this quilt during their search and pictured it in Duane and Rachel Elbert's book History from the Heart: Quilt Paths Across Illinois.


Their caption derives from the family story that veteran Colonel Asa Carrington Matthew purchased this fundraiser quilt at Nebo in Pike County, Illinois at a GAR reunion encampment in 1894 or 1895.


Col. A.C. Matthews (1833-1908)
The quilt descended in his family.

 See more at the museum's blog post here:


I believe the feathered star quilt will be on display in the Illinois State Museum's show Civil War Quilters: Loyal Hearts of Illinois, on loan from a private collector.

The exhibit originated in Chicago, traveled to Springfield last year, and will open in Lockport, Illinois on May 6, 2014.

More information on the exhibit:


2 comments:

WoolenSails said...

I love quilts like this but cannot imagine myself, piecing small triangles. I do admire the woman who made them.

Debbie

Anonymous said...

Love this quilt - thanks for sharing the info. I do wish I was close enough to go see it in person. Amazing detail!