As I’ve researched my children’s book, Papa Goes to War, concerning the Civil War era, I discovered that women then, as now, made quilts during times of disaster.  Quilters have responded to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Iraq/Afghanistan War by providing quilts for bed coverings and comfort.

 During the Civil War, women made various items for the soldiers away from home.  Among these were quilts for the soldiers bed rolls.  Chief among the organizations collecting quilts and distributing them to soldiers on the battlefield and in hospitals was the Unites States Sanitary Commission, somewhat like today’s Red Cross.

The Commission coordinated many of the clothing and bedding collection activities.  This organization was begun in New York at Cooper Union or Cooper Institute.  Their Soldiers Relief Circles met throughout the Union, generally once a week.  Ladies also did this sewing at home, too.

(In my book, Papa Goes to War, Mandy, her grandmother, aunt, and several other ladies got together to work on quilts for their menfolk.  A scene takes place at the sewing/quilting session.)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Quilts in Times of Disasters