Rare Baltimore Album Quilt Top
Though album quilt designs were popularized around 1840 and remained popular for quite a long period, Baltimore album quilts were made for a relatively short period of time between 1846 and 1852. They are recognizable for their specific characteristics, artful use of sashing and borders in some or a spacious layout in others, accomplished by enlarging the central motif as seen in this quilt top.
Depicted in the center of this piece is a building that is recognizable as the Grand Lodge Temple of the Odd Fellows that once stood on Gay Street in Baltimore, MD. This lodge was built in 1831 and was the first Odd Fellows lodge in the United States. It was destroyed by fire in 1904. Landmarks in and around Baltimore were popular subjects for use in album quilts of the genre. This may be the only piece depicting this particular building. The building is surrounded by symbols of the Fraternal order.
The larger central block is surrounded by single rows of regular sized appliqued blocks. Wreaths, bouquets and urns of flowers as well as more geometric and stylized flower and fleur de lis designs are included within which are found three signatures belonging to Ruth Ann Osgodby, Sophia Norris and Lavinia Osgodby.
The 1850 census lists a Ruth A. Osgodby who was born about 1824 and resided in the city of Baltimore at the time the census was taken. No information for Lavinia Osgodby or Sophia Norris has been found and the names bear further research. There are several men with the last name of Norris who became members of the Odd Fellows through the 1840s who may have had a connection to Sophia. Again, this bears more research as no direct connection could be made.
The top was never finished as can bee seen in the upper left hand block which is still partially basted in place. One would wonder if another row of blocks was to have been added or perhaps it was awaiting the addition of a wide border. Otherwise the condition is good with minor wear of the fabrics as noted in several of the photos.Measures 69" x 69.5". Center block is 34" x 33.5". Individual blocks 17" x 18".
Though Odd Fellowship was brought to the United States from England in about 1806, the first hall was not built until 1831. This is the lodge which stood on Gay Street in Baltimore and the same lodge which is depicted on this quilt top.
The bulding is surrounded by an appliqued wreath. The wreath is closed at the top with the all-seeing eye which is drawn in ink on muslin. Around the building and outside of the wreath are a number of symbols having to do with Odd Fellowship. Below is a list of the symbols and their meanings.
* I.O.O.F. stands for the name International Order of Odd Fellows.
* All-seeing eye, a reminder of God's omnipresence.
* Three links represents the basic guides to Odd Fellowship of Friendship, Love and Truth. The three links also symbolize the chain that binds members together and illustrates that a fraternity is strongest when joined together.
* The axe, to remove obstacles in life's pathway also represents Wildey's pioneer spirit in bringing the Order to the United States from his native England.
* The dove to represent living peaceably.
* Scales for the execution of justice.
* A sheaf of arrows represents the weapons of a war against vice.
* The heart in hand represents charity and good works.
* Moon and stars for the never-failing order of the Universe.
* The beehive is a symbol specific to the Rebekahs, which represents the results of a united effort.
* A serpent wrapped around a rod is a reminder that members should never look to false gods.
* The world in darkness represents mans ignorance.
