Quilt
PeriodCirca 1870-1880
MediumCotton
Dimensions83 × 83 in. (210.8 × 210.8 cm)
ClassificationsQuilts and Coverlets
Credit LineGift of Leroy Golden, 1992
Object number1992.5.31
DescriptionA bold red and white cotton quilt, with three by three large applique blocks straight set, no sashing, forming a square quilt of nine total blocks. The large pattern appears to be a variation of the Paddle Reel pattern, formed by folding the fabric square and using a paper template with a quarter of the pattern drawn, then cutting out the square to reveal the result. All nine are carefully turned under and hem stitched. The quilt was never finished.NotesThis quilt is attributed to the donor's grandmother, Emma L. Pike Morford. Born in New York in 1846, Emma married Middletown farmer and former Civil War officer William E. Morford (1839-1914). Morford served as a Captain in the F&S Troop New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry Regiment from 1861 to 1864. The couple had three children, including Charles (born 1876), Fanny (1877-1956), and Alfreda (1884-1968). Towards the end of their lives, both Emma and William suffered from serious health issues. William's arthritis was acute, and he was unable to continue farming. Emma gradually lost her sight, a newspaper article noting that she began suffering from bad headaches, cloudy vision, and a total loss of sight within a year. Emma may have been suffering from acute glaucoma. William died in 1914, Emma the following year. Both were interred in the Fair View Cemetery in Middletown, Monmouth County NJ. The Double Heart quilt and two other quilts, both pieced "Album Patch" quilts, were donated by Emma's grandson, Leroy Golden.
Collections
ProvenanceEmma Pike Morford (1846-1915) to her daughter Alfreda Morford Golden (1884-1968) to her son Leroy Golden (1910-2000)
