Chasing Some Family History

  A few weeks ago my husband and I took a trip to the towns where my nana and pop pop grew up in western Pennsylvania. During Covid time, I had been researching my nana's teaching background. She was a student in a normal school in Marklesburg, PA in the summer of 1905. (Although why they were called normal schools, I have no idea?) While there,  the students in that term were asked to sign a pillow top and someone embroidered all of the names on to the pillow top. In the photo I had found on the internet, I could only see Flora which was her first name. I was sure it was her. So I called the museum and the young lady was kind enough to go photograph the whole pillow and text it text it to me and sure enough it was my nana, Flora M. Cramer. I was determined to see this 118 year old pillow in person. I finally got there this month. 

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Turned out that the young lady with whom I had spoken was our tour guide that day. She remembered me. Who else but a crazy sewist would chase down a 118 year old pillow? When we finally got to the section that was set up as a school room I saw it. She said that I could even pick it up to photograph it. I found another surprise on that pillow top. There was another signature of a name that I recognized. The signature belonged to my pop pop's sister who was in her class. Her future sister in law was a fellow student. My nana's signature is the bottom photograph.

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I was overwhelmed to be holding something that was so precious. When I read the marker with the pillow, I learned that it has been donated in memory of a lady whose maiden name was Morningstar. We also have that name running through my maternal side. Perhaps another link to the past!

After the museum, we did some graveyard "tours" and I found descendants that fought for the Union in the Civil war. I have always felt a strong link to my past and it has strengthened as I have gotten older. Guess that is normal?

As we stopped to  grab drinks at a mini market, we talked to local people. One young woman asked what I was doing in the area and I explained. She had some of my family names in her tree. Six degrees of separation perhaps?
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Here is a photograph of my grandparents just after their wedding on December 24, 1912 in the parsonage. My nana's hat just slays me! It reminds me of the famous farmer and wife photo with the pitchfork. So solemn. They definitely had another side as we all do. 

So this is my next project. I am going to transfer this photograph to fabric. With the help of the fabulous artist and teacher, Leni Wiener, I have the pattern to design this piece. 

I have learned so much from her about this process and I am anxious to get started. I have been delaying it but now I am ready to start. Leni's great magic pattern maker gives me the tool to start. If you have not seen her work, I strongly suggest that you check out her site: leniwiener.com She is an amazing artist and person. She is a wonderful teacher. There are online classes that you can take. Her page will have information.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this message. We quilters, textile artists and all crafters have links to the past. I have had so much enjoyment chasing this bit of my family history. Perhaps you can find your own path to pursue soon.

Piecefully yours, 
​Trisha