Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Abe's Birthday at the David Davis Mansion

 The David Davis Mansion was built in 1872 for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis. Davis who also served in the U.S. Senate was a friend and political ally of Abraham Lincoln.  His influence on Abraham Lincoln's legal and political career was crucial to President Lincoln's success.  His wife Sarah's influence on her husband shaped his political career and their lives.


My daughter and I celebrated Abraham Lincoln's birthday at the home of his friend, David Davis.  After cake and punch, Abe regaled us with stories of his life as a circuit judge in Illinois.  Then we were given a tour of Judge David and Sarah's home.  I took some pictures of the quilts she had on their beds so I could share with you.

This bed was covered in a lace top, not a quilt.  But check out the sewing machine sitting by the bed.  The sewing machine was invented around 1830.  1880's they sold for about $100.00, that would be about $2000.00 today.
This room was their daughter, Sally's.  The quilt is appliqued.  The room was roped off so I couldn't get closer to take the picture.






The Churn Dash is a very old 9-Patch quilt block pattern, originating between 1800 and 1849. Its name is a result of the resemblance of the triangle and rectangle perimeter of the block to a butter churn and the center square to the stick (or “dash”) of the butter churn.


This one is Aunt Eliza Star with sawtooth borders. Beautiful!


I love the hand quilting.  I hope you enjoyed the tour. 
Until next time,


A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars.


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