Phebe Cook made this quilt for her granddaughter, Blanch Corwin, who was born in 1872 and from the age of five, was raised by her grandparents. Abel and Phebe Cook farmed eighty acres near Edison, and it is this community that comes to life in this quilt. People milking cows, smoking pipes, and driving buggies are minutely detailed with braided hair, freestanding ruffles, and lashing whips. Both African-Americans and whites are included in Mrs. Cook’s quilt community.

Blanch Corwin Kelly treasured her quilt and proudly shared it with others, often spreading it out on her dining room floor to show visitors. Blanch gave the quilt to her “courtesy” grandson and close friend, Walter Moore, who presented to the Ohio Historical Society “So that,” he said, “people could continue to enjoy it.” The family always called it the Boys and Girls Quilt, but here we refer to it by the name of its very creative and talented maker.

Quilter’s Corner
Mrs. Cook created 20 squares for the center of her quilt, and then surrounded each with wide lattice strips of two fabrics – pink and brown. The brown strips make an “x” in the cross lattice. Brown, pink, and brown borders on all four sides surround a wide white border. Appliquéd in each of the 20 blocks and throughout the border are people, animals, and vehicles engaged in various activities. Mrs. Cook embroidered the initials P.C. and 1872 in one corner.

The Boys and Girls Quilt, 1872
Made by Phebe Cooper Cook
Edison, Morrow County
Cotton, silk, appliquéd and embroidered
94" wide x 75" long
H32382