Collections Database

Description:
White linen table cloth woven from a variation of a twill weave, sometimes known as an M and O pattern. The initials and number “BT/5” are cross-stitched in light brown silk. Accompanying handwritten note, “Betsey Tenney Stickney/ married Benj. Stickney, Jr, in 1831.” It is of note that Betsey's maiden name initials, rather than her married ones, appear; suggesting this and other linens were assembled before her marriage. The numeral 5, smaller in scale than the initials, suggest it was one of set of at least 5 table linens. The initials and numbers of table linens helped provide evidence of ownership in instances of communal laundry and also made rotation of table linens for uniform wear and use possible. The tablecoth descended in the family of the donor, centered in the West Dummerston, Vermont, area. Selvage width, hemmed at top and bottom. The tablecloth is an important example of the kinds of more ordinary textiles made and used by inhabitants of the Connecticut River Valley in the early 19th century. This kind of woven pattern was possible using a four-shaft loom.

Subjects:
Silk; Linen; Embroidery; Textile fabrics

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2017.31.5

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.