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Redwork Quilt with Masonic Symbols
1908
Celestia A. Milliken (b. ca. 1853) and Freeland R. Bunker (1845-1909)
USA: Maine, Winter Harbor
Cotton
overall: 84-1/4"h x 83-1/2"w
Museum Purchase
2001.060

Masonic redwork quilt made of seventy-two 9 inch square white blocks with red embroidery. Each block shows a Masonic symbol including: square; sun; shooting star; all-seeing eye; crescent moon; nine stars; plumb; square and compasses on book; Jacob's ladder; lamp; heart; sword; Past Master jewel; triple tau in circle; ruler or straightedge; Teutonic cross with x's; five-point star; three steps; time and the virgin; ark; double-headed eagle; female figure of Justice; rose croix jewel; scythe; keystone with HTWSSTKS; crossed quills; star of David; lamb; WSB columns (3); anchor; ribbon with "charter"; cable tow; apron; hand with sprig; pair of angels with "F & AM" shield; G; hour glass; sword and Constitutions; Maltese cross; square and compasses; hill with figures; cross and crown; architectural elements; Royal Arch with figures installing keystone; two men shaking hands; ark of the covenant; fruit on branch; two lines and a circle with book; altar; Holy Bible; mallet or hammer; smooth and rough ashlar; pair of columns (Jachin and Boaz); crossed swords; Euclid's 47th; level; crossed keys; tree; winding stairs; and trowel. One nine inch border along the bottom is embroidered in red, "DESIGNED AND DRAWN BY F. R. BUNKER / WORKED BY MRS. C. A. MILLIKEN 1908." Machine-pieced. Muslin backing in four pieces. Straight-applied binding with squared corners. Medium batting. Hand-quilted at eight stitches per inch in parallel lines (bottom border), outline and half-circle pattern (clover-like in some areas).


In 1907, Freeland R. Bunker, a founding member of the Winter Harbor Lodge No. 192 in Winter Harbor, Maine, recorded in his diary that he “worked some on designs for a Masonic Quilt . . .” To execute his vision, Bunker worked with Celestia Alberta Milliken, a professional seamstress. Milliken embroidered seventy-two different Masonic symbols on this quilt. When it was completed, the bed covering was given to her brother, Hilliard Smallidge, perhaps to commemorate his service as Master of Winter Harbor Lodge in 1903. For further information, see blog post February 5, 2009 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2009/02/a-collaborative-masonic-quilt.html



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