Guide to the Dunton Quilting Collection, ca. 1912-1957MS.2

A pioneer in both occupational therapy and quilt history, William Rush Dunton, Jr. was born in Philadelphia on July 24th, 1868. Dunton's father, Jacob, was a pharmacist, his uncle, William Rush Dunton, was a physician and another uncle was Benjamin Rush, often called the father of American psychiatry. This background led Dunton to his career

A pioneer in both occupational therapy and quilt history, William Rush Dunton, Jr. was born in Philadelphia on July 24th, 1868. Dunton's father, Jacob, was a pharmacist, his uncle, William Rush Dunton, was a physician and another uncle was Benjamin Rush, often called the father of American psychiatry. This background led Dunton to his career in psychiatry. He graduated from Haverford College and the University of Pennsylvania before coming to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore in the 1890's. From Hopkins, Dunton went to the Sheppard Asylum where he began to become interested in occupational therapy. Over the years, Dunton published numerous books and articles on the subject and belonged to numerous professional organizations, most significantly the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy (which is now the American Occupational Therapy Association) of which Dunton was a founding member. Dunton also founded the Maryland Psychiatric Society and the Baltimore Physicians Orchestra.

According to Dunton in his 1946 book, Old Quilts, p. 3, his interest in quilting came "in 1915 after reading Mrs. Marie D. Webster's Quilts: Their Story and How to Make Them, altho it seems that I must have had an interest before that time or I should not have wanted to read the book." Seeing the possibilities of quilting as a therapy for his patients, Dunton was inspired to begin collecting photographs, articles, patterns, essentially anything he could find about quilts. He also began to document quilts owned by friends, relatives, and patients and those he saw at quilt fairs and contests.

Dunton married Edna Hogan on July 1st, 1897 and they had three children. Dunton died in Baltimore in December 1966.

The collection contains 25 linear feet of materials, plus 6 microfilm reels and 29 volumes of photocopies, which were collected by Dunton during the years ca. 1912-1957. A few linear feet of the collection are occupied by examples of the boxes and cartons in which the collection was originally contained.

Dunton's archives all relate to his personal interest in and study of quilts and other textiles in Maryland and around the United States. His collected research is found in many formats and includes photographs, fabric samples, correspondence, collected quilt patterns, and news clippings relating to quilting. He published only one book on this subject, Old Quilts, but wrote profusely. Therefore, his papers at the Baltimore Museum of Art contain unpublished manuscripts as well as short articles and research files on many textile related topics. A crowning achievement in his research are his scrapbooks which chronicle his studies over 45 years and offer to researchers documentation of hundreds of quilts that he had opportunity to view, photograph, and study.

Dr. Dunton amassed many volumes and document relating to his research and organized them painstakingly. His research archives are now housed in the Textiles Department at the Baltimore Museum of Art. These papers have been at the Baltimore Museum of Art for an undetermined amount of time, but at least since his death in 1966, since the records themselves indicate that he prepared them specifically for donation to this institution.

Dr. Dunton's methods of recording and storing his research materials are of note. He often reused old file folders from his medical practice, leaving original file headings still present. He turned over work related flyers and papers and put his quilt notes on back. He used Kraft Caramel boxes to store his negatives, a B Complex vitamins box to hold some glass lantern slides, wooden hinged boxes for manuscripts, and old record album boxes to store his elaborate fabric samples catalog.

The collection is open for research. Microfilm is available of Series 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 and photocopies of Series 2 are also available. Microfilmed and photocopied portions must be consulted in those formats. Please call the Library for an appointment to use the microfilm or photocopies.

The Dunton Quilting Collection is the physical property of the Archives and Manuscripts Collections, Baltimore Museum of Art. Copyright, except in cases where material has passed into the public domain, belongs to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult a Library staff member.

Gift of William Rush Dunton, Jr., date unknown, but on or before his death in 1966.

Microfilm of Series 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 is available. Photocopies of Series 2 are also available.

Dunton, William Rush, Jr. Old Quilts. Catonsville, MD: 1947.

 Series 1. Unpublished Manuscripts   (3 boxes)

Scope and Contents note

This series was placed first because it shows the end result of Dunton's years of research and interest in textiles. These are the unpublished works that he wrote and submitted to the Baltimore Museum of Art for the use of quilt scholars. The series contains two works: 1. Dictionary of Quilt Names and Designs 2. Patchwork Quilts.

 a. Dictionary of Quilt Names and Designs 

Scope and Contents note

Although Dunton originally aimed to publish this work, he explains in the introduction that his experience getting Old Quilts published made him decide against it. Therefore, this manuscript remains an unpublished compilation of quilt names and designs which he encountered during his research. The introduction also contains a key to the sources used; some of his references lead one to another series in this collection.

Dunton's arrangement has been retained: the text is set up alphabetically by quilt name/design with descriptions followed by diagrams within each initial letter. For example, the K folder contains Kaleidoscope, Kansas Dugout, Kansas Star, etc.

Introduction 

11

2-4

5-8

9-14

15-17

18

19-22

23-25

26-28

29

30

31

32-34

35-38

N-O 

39

40-41

21-6

7-10

11-16

17-29

30-31

W-Z 

32

 b. Patchwork Quilts 

Scope and Contents note

This manuscript contains typed text with handwritten changes, as well as drawings and photographs. In the work Dunton examines the patchwork styles found in quilts (sunburst or hexagons, for example). It also contains his elaborate system of cross references which lead one to other series or to published works.

Dunton's arrangement has been retained, but the organization is not as clear as in the Dictionary; i.e., it is neither alphabetical nor clearly topical.

Patchwork Quilts 

31-25

Return to Table of Contents »

 Series 2. Quilt Scrapbooks   (14 boxes, 6 microfilm reels, 29 photocopies)

Scope and Contents note

This series includes the scrapbooks created by Dunton in his quilt and textiles research. The subseries within Series 2 are:

  • 1. Quilt Scrapbooks
  • 2. Coverlet Scrapbooks
  • 3. Embroidery Scrapbook
  • 4. Chintz Scrapbook
  • There are seventeen scrapbooks in all, spanning the years 1912 1957. They contain the collected research of Dunton, and these materials are in many formats. Throughout the scrapbooks is the textile documentation that he compiled. For most quilts documented, this includes a photograph and supporting history of the quilt, including unique features as well as family history associated with the piece. There are quilt patterns, news clippings, photographs, typed pages, drawings, handwritten notes, correspondence, and printed ephemera.

    The following is a fact list providing details on each volume. For volume measurements listed below, height precedes width, followed by depth. Total page numbers for each volume refers to the number of pages used in the scrapbook; in a few cases sections were left unfilled.

     a. Quilt Scrapbooks 

    Scope and Contents note

    Dunton assigned each quilt scrapbook a Roman numeral, and numbered the pages within each book. As a result, cross references throughout his archives which lead one to a quilt scrapbook page are established by Roman numeral volume number and Arabic page number (VII 127, for instance).

    Volume I; 1913-1930;   92.0 pages measures 12 x 10 x 1 1/4 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Contains invitations to quilt exhibitions held at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, listing quilts made by specific people. Also has black and white photographs of quilts with accompanying history of the pieces as collected by Dunton.

    4

    Volume II; 1917-1932;   220.0 pages measures 12 1/4 x 10 x 2 3/4 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Begins with article by W.R. Dunton and Edna Dunton that appeared in Occupational Therapy, 1930. A large number of quilts documented in this volume were exhibited at the Neighborhood Improvement Club of Govans, Maryland, in 1930; they are numbered NIC 1 - NIC 51.

    5

    Volume III; 1917-1933;   198.0 pages measures 12 1/4 x 10 x 2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    In general, contains similar setup of documentation of quilts by photograph and typed notes and drawings that explain who made the quilt, who owned it, what techniques and patterns and prints were used. Holds "'Grandma' Dexter Fast Color Quilt Patches" advertisements. Also contains typed notes Dunton made from articles on quilting, with citations.

    6

    Volume IV; 1933-1934;   152.0 pages measures 12 1/2 x 10 x 1 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Has a 1933 questionnaire Dunton sent to quiltmakers, followed by typed responses that he received. Contains correspondence that relates to his research, occasional fabric samples, and more documentation of quilts. One set of quilt documentation is denoted with Arabic numerals followed by "M 2" or "May 2", denoting those quilts entered in the October 1933 Second May Company Quilt Fair. These numbered entries are not in ascending order; however, they are loosely grouped according to style (album, central medallion, stars). Furthermore, in Series 9 is a section of the card files corresponding to these entries. Also found in this volume is information on the Sears quilt fair.

    7

    Volume V; 1933-1934;   188.0 pages measures 12 1/2 x 10 x 2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Contains more of the Second May Company Quilt Fair entries as described above. Many of the clippings are of quilt patterns published in the Baltimore Sun.

    8

    Volume VI; 1934-1936;   228.0 pages measures 12 1/2 x 10 x 2 1/2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Additional May Company entries are found in this volume as well, for both the Second and Third May Company Quilt Fairs. Many loose copy photographs of documents attached are in place.

    9

    Volume VII; 1936-1939;   184.0 pages measures 12 1/2 x 10 x 2 1/2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Dunton's documentation of quilts continues.

    10

    Volume VIII; 1938-1945;   308.0 pages measures 14 x 10 x 3 1/2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Contains quilt patterns of Marie Webster, among other documentation and clippings.

    11

    Volume IX; 1938-1939;   160.0 pages measures 15 1/4 x 12 x 2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Contains fewer of his illustrated quilt documentation than previous volumes. Many news clipping quilt patterns can be found in this volume, with other articles, publications, and advertisements for quilt patterns by mail.

    12

    Volume X; 1941-1947;   188.0 pages measures 12 1/2 x 14 x 1 1/2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Contains advertisements and order forms for Dunton's 1946 publication Old Quilts, as well as a review of this work.

    13

    Volume XI; 1948-1951;   151.0 pages measures 12 1/2 x 14 x 1 1/2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Contains many more of Dunton's illustrated quilt documentation, as well as clippings, advertising flyers for quilt patterns or products, and other sources of information on quilting.

    14

    Volume XII; 1955-1957;   15.0 pages measures 13 x 12 x 1 1/4 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Contains one quilt documentation of an album quilt held at the Maryland Historical Society, as well as a number of newspaper and magazine clippings.

    15

     b. Coverlet Scrapbooks 

    Scope and Contents note

    The three scrapbooks in which Dunton collected information relating specifically to woven coverlets are similar in format to the scrapbooks in Subseries 1 (Quilt Scrapbooks). Dunton mounted an illustration of a woven coverlet, then beside it mounted typed information on the history of the piece, its makes, owners, and its uniqueness. In these scrapbooks are also found news clippings and articles about coverlets.

    Volume I; 1913-1950;   92.0 pages measures 14 x 10 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Dunton notes that the contents of this scrapbook were taken from one that suffered in a fire at his home. Many of the items show signs of burning and smoke staining, and some of the images have no supporting documentation.

    16

    Volume II; 1947-1955;   42.0 pages measures 12 1/2 x 14 x 1 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Partially filled volume with clippings and images relating to coverlets.

    Volume III; 1950;   1.0 page measures 12 1/2 x 14 x 1 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    This volume contains only one clipping.

     c. Embroidery Scrapbook 

    Volume I; 1916-1956;   approx 70 pages (not numbered); measures 13 5/8 x 10 x 1 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    This is a single volume in which Dunton collected clippings and photographs on the subject of embroidery. The location of the originals of the images are identified in most cases. This contains Dunton's mother's Berlin work patterns hand painted on cardboard.

    17

     d. Chintz Scrapbook 

    Scope and Contents note

    Volume I; 1912-1956;   40 pages (not numbered); measures 15 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches

    Scope and Contents note

    Another single volume on a specific subject, this scrapbook focuses on printed cottons, or chintzes. There is a fabric sample, a number of clippings, and photographs of chintzes. A few articles, however, discuss woven textile patterns and embroidery. Dunton includes a typed list of textiles he saw at the Rhode Island School of Design Art Museum in 1940.

    Return to Table of Contents »

     Series 3. Photographic Records   (11 boxes)

    Scope and Contents note

    The documents found in this series are the result of Dunton's efforts to record visually the quilts that he studied. The following subseries are contained in Series 3:

  • 1. Duplicate Photographs
  • 2. Negative Files
  • 3. Color Slides
  • 4. Glass Lantern Slides
  • 5. Mounted Images
  • Dunton's photographs show whole specimens as well as highlight details, and his visual records are present in many different formats. On many of the images he has included his cross references to other series.

     a. Duplicate Photographs 

    Scope and Contents note

    Dunton referred to these photographs as "Duplicate Photographs"; they apparently originated from the Series 2 scrapbooks, Volumes I VI and VIII X (here Dunton refers to them as "Books").

    Large format negatives;   2.0 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes one 8 x 10 inch glass plate negative.

    181

    Unidentified 

    2-3

    Book I 

    4

    Book II (1) 

    5

    Book II (2) 

    6

    Book II (3) 

    7

    Book II (4) 

    8

    Book II (5) 

    9

    Book III (1) 

    10

    Book III (2) 

    11

    Book IV (1) 

    12

    Book IV (2) 

    13

    Book V 

    14

    Book VI 

    15

    Book VII 

    16

    Book VIII 

    17

    Book X 

    18

     b. Negative Files 

    Scope and Contents note

    There are 137 8x10 inch negatives in individually labeled sleeves, which were originally stored by Dunton in Kraft Caramel boxes. The negatives correspond to photographs contained in the quilt scrapbooks of Series 2, and the sleeve labels guide one to the volume and page number where the photographic print is held.

    Duplicate archival negatives from acetate negatives;   137.0 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Interpositive negatives stored in separate can. 137 negatives in 17 sleeve sheets. Index at front of folder. Article: "Caring for your . . . master interpositives and duplicate negatives" by Photo Preservation Services, Inc. at front of folder.

    19

    Prints made from duplicate archival negatives;   147.0 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Contact sheets, 147 images on 17 sheets. Some images unclear due to deterioration of negative. Index at front of folder.

    20

    Photocopies of original acetate negative sleeves (acidic, discarded). 

    Scope and Contents note

    Sleeves contain some descriptive text.

    21

    Acetate Negatives. 

    19

    Acetate Negatives. 

    20

     c. Color Slides 

    Scope and Contents note

    54 color 35mm slides. Slides are labeled sometimes by name and sometimes by number, but in most cases these notations refer to the Series 2 scrapbooks. The slides show entire quilts as well as details, and probably were used by Dunton when he gave quilt lectures in the Baltimore area. Slides are labeled with cryptic captions which most likely refer to other portions of the collection; e.g., "V 14 F 7 Border". A list of slides that is present in Series 8, Subject files (Box 46, Folder 1) may refer to this set of materials.

    Color slides;   54 items (36 cardboard mounted slides, 16 unmounted frames, 2 contact prints)

    Scope and Contents note

    Slides are labeled with cryptic captions which most likely refer to other portions of the collection. Example: V 14 F 7 Border.

    21

     d. Glass Lantern Slides 

    Scope and Contents note

    44 glass lantern slides contained in two lines boxes. Both black and white and color. Most plates are labeled with cross references to quilt scrapbook pages, or at least are labeled by name. A few are broken or cracked, but remain intact due to cloth tape frames.

    Helen Carey II 187 

    221

    Brooke-Crenshaw II 169 

    2

    Owens-Lindway III 57 d 

    3

    Hellen II 199 c 

    4

    Dukehart II 145 c 

    5

    Jones II 181 

    6

    Moore-Kershaw II 163 

    7

    Moore-Kershaw II 191 c 

    8

    Needles-Dixon II 197 

    9

    Harvey II 195 

    10

    Harvey II 189 

    11

    Harper 1814 II 53 

    12

    Seidenstricker II 171 

    13

    Foard II 69 c 

    14

    Battee-Stewart II 137 

    15

    Battee-Stewart II 141 

    16

    Richmond II 73 c 

    17

    Wm. (?) D. Lewis 

    18

    Martha Shoales 1860 II 45 

    19

    Ely 

    20

    J.M. Glenn Plate 69 

    21

    Dissoway-Applique 

    22

    V 137 E. Thompson Plate 71 

    23

    M. Goodwin-E. Thompson Pl. 90 

    24

    B. Rush-Plain 

    25

    Buckingham II 47 

    231

    Hellen A I 199 c 

    2

    Unidentified   2.0 items

    3-4

    Thompson-Tree of Life 

    5

    Mary Davis Cushion 

    6

    Henkle-Album 

    7

    Tale of a horse Dissoway 

    8

    Dissoway-Tree of Life 

    9

    Geiman print 

    10

    Stokes-Tree of Life 

    11

    Seidenstricker-Album 

    12

    Battee-Stewart II 139 

    13

    Buckingham II 47 

    14

    Davis III 86 c 

    15

    Barton III 81 c 

    16

    Stewart-Shelley III 13 c 

    17

    Richmond-Watson II 81 c 

    18

    O'Laughlin I 71 c 

    19

     e. Mounted Images 

    Scope and Contents note

    Photographs mounted on cardboard, containing identifying cross references. These images are organized both by subject and alphabetically, often alphabetical by name of quilt pattern, but this scheme is not continuous throughout the boxes.

    Mounted images;   85.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes: Star; Tree; Tulip; Turkey Track; Wedding Ring; Whig Rose; Windmill; Wreath of Roses; White; Diamond Octagon; Applique.

    24

    Mounted images;   86.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes: Untitled; Album; White; Rose; Rocky Glen; Sawtooth; Snail's Trail; Spice Pink; Streak o' Lightning; Stripes; Sunburst; Star.

    25

    Mounted images;   94.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes: Star; Eagle; Feather Wreath; Fleur de lys; Fox and Geese; Medallion; Garden; Harvest Sun; Honeycomb; Hen and Chickens; Irish Chain; Jacob's Ladder; Joseph's Coat; Lafayette; Laurel; Philadelphia Pavement; Lily; Log Cabin; Love Apple; Martha's Vineyard; Mariner's Compass; Masonic and Sunflower; Mosaic.

    26

    Mounted images;   83.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes Mosaic; Missionary Fan; New York Beauty; Nine Patch; Oak Leaf; Ocean Wave; Orange Peel; Palm Branches; Philadelphia Pavement; Plain; Prince's Feathers; Poppies; Puss in Corner; Rising Sun; Applique; Barbara Frietsche; Basket; Bible History; Birds in the Air; Bleeding Heart; Bride's; Burgoyne Surrounded; Caesar's Crown; Carpenter's Wheel; Compass; Crazy; Crossroads; Crib; Child's; Chintz; Devil's Puzzle; Diamonds.

    27

    Mounted images;   86.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes Album; Appliqued Chintz; "An Odd Pattern".

    28

    Return to Table of Contents »

     Series 4. Fabric Samples   (7 boxes)

    Scope and Contents note

    While researching quilts and other textiles, Dunton became interested in fabrics as a means of dating the creation of a quit. As a result, he collected fabric samples from various sources and filed them for his own reference. This series contains three subseries:

  • 1. Mounted Fabrics Catalog
  • 2. Other Mounted Fabrics
  • 3. Retail Fabric Swatches
  •  a. Mounted Fabrics Catalog 

    Scope and Contents note

    Dunton's main reference source for his fabric collection is this subseries. Besides fabric samples, one will also find drawings, color sketches, occasional photographs, and "felt pictures to be embroidered" on these cardboard mounts. Each card is identified across the top, and cross references to quilt scrapbooks are often present, as well. The cards were themselves numbered by Dunton: A1-B70.

    Mounted Fabrics Catalog;   57.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    A1-A58.

    29

    Mounted Fabrics Catalog;   56.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    A59-A113.

    30

    Mounted Fabrics Catalog;   44.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    B1-B43.

    31

    Mounted Fabrics Catalog;   54.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    B44-B73; Prints, undated; Prints, collected Fall 1958.

    32

     b. Other Mounted Fabrics 

    Scope and Contents note

    Dunton collected and mounted a number of fabric samples that were not included in his mounted fabrics catalog (Subseries 1). These fabrics are held in this subseries. Many are unidentified.

    Other Mounted Fabrics;   16.0 folders

     c. Retail Fabric Swatches 

    Scope and Contents note

    Dunton collected approximately 300 fabric swatch cards from retail firms like Fruit of the Loom, Pepperell, Cherry Bloom Prints, Robin Hood Gingham, Rosemary Prints, and M.C.D. Borden and Sons. They date from roughly 1932 to 1941.

    Retail Fabric Swatches;   107.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    Strauss Brothers: Robin Hood Gingham, 1937; Cherry Bloom Prints, 1937. Algonquin Printing Company: Liberty Dress Prints, 1937. Rosemary Prints, 1937, 1940-1941. Fruit of the Loom Prints, 1937. M.C.D. Borden and Sons, Challie de mousseline, 1932. Pepperell Manufacturing Company: Laconia Prints, 1940-1941.

    33

    Retail Fabric Swatches;   76.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    Pepperell, 1940-1941. Strauss Brothers: Cherry Blossom Prints, 1940-1941.

    34

    Retail Fabric Swatches;   96.0 folders

    Scope and Contents note

    Strauss Brothers, 1937; Pepperell Prints, 1940; Rosemary Prints, 1940, Strauss Brothers Cherry Bloom, 1940.

    35

    Return to Table of Contents »

     Series 5. Quilting Patterns   (5 boxes)

    Scope and Contents note

    This series gathers documents that originally resided in different areas of the collection. It includes commercially printed patterns sold with quilting supplies (such as Mountain Mist quilt batting), as well as hand perforated paper patterns made by Dunton himself as a record of quilts that he studied (e.g., Harp Quilt, 1930).

    Heiner II. 

    361-76

    Cardboard Cut-outs. 

    77-86

    Color patterns. 

    87-95

    Rolled item and original tube; 

    Scope and Contents note

    Mountain Mist Quilting Designs from Miss Stella Mackert

    371-2

    Bucilla. 

    1

    Leiter. 

    2-21

    Tompkins. 

    22-25

    Kershaw. 

    26

    Unidentified (Kershaw?). 

    27-33

    Grandmother's. 

    381-11

    Harp. 

    12-69

    Heiner. 

    391-106

    Kershaw. 

    107-110

    Baby. 

    111-112

    Sunflower. 

    113-115

    Carr. 

    116-118

    Quilted Blocks of Garrott Feathered Star VIII 267;   10.0 items

    Scope and Contents note

    9 sheets of tracings on mylar and original bound pattern book.

    40

    Return to Table of Contents »

     Series 6. Pamphlets and Magazines   (2 boxes)

    Scope and Contents note

    There are approximately 50 items in this series. It includes periodicals, catalogs published by quilt supply companies, publications relating to different aspects of quilting and sewn handiwork, and a number of miscellaneous materials.

    Periodicals include Creative Designs in Home Furnishings, McCall Needlework: Knitting Crocheting, Life, The American Home, House and Garden, and Land O' Nod: The Monthly Magazine for Quilters.

    Publicity and catalogs are from companies such as Sears, McKim Studios, Boag, Eleanor Beard, Mountain Mist, Colonial Quilts, Colonial Coverlets, Ladies Art Company, Mrs. Danner's Quilts, Farm Journal, Clarks, Needleart Guild, and Bates.

    Other publications related to textiles are those of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Leisure League, Chicago's Recreation Department, Indiana Farmer's Guide, and the Detroit Free Press. There are also offprints of journal articles on occupational therapy, and a few items unrelated to textiles.

    Mountain Mist Blue Book of Quilts for 1938. 

    411

    Eleanor Beard Original Design in Fine Hand Quilting, Undated. 

    2

    Quilts by Boag, 1937. 

    3

    The Mountain Mist Series of Patterns for Quilts, 1933. 

    4

    Bates Fashions in Bedspreads, Bates advertisement, Undated. 

    5

    Colonial Coverlets, "Rosemont", Marion, Virginia, Undated. 

    6

    Colonial Quilts, 1933. 

    7

    Quilting by Elizabeth King, 1934. 

    8

    Notes on Applied Work and Patchwork. Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Textiles, 1938. 

    9

    A Picture Book of Flowers in English Embroidery. Victoria and Albert Museum, 1932. 

    10

    New York World's Fair Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 1, April 1938. 

    11

    Quilting, Leisure Hobby Series, 1934. 

    12

    The American Home, Vol. XX, No. 2, July 1938. 

    13

    House and Garden, Vol. LXXIV, No. 1, July 1938. 

    14

    Creative Design in Home Furnishings, Fall 1936. 

    15

    Creative Design in Home Furnishings, Winter 1936-1937. 

    16

    Adventures in Needlecraft. McKim Studios, Undated. 

    17

    Sears Century of Progesss in Quilt Making, 1934. 

    18

    The American Antiques Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, March 1947. 

    19

    Land O'Nod, The Monthly Magazine for Quilters, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1938. 

    Scope and Contents note

    Contains article by Dr. W. Dunton, Jr.: "How I became a quilt fan".

    20

    Creative Design in Home Furnishings, January 1937. 

    21

    McCall Needlework, Knitting, Crocheting, Summer 1939. 

    22

    McCall Needlework, Knitting, Crocheting, Winter 1939-1940. 

    23

    Life Magazine, September 22, 1941. 

    24

    A Picture Book of English Embroideries, Part 1. Elizabethan. Victoria and Albert Museum, 1933. 

    421

    Guide to the Bayeux Tapestry, Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Textiles, 1931. 

    2

    Quilting and Patchwork. Ann Heynes, 1930. 

    3

    Quilts, Patchwork, Applique, Quilting. Book No. 190. The Spool Cotton Company, 1942. 

    4

    Presenting the Store Quilt Show. Stearns and Foster Company, 1932. 

    5

    The Romance of Quilt Making Sales. Stearns and Foster Company, 1934. 

    6

    The Home Handicraft Book. Procter and Gamble, 1940. 

    7

    The Design of a Serious Periodical. Waverly Press, Inc., 1936. 

    8

    Order of Development of the Primal Shaping Arts. W.H. Holmes, 1902. 

    9

    Quilting and Needlecraft brochures;   8.0 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes Needleart Guild's Original Master Quilting Patterns, n.d.;  Heirloom Quilts for Applique for Patchwork, n.d.

    10

    Mountain Mist Blue Book of Quilts for 1938. 

    11

    Quilts. The Spool Cotton Company, 1945. 

    12

    Quilt catalog and articles;   3 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes Catalog of Quilts and Quilting. Ladies Art Company, n.d.; Article:  "Quilting", by Margaret Langley, in  Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, March 1935; Article:  "Quilts are Documents", by Florence Peto, in  National Historical Magazine, August 1941.

    13

    Quilt brochures;   2 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes The New Flower Patchwork Quilts: Designs by Marie Webster, n.d.;  Quilts. The Boag Studios Book No. 46, n.d.

    14

    Old Fashioned Pieced and Appliqued Quilts. Indiana Farmer's Guide, Undated. 

    15

    Mrs. Danners's Second Quilt Book. Scioto Imhoff Danner, 1934. 

    16

    Aunt Jane's Prize Winning Quilt Designs. Central Publishing Co., 1914. 

    17

    Quilt Patterns: Patchwork and Applique. Ladies Art Company, 1928. 

    18

    Quilt Patterns: Old and New. Farm Journal, Undated. 

    19

    The Romance of the Village Quilts. Mary A. McElwain, 1936. 

    20

    Return to Table of Contents »

     Series 7. Correspondence   (2 boxes)

    Scope and Contents note

    Dunton maintained a lively correspondence over the years with other quilt enthusiasts, often exchanging fabric samples, patterns, and even entire quilts through the mail for study. He filed his correspondence alphabetically by correspondents' last names in wooden hinged file boxes. The alphabet is incomplete, since there is no file for A through G; however, there is correspondence contained in other series, especially Series 8. A small number of items for A-G were found in the process of indexing the correspondence.

    While the letters are sorted alphabetically into folders, they are not strictly alphabetical within the folders.

    Dunton kept copies of outgoing correspondence, interfiled with incoming correspondence. For example, his letters to Mrs. L. Harris and her letters to him can both be found under the name Harris in the file. The correspondence dates from roughly 1928-1950.

    A-G;   6 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Susan Lewis Cockrell; Mrs. S.E. Dyke; Dan ___ (?); Mrs. J. Montgomery Gambrill.

    431

    HAA-HAQ;   31 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with I.H.; Mrs. Robert Bartlett Haas; Harry R. Hagerty; Mrs. Elizabeth Haight; Mrs. John Hall, Sr.; Mildred F. Hall; R.T.H. Halsey; Rosa C. Hanson.

    2

    HAR-HAX;   41 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Lois Harris; Elizabeth Harvey.

    3

    HAY-HAZ;   25 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Elizabeth Haynes.

    4

    HE-HI;   28 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Elizabeth C. Keat Heiner; Mrs. Gordon Heiner; Arthur C. Heiss; Mrs. Henning; Mrs. Schuyler F. Herron; Katharine Herron; Martha A. Hester; Hill Manufacturing Company; Katherine P. Hill; Mrs. W.G. Hill; Ida Himes; Mrs. Edward A. Hirschman.

    5

    HO-HY;   31 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Elizabeth Holden; Hoosier Farmer; Roy B. Horn; Blanche A. Horner; Houghton Mifflin Co.; Household Magazine; Mrs. Raymond Hudson; Walter K. Hudson; Mrs. Hughes; Lucy Hundley; Eleanor Hurd.

    6

    I-J;   36 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Maguerite Ickis; Indiana Farmer's Guide; Miss Jaeger; Mrs. James Howard Ingram; Mrs. Arthur H. Johnson; Helen S. Johnson; Mabel Hunt Johnson; Elsie S. Jones; Henrietta G. Jones.

    7

    KA-KM;   61 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Morris D. Katz; Eugene Kaufmann; Mabel Kelbaugh; Dr. Grace H. Kent; W.W. Kent; Eleanor (Nellie) Kershaw; Homer Eaton Keyes.

    8

    KN-KZ;   25 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Della Klenke; Cecilia Knapp; Elsie G. Knapp; Mr. Earl J. Knittle; Rhea Mansfield Knittle; Mrs. A.H. Knox (Edith Hemphill); Mrs. Charles E. Kunkle; Mrs. Milo Kuntz.

    9

    LA;   38 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Professor Ladd; Ladies Art Company; Ladies Home Journal; Donald A. Laird; W.A. Laird; Land O'Nod Publishing Co.; Mrs. Peter Lang; James F. Laughlin; Mrs. A.N. Lawrason.

    10

    LE (Except Lewis);   32 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Miss M.L. Leach; Mrs. Theodore W. Lees; Edwin Lefevre; Leisure Hobbies Series; Mrs. Frederick Leiter; Loretta Leitner (Chicago Tribune); Mrs. Leopold; Minnie A. Lester.

    11

    Lewis;   38 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Daniel C. Lewis; Elizabeth S. Lewis; Mrs. Fulton Lewis; Mrs. W.J. Lewis.

    12

    LI;   38 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with George A. Lilly; Marjorie D.H. Lilly; Francis Little; Little, Brown and Company.

    13

    LL-LU;   26 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Phoebe Lloyd; Lockport Cotton Batting Co.; Mrs. Seymour DeW. Ludlum (Mabel Stewart Ludlum).

    14

    McA-McD;   11 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Mrs. George W. McCreary; Elizabeth McCue; Mary McCue; James McCutcheon and Co.; McCutcheon's Quilt Department.

    15

    McE-McZ;   42 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with M.C.D. Borden and Sons, Inc.; Mary A. McElwain; Mrs. Robert M. (Jay) McFarlane; Mrs. G.R. McGowan; B.V. McGrath; Blanche C. McIntire; McKim Studios; Arthur McKim; Iva M. McKinney; R. J. McKinney.

    16

    MA;   46 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Helen E. Mackall; Macy's Quilt Department; Katherine W. Magraw; Meta Manifold; Mrs. F.E. Marcey; Mrs. Cyril H. Markley; Elizabeth Marty; Malcolm Marty; T.W. Mather and Sons (Mather Brothers); Edna E. Mays; Mrs. John P. Mays.

    17

    ME-MN;   24 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Mrs. Wilbert L. Merriken; Marianna Merritt; Metropolitan Museum of Art; Mrs. William G. Michelman; Margaret Miller; Sally H.R. Miller; John B. Minor; Mrs. Charles Minnegerode.

    18

    MO;   15 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Imogene Bacon Morgan; Ann Morrison; Florence Mooers; Lolo Willis Moore; D.J. Moses (?); Mrs. Isaac H. Moss.

    19

    MU-MY;   12 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Beulah F. Mumma; Emily Murray.

    20

    N;   209 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Elizabeth A. Nash; Needlecraft Service, Inc.; Newark Museum; Virginia P. Newcomer; Maude Nicodemus; Elijah Nostrand; Ida J. Nostrand.

    21

    O;   10 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Florence Oberman; Ruth Odell; Miss O'Hara; Mrs. O'Laughlin; Pauline Olmstead.

    22

    PA-PE;   78 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Russell C. Parr; Etha Bau Passano; J.G.D. Paul; Velma Mackay Paul; Payson's Indelible Ink Company; William W. Phoebus; Pauline A. Pinckney; Mrs. Giacomo Pirzio-Biroli; Edgar Allen Poe Society of Baltimore; J.S. Pollard; Dorothy A. Pollock; Rev. Frank G. Porter; Mrs. Edmund Povenstadt; Francis T.S. Powell; Lula M. Pearson; Mrs. Jessie Farrall Peck; Pratt Library; George H. Preston; Mrs. W. D. Preston; Mrs. Lynch W. Puliam; Mrs. Harry C. Purcell; Pattern Fashion Syndicate.

    441

    Q-RE;   21 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Quilt Fair; Mr. Raine; Ruth Ralston; Emily Randall; Kate S. Raudenhold; Nancy Andrews Reath; Mrs. Ben Reber; Mabett K. Reckord.

    2

    RH-RN;   17 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Mrs. F.D. Rhodes; Irving D. Rhodes; Martha Richmond; John Ridgely; Katherine W. Riggs.

    3

    RO-RY;   67 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with M.R. ("Squiggles"); Sue Roberts; Elizabeth W. Robertson; Mrs. Erla Rodakiewicz; Murial Rose; Elizabeth M. Roth; Kate Rowland.

    4

    SA-SD;   9 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Saint Louis City Art Museum; Mrs. Harry R. Schofield; F. Schumacher and Co.; Margareta Van R. Schuyler.

    5

    SE-SH;   21 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Sears, Roebuck and Co.; Albert Sehlstedt; Carlie Sexton; Laura E. Shanks; Mrs. Herbert B. Shearer; Mrs. Edwards Shelley.

    6

    SI-SL;   20 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with J. Raymond Simpers; Eleanor C. Slagle; W. and J. Sloane.

    7

    SM-SO;   31 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Mrs. E.S. Smith; Gretta Smith; Helen Gambrill Smith; L. May Smith; Rev. Jas. A. Smyth (St. Peter's Rectory); Virginia Snow.

    8

    SP-SR;   3 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Elsie H. Spencer; Mrs. Speed.

    9

    ST;   94 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Stearnes and Foster Co. (Phoebe Edwards Lloyd, Mr. F.J. Hooker); Edith M. Stern; Queena Stewart; Elting C. Stillwell; ; Mrs. James K. Stoddard; J. Stogdell Stokes; Mrs. M.S. Stokes; Harriotte Stone; "Stovey"; Mr. Stowe; Mrs. Frank N. Stransky; Bernhardena M. Stratton; Mrs. Ralph O. Stratton; Mrs. William R. Straughn; Strauss Brothers, Inc.; Myer Strauss.

    10

    SU-SZ;   4 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Edith M. Surratt.

    11

    TA-TH;   12 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Mrs. Frances D. Talcott; Helen Tate; Lou Tate; Miss Thompson; Mrs. Thompson.

    12

    TI-TZ;   42 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Anna L. Tompkins; Mrs. W.H. Toulson; Gertrude Townsend; Mrs. Arthur G. Tracey; Anna Trentham; Katie H. Trew; Mrs. G.E. Purnell Truitt; Rena Trust; Mrs. Edwin Litchfield Turnbull.

    13

    U-V;   12 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Sophie C. Ulrich; Mary Stoy Vaughan; Mrs. George Villmar; Virginia Snow Studios.

    14

    WA;   8 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Roberta Wallace; Sarah Wallace; O.H.F. Warner and Co.; Dr. Harvey M. Watkins.

    15

    WE-WH;   65 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Mrs. J. Watson Webb; Marie D. Webster; Siegfried Weisberger; Mrs. H.V. Welsh; Dorothy M. Wernsdorfer; Marian Westcott (Brown Shipley); Mrs. Jason R. Westerfield; Mrs. Charles H. Wetzel; Lelia Wetzler; Helen Wheeler; Joseph Wheeler; Laura Wheeler; Virginia P.B. White; Annie C.Whitelock; Sarah Lee Whorf.

    16

    WI;   36 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Theodore F. Wilcox; Mrs. Freeman C. Willis; Cora E. Wilson; Cora MdD. Wilson; Alice Winchester; Edward Winder; Belle Winemiller; Elizabeth J. Winn.

    17

    WO-WY;   32 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Lila Wolff; Woman's Club of Towson; Woman's Day; Woman's World; Elizabeth S. Woodward; Mrs. Francis A. Woodward; Miss Woodworth; Mrs. William Woodyear; Mrs. Wortendyke.

    18

    X-Y-Z;   6 items

    Scope and Contents note

    Includes correspondence with Federica Young; Bruno Louis Zimm.

    19

    Return to Table of Contents »

     Series 8. Subject Files   (3 boxes)

    Scope and Contents note

    Throughout Dunton's archives are files and research that he wrote or collected. These files touch on topics such as lectures given at the Baltimore Museum of Art or the Maryland Historical Society, quilts he viewed at the Friends of Art House, Japanese textiles, and various motifs, such as eagles as decorations. Although the folders contain correspondence, the file was maintained by Dunton as a subject reference rather than a correspondence file. Two subseries have been established for this series:

  • 1. Quilt Articles and Letters
  • 2. Quilt Letters/Subject Files
  •  a. Quilt Articles and Letters 

    Scope and Contents note

    The source of this subseries was a wooden hinged box labeled "Quilt Articles and Letters to and by W.R. Dunton, Jr."

    Miscellaneous notes and correspondence. 

    451

    Quilt manuscript and notes. 

    2

    Wreath of Roses. 

    3

    Rob Peter to Pay Paul. 

    4

    Central Medallion. 

    5

    An Album Quilt. 

    6

    Quilt Diagrams. 

    7

    Beds and mattresses, fliers and publications. 

    8-9

    Quilting designs. 

    10

    Questing for Quilts, essay by W.R. Dunton, Jr. 

    11

    Naturalistic Quilt Designs. 

    12

    Crazy Quilts. 

    13

    Album quilts. 

    14

    Wreath of Roses. 

    15

    Print patterns from quilts. 

    16

    Wallace (D.C.) Quilt. 

    17

    Notes and correspondence, ca. 1947. 

    18

    Old fashioned quilts. 

    19

    Quilt designs. 

    20

    Notes and correspondence, including notes on Smull quilt, ca. 1952-1955. 

    21

    Quilt letters, ca. 1946 1956. 

    22

    Unidentified negatives. 

    23

    Clippings and notes. 

    24

    Notes, photograph, and correspondence, ca. 1938 1942. 

    25

    Clippings and envelopes. 

    26

    Clippings and letters re: Quilts of Olden Days manuscript. 

    27

    Correspondence: E.S. Hutton, Jr., Thomsen Ellis Hutton Company; Copyright document for Old Quilts, Jan. 1947; Miss Winchester; various lists and notes. 

    28

    Whig or Democrat Rose, notes, clippings, and photographs. 

    29

     b. Quilt Letters/Subject Files 

    Scope and Contents note

    These originated in two wooden hinged file boxes marked "Quilt Letters". These include correspondence but are primarily subject files pertaining to Dunton's research and writing. There are also some non textual items in this section: a copper printing plate and a box of pin tools.

    Slide list, "Dunton Prints" box. 

    461

    Untitled essay on Album Quilt with photograph illustration. 

    2

    Quilt notes (notebook). 

    3

    Clippings; photographs (portraits, unidentified); engravings of costumes; various publications. 

    4

    Note cards used in quilt talk. 

    5

    Clippings, articles, and textile advertisements. 

    6

    Articles, clippings, typed sheets of notes, letters from U.S. Department of Agriculture to Friends of the Rural Arts Exhibition, 1938. 

    7

    Clippings. 

    8

    Clippings, articles. 

    9

    Quilt patterns. 

    10

    Quilts shown at Friends of Art, notes. 

    11

    Baltimore Museum of Art Quilt Show, correspondence and notes, 1943- 1944. 

    12

    1946 Baltimore Museum Quilt Show, correspondence and notes. 

    13

    Connecticut Valley Historical Society Quilts, notes and drawings, 1934. 

    14

    2nd Quilt Show, BMA, March 1944-1945. 

    15

    Sears Roebuck, notes, 1933. 

    16

    Quilt Talk, notes and correspondence, 1931. 

    17

    Maryland Historical Quilt Talk, handwritten notes, Undated. 

    18

    Maryland Historical Lecture, type and handwritten notes, Undated. 

    19

    May II (2) Notes, ca. 1933. 

    20

    Calico print patterns. 

    21

    Cut paper quilt blocks. 

    22

    Folk Arts, 1944. 

    23

    Quilt letters, Mrs. Winn Powers, 1953-1954. 

    24

    Bibliography of quilting. 

    25

    Index of photos. 

    26

    Eagles. 

    27

    W.R.D. Coverlet. 

    28

    Inks. 

    29

    Various notes. 

    30

    Dorsey Thompson Glenn papers, genealogical notes. 

    31

    Unnamed design. 

    32

    Thorndale Seminary. 

    33

    Richmond quilt correspondence, 1941. 

    34

    Labeled "II". 

    471-9

    Labeled "III". 

    10-16

    Box of metal pins and printing plate for St. Louis Quilt. 

    1-2

    Return to Table of Contents »

     Series 9. Dunton's Card Files   (4 boxes)

    Scope and Contents note

    This card file of 3x5 inch index cards (4 small boxes, 38 linear inches) was created by Dunton as another entry point for locating information in his archives - an index to quilts, quilt patterns, and other topical subdivisions. Although many of the cross references refer to items within his collection, some may refer to publications not contained in the collection.

    Some sections of the index contain quilt owner's names, bibliographies of quilt publications, entries to the Second May Company Quilt Fair (see Series 2, Scrapbook Vol. IV, p. 47). One section that was originally housed separately is called "Small Textile Color Cards", in which Dunton recorded red, green, brown, and black and white prints used in quilts. This small file provides cross references to his mounted fabric catalog, but seems incomplete.

    Topical subdivisions are as follows: Quilt designs, A - L, M - S, T - Z; Antiques; Prints; Quilters; Needlecraft; Samplers; Coverlets; Quilt booklets in scrapbooks; Miscellany; Subjects; May 2; Quilt Lantern Slides; Owners or makers; Owners not seen; Quilts; Small textile color cards: Red, Green, Yellow, Black & W, Brown.

    Note: The contents of this box had been disturbed, leaving numerous cards out of order. These were filed as seemed most logical, but it was not always possible to determine original order.

    Quilt designs, A-L. 

    48

    Quilt designs, M-S. 

    49

    Quilt designs, T - Z; Antiques; Prints; Quilters; Needlecraft; Samplers; Coverlets; Quilt booklets in scrapbooks; Miscellany; Subjects; May 2; Quilt Lantern Slides. 

    50

    Owners or makers; Owners not seen; Quilts; Small Textile Color Cards: Red, Green, Yellow, Black & W, Brown. 

    51

    Return to Table of Contents »

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