I have written and blogged quite a bit about the correct name of a terrific early quilt historian in New Hampshire about whom a talk was given by someone else at the International Quilt Study Center, and Boston University, in 2007.
More than one year ago now, I wrote a 355 page biography about the person in question and have copies of family ephemera such as her own letterhead and signature, among many other pieces of evidence that absolutely prove her first name was Ellen. I even have her birth certificate, census reports, copies of her published writings, articles about her, and other official papers, including her obituary. I saw her name for myself, on her gravestone. Her only known “nickname” was “Elly.”
As I said, I have proof beyond any doubt of Ellen Webster’s correct name, and even the presenter realizes that she had used a mistaken name for 10 years.
Tonight, I happened to look at the Univ. of Nebraska file again (the presenter’s abstract). They have now highlighted parts of Ellen Webster’s name, but have not changed or removed the wrong first name “Emily.” They do not explain the highlighting, leaving anyone to guess.
I guess they enjoy spreading false information. Shame on them! Double shame for being so obstinate about it!
The quilt historian’s name is and was, for all time, Ellen Emeline (named after her grandmother’s first name) Hardy (her maiden name) Webster (her married name). I completed a huge, genealogical study of ALL of Mrs. Webster’s family, going all the way back to England.
For my own edification, I have copied the file for my records. So, go see it for yourself. The file is located on the IQSC site, under Symposiums.
It is beyond my grasp of understanding as to why they cannot admit that a mistaken name was initially provided. Above any other error, the main thing that should have been changed was the faulty name. Yet, they play their silly games.
As another point of interest, I have wondered just how many quilt charts Ellen Webster created in the 1920s. She was busy working on a master’s degree until 1926, and many of her references are to Ruth Finley’s book which was not published until 1929.
Let me add this: The re-creation of an 1860s quilting bee did not “prompt” Mrs. Webster to begin her study of quilts or start her interest in teaching with quilts.
According to actual minutes of the faculty meeting at Wheaton College:
…Mrs. Webster certainly has spent a great deal of time and thought studying the various types of quilts and reproducing an enlarged square of at least forty of them. Such a hobby is certainly worthwhile, and the results beautiful and interesting. Her lecture was followed by tea. (New England Wheaton Club, Minutes, 1914-1932, vol. 7, p. 297).
You see, I do my homework. I don’t just blather off about something of which I have no knowledge.
I pray for relief from the terrible stubborn streak of some academics who feel the need to “shelter” others from their own mistakes!
Patricia L. Cummings who says, “Let the record speak for itself.”
I further say, a true scholar welcomes correction to their faulty notions.
