Master of Arts, University of Akron, 2020, Family and Consumer Sciences-Child and Family Development

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, signature quilts were extremely popular. Young girls would use them as remembrance quilts, almost like an autograph book, whereas churches would use the signature quilt as a fundraising tool to raise money for projects such as new church buildings, missionary work, or Sunday school classes. The idea of using quilts for fundraising quickly caught on with other civic organizations. Individuals would donate money in exchange for having their names inked or embroidered on the quilt in the form of a signature. Often, the completed quilt was raffled off with the proceeds going towards the church or other worthy causes. One such signature quilt is in collection of The Summit County Historical Society in Akron, Ohio. This 1901 red and white quilt has 411 names in addition to businesses, cities, and occupations being embroidered on the quilt. A biblical verse and a product advertisement are also featured on two of the blocks. This quilt was made by the Ladies Cemetery Association to raise funds for the Maple Lawn Cemetery located in Darrowville, (now Stow) Ohio. Authentic documentation was found to support the quilt process and the causes of the group. This thesis investigates the participants and the quilts' intended purpose by using E. McClung Fleming's artifact study model. I applied this model, to identify, evaluate, interpret, and examine the cultural significance of the quilt and its maker(s).

Committee: Virginia Gunn PhD (Advisor); Sandra Buckland PhD (Committee Member); Teena Jennings-Rentenaar PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Art Education; Art History; Home Economics; Textile Research; Womens Studies