I thought you might like to know more about the Hobo Quilts book I have. Debra G. Henninger is the author, and it's a book brimful of designs and delightful stories. I've had it for a while, but have yet to start making blocks from it. I first wrote about this book HERE in 2011.
This is her design for the "Kind-Hearted (Woman) Lady" in her book. She refers to hobos as the "Knights of the Road", and there's a short tale to go with each block, along with photos from those bygone days. There are 55 blocks in the book, as well as patterns for assembling the blocks you create.
Here's the story she included for her "Kind-Hearted Lady" block. The hobos would simply draw the symbols on the gate posts or fences as a signal to other travelers whether or not the inhabitant of the house were friend or foe. There were symbols like "Bad Tempered Owner", "Catch Trolley Here", and "Doctor, No Charge". Whether or not I ever make any of the blocks, it's a unique look into our history. You might find it as interesting as I did.
That looks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI watched a show once on Underground quilts, it was very interesting.
They interviewed a former teacher who was a relative of one of the people.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteIt really is. I watched that program, too. I also have a book about that. I seem to remember the title is "Hidden In Plain Sight". It's so interesting to know that the runaway slaves had help in the form of quilts, containing coded messages. So much of our history that we can still learn about.
Thanks for reminding me about that book, too.
xoxo
Donna
I’ve never heard of this prior to your recent post. Thanks for sharing. Hope Handsome is much improved. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie:
DeleteMarilyn mentions the Underground quilts, too, from the time of the runaway slaves and people who would help them. That's another fascinating story from our history. Handsome is almost back to 100%. Thanks for your kind wishes.
xoxo
Donna
Looks like a fascinating book. Didn't realize there were quilts that spoke to the 'language' of hobos. My parents-in-law lived close to the tracks here and she was constantly watching the outside of their house to remove any 'signs'. They had 11 people to feed themselves so rarely could afford to manage to feed more than that.
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteI think this author created the quilts based on the markings the hobos left on fences and other places. It appears your family must have a number of stories of their own. Now graffiti covers the sides of trains with their own coded messages! Thanks for the note.
xoxo
Donna