The first photo on the left is a Signature or Friendship Quilt as they were sometimes called. It is made of 9 1/4 inch square blocks, 11 blocks across and 10 rows down. In addition, there are 2 rows of 7 inch in the middle of the bottom to accommodate a 4 post bed. That makes 124 blocks in all! It is made of 100% cotton prints and solids.  The quilt has a a thin cotton batting. The backing is pink and white cotton stripe.

Many blocks include messages and verses, either Biblical or personal. Some contain stamped designs and pictures. Most of the writing is hand written. These messages, pictures, and signatures are inscribed with indelible ink on 2 1/2 inch squares of fabric in the middle of each block.

Second photo shows the quilt wrapped in an air tight bag to prevent damage from humidity and insects. Because of the careful care, the fabric still retains the original bright colors and patterns from 1844.

In the third photo members were amazed at the elaborate handwriting and verses that appeared on the quilt.

Fourth photo shows one of the several pictures and verses that were stamped onto the fabric of the 2 1/2 inch center block.  Tools for stamping and stenciling names and pictures were available and very popular in the 1840s.The words on this square are, "The liberal soul shall be made fat. Proverbs 11:25 Mrs. J. Brown, Brookline, 1844." (King James Version.)  At that time in history, the word "liberal" had a different meaning than what you think of today. It was told that this verse meant that a "liberal" person would be one who is generous with what he had, and being "made fat" meant that he would be taken care of as well as those whom he had been generous with.

Fifth photo shows the block inscribed with the following Bible verse and signature: "The path of the just is as the shining light. Proverbs 4:18  Caroline Laughton.--Brookline--, 1844." (King James Version.)

Sixth photo shows a nice variety of the colors and patterns that were popular at the time. It also shows the precise skill of the talented quilt makers.

Seventh photo shows members browsing through the information gathered on Rev. William Shailer and his wife. Rev. Shailer was the pastor at the First Baptist Church in Brookline, Mass. where the quilt was made.  Also available was a list of some of the people who had signed it, and a partial list of the verses inscribed on the quilt. (Shown second from left is Jim Hanneman, the lucky winner of the raffle.)

In the last photo members and guests share good conversation, desserts and coffee.