Independent Order of Odd Fellows Summer Spread1875–190076 × 76"CottonGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.15701555565164Artist unidentifiedTextilesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesTextilesFraternal Art and ObjectsThe maker of this quilt, which is technically a summer spread because it does not enclose a middle layer of batting, intended it for use in the home of an Odd Fellows member. Most probably stitched by a woman, the textile demonstrates that female family members were familiar with fraternal symbols. It also shows that male fraternity members wanted to signify their identification with the organization. The blocks are hand appliquéd with the symbolic three-link chain of Odd Fellowship, whereas the longer seams were completed on a sewing machine. The combination of techniques, along with the graphic red-and-white color scheme, help to date the textile. Such pieced and appliquéd bedcovers became increasingly popular through the turn of the century with the advent of colorfast synthetic red dyes after 1868. The three-link chain, one of the best-known Odd Fellows symbols, represents the three primary values of the group: friendship, love, and truth.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Spread," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org18751900 2015 1 157 The maker of this quilt, which is technically a summer spread because it does not enclose a middle layer of batting, intended it for use in the home of an Odd Fellows member. Most probably stitched by a woman, the textile demonstrates that female family members were familiar with fraternal symbols. It also shows that male fraternity members wanted to signify their identification with the organization. The blocks are hand appliquéd with the symbolic three-link chain of Odd Fellowship, whereas the longer seams were completed on a sewing machine. The combination of techniques, along with the graphic red-and-white color scheme, help to date the textile. Such pieced and appliquéd bedcovers became increasingly popular through the turn of the century with the advent of colorfast synthetic red dyes after 1868. The three-link chain, one of the best-known Odd Fellows symbols, represents the three primary values of the group: friendship, love, and truth.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Spread," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org