Rare and Important Baltimore Album Quilt Top
with Odd Fellows Symbols

Though album quilt designs were popularized around 1840 and remained popular for quite a long period, Baltimore album quilts were made for a relatively short period of time between 1846 and 1852. They are recognizable for their specific characteristics, artful use of sashing and borders in some or a spacious layout in others, accomplished by enlarging the central motif as seen in this quilt top

Depicted in the center of this piece is a building that is recognizable as the Grand Lodge Temple of the Odd Fellows that once stood on Gay Street in Baltimore, MD. This lodge was built in 1831 and was the first Odd Fellows lodge in the United States. It was destroyed by fire in 1904. Landmarks in and around Baltimore were popular subjects for use in album quilts of the genre. This may be the only piece depicting this particular building. The building is surrounded by symbols of the Fraternal order as further discussed and shown on the second page for this piece.

The larger central block is surrounded by single rows of regular sized appliqued blocks. Wreaths, bouquets and urns of flowers as well as more geometric and stylized flower and fleur de lis designs are included within which are found three signatures belonging to Ruth Ann Osgodby, Sophia Norris and Lavinia Osgodby.

The 1850 census lists a Ruth A. Osgodby who was born about 1824 and resided in the city of Baltimore at the time the census was taken. No information for Lavinia Osgodby or Sophia Norris has been found and the names bear further research. There are several men with the last name of Norris who became members of the Odd Fellows through the 1840s who may have had a connection to Sophia. Again, this bears more research as no direct connection could be made.

The top was never finished as can bee seen in the upper left hand block which is still partially basted in place. One would wonder if another row of blocks was to have been added or perhaps it was awaiting the addition of a wide border. Otherwise the condition is good with minor wear of the fabrics as noted in several of the photos.

Measures 69" x 69.5". Center block is 34" x 33.5". Individual blocks 17" x 18".

Please continue reading on page two for a discussion of the symbolism of Odd Fellowship included on this quilt top.

Item Number: 2218	Price: $5,800.00