I'm working on a new book - yes, it's about African American quilting. Earlier this week I stumbled upon this article from the Atlanta Constitution newspaper dated June 29, 1913. As you can see, the headline of the article is "Passing of the Negro "Mammies" of Old South - But Few of Type Now Remain in Atlanta." Essentially the reporter, Ned McIntosh, laments that many of the "mammies" in the city are growing older and passing away, along with other customs of the Old South.
I'm sharing my experience regarding this article here not to hate that such an article was published by a MAJOR American newspaper less than 100 years ago, but to honor the women featured in the article, including a Sistah quilter. I am a quilt historian specializing in African American quilt and quilter history BECAUSE I want to make sure others know about our quilt stories 100 years from now. And, because its an amazing adventure to re-discover quilters past.
May I introduce you to the ladies from the headline? Let's honor... Top left: Georgia Bass.... piecing a quilt at her home on 16 Ennis Alley. Center and with the children: Sylvia Moore. She was the housekeeper (I just can't say "mammy") to the S. T. Weyman family on Fourteenth Street. Samuel T. Weyman was the president of the City Savings Bank & Trust Company in Atlanta. The children in the photo are: Fontaine Weyman, George Weyman, and a young neighbor. Bottom left: Lucinda Hayes, who lived on West Mitchell Street in Atlanta.
I wonder - have any of Georgia Bass' quilts survived? Blessings.
