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Independent Order of Odd Fellows Quilt Marker (or Template or Pattern)
1840-1860
USA: New York (probably)
Tin
1/2"h x 14"w x 4 5/8"d
Museum Purchase through the Generosity of William W. Lewis
2009.028

Tin quilt marker in the shape of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows three-link chain symbol. Three circles in a row (middle one is larger than the ones on the ends) joined by a link.


Women used quilt markers like this one to trace guidelines for their quilting designs on the top of the quilt. They would use pencil or chalk and then stitch the design through all three layers of the bed covering. This marker is in the shape of the Odd Fellows three-link chain, which symbolizes the chain that binds members together. The three links stand for Friendship, Love and Truth. Although we do not know exactly who or where this marker was originally used, it came from the Cooperstown, New York area.