Flag Quilt1898–191077 1/4 × 78 3/4"Cotton with cotton embroideryGift of the Amicus Foundation, Inc., Anne Baxter Klee, and the Trustees of the American Folk Art Museum1985.15.10(including construction) Pieced coton quilt composed of center square surrounded by blue border with thirty-two appliqued stars and outer navy blue border with forty-eight appliqued stars. Central square has white ground with shields of thirteen stars and eight American flags, each with thirteen stars; thirteen red and white stripes pieced along each side; two appliqued flags on top and bottom, one on LS and RS. Six rows of white stars appear on blue square at each corner, from inner border to corners. Outline and square grid quilting; flag poles embroidered in chain stitch. Outline and square grid quilt; flag poles embroidered in chain stitch.152743758Mary C. BaxterTextilesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.KearnyKearnyUnited StatesNew JerseyTextileseMuseum - Collection HighlightsKearnyThis quilt is an excellent and graphically successful example of the patriotic and flag quilt genres. These quilts were often made upon the admittance of a state into the Union, the number of stars sometimes giving a clue for the dating the quilt. Patriotic themes became more prevalent during times of national emergency, such as the Spanish American War (Feb-August, 1898) According to oral tradition, that war was the inspiration for this particular quilt.According to oral tradition, this Flag Quilt was made in Kearny, New Jersey, during the Spanish-American War. In 1898, Captain George Buttle of Kearny led a regiment of volunteers to fight in Puerto Rico. Local histories report that when the regiment returned to Kearny on October 13, 1898, a celebration was held at Freeman Hall. Although it cannot be proved that this quilt was made in commemoration of the war, it was certainly designed and sewn at a time of great patriotic feelings among the townspeople of Kearny.
Elizabeth V. Warren, "Flag Quilt," exhibition label from QUILTS: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum. Elizabeth V. Warren, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2010.Patriotic themes have been common in American quilts since the early years of the nation. Quiltmakers have expressed nationalistic pride through specific motifs—such as eagles, flags, shields, and various combinations of the stars and stripes—and by incorporating printed commemorative fabrics into their bedcovers.
According to oral tradition, the Flag Quilt was made at the time of the Spanish-American War in 1898. According to information provided to the Museum when the quilt was acquired, its maker was Mary C. Baxter of Kearny, New Jersey. Kearny was flourishing at the end of the nineteenth century, and the textile industry was preeminent. In 1898, Captain George Buttle of Kearny led a regiment of volunteers to fight in Puerto Rico. Local histories report that when the regiment returned to the town on October 13, 1898, a celebration was held at Freeman Hall. Although it cannot be proven that this quilt was made in commemoration of the war, it was certainly a time of great patriotic feeling among the townspeople of Kearny.
Patriotic and commemorative quilts often can be dated by the number of stars used by the quiltmaker, but that is not possible in this example. All of the flags and the shield in the center of the quilt have thirteen stars, a reference to the thirteen original colonies. The stars and flags have been appliquéd onto the top of the quilt, and the flagpoles have been embroidered in chain stitch.
Elizabeth V. Warren, "Flag Quilt," in Stacy C. Hollander, American Anthem: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams in association with American Folk Art Museum, 2001), 356.appliqued quilt18981910 1985 15 1 This quilt is an excellent and graphically successful example of the patriotic and flag quilt genres. These quilts were often made upon the admittance of a state into the Union, the number of stars sometimes giving a clue for the dating the quilt. Patriotic themes became more prevalent during times of national emergency, such as the Spanish American War (Feb-August, 1898) According to oral tradition, that war was the inspiration for this particular quilt.According to oral tradition, this Flag Quilt was made in Kearny, New Jersey, during the Spanish-American War. In 1898, Captain George Buttle of Kearny led a regiment of volunteers to fight in Puerto Rico. Local histories report that when the regiment returned to Kearny on October 13, 1898, a celebration was held at Freeman Hall. Although it cannot be proved that this quilt was made in commemoration of the war, it was certainly designed and sewn at a time of great patriotic feelings among the townspeople of Kearny.
Elizabeth V. Warren, "Flag Quilt," exhibition label from QUILTS: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum. Elizabeth V. Warren, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2010.Patriotic themes have been common in American quilts since the early years of the nation. Quiltmakers have expressed nationalistic pride through specific motifs—such as eagles, flags, shields, and various combinations of the stars and stripes—and by incorporating printed commemorative fabrics into their bedcovers.
According to oral tradition, the Flag Quilt was made at the time of the Spanish-American War in 1898. According to information provided to the Museum when the quilt was acquired, its maker was Mary C. Baxter of Kearny, New Jersey. Kearny was flourishing at the end of the nineteenth century, and the textile industry was preeminent. In 1898, Captain George Buttle of Kearny led a regiment of volunteers to fight in Puerto Rico. Local histories report that when the regiment returned to the town on October 13, 1898, a celebration was held at Freeman Hall. Although it cannot be proven that this quilt was made in commemoration of the war, it was certainly a time of great patriotic feeling among the townspeople of Kearny.
Patriotic and commemorative quilts often can be dated by the number of stars used by the quiltmaker, but that is not possible in this example. All of the flags and the shield in the center of the quilt have thirteen stars, a reference to the thirteen original colonies. The stars and flags have been appliquéd onto the top of the quilt, and the flagpoles have been embroidered in chain stitch.
Elizabeth V. Warren, "Flag Quilt," in Stacy C. Hollander, American Anthem: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams in association with American Folk Art Museum, 2001), 356.appliqued quilt