Tennessee crazy quilt, Women's Christian Temperance Union association. Hand pieced and hand embroidered, constructed in a contained nine-block pattern. Rendered with fabrics of silk, satin, velvet, and ribbons; some solid colors, others with printed or woven designs. Embroidered throughout, including some commercial designs. Images including teacup, spider web, moth, mouse, elephant, owls, flowers, Kate Greenaway boy and girl figures, and a racket sport net with rackets. Some applied decoration and chenille thread flowers. Some ribbons with hand stitched or embroidered names, including D. Bethel, Mrs. C R Groomes; other ribbons with printed titles, including Floral Hall Manager, Floral Hall, and WCTU. Various initials in multiple squares, including one painted J near teacup embroidery. Top is tacked at block corners to an off-white plain backing, which is folded to the front along quilt edges and machine stitched down. 68" H x 78" W. Late 19th century, c. 1890. Provenance: By oral history, Maggie Bethel Tubb (1859-1920) of Dekalb County, Tennessee made this quilt for her daughter Livy Tubb Simpson (1888-1971). Maggie was married to Livingston "Liv" Tubb (1853-1925). The 25 SEPT 1895 edition of the newspaper Alexandria [Tenn.] Times reported "Mrs. Liv Tubb winner Alexandria Fair crazy quilt, silk or velvet". Note: A clip from the May, 20th 1934 edition of The Tennessean announces the engagement of Maggie Tubb's daughter, Margaret Tubb, and mentions Margaret's aunt, Ida B Groomes of Memphis. The embroidered Mrs C R Groomes on a ribbon may be this relative.

PROVENANCE: See description for provenance information.

CONDITION: Overall good condition, bright colors. Wear commensurate with age. Scattered minor losses to fabric (largest approximately 6" x 1/2" along edge) and embroidery. Some shattering to silk fabrics.