My Quilting Projects

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Flock Quilt Block


     I found the pattern for this Flock block in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird but adjusted the size from 6" to 8" finished.
     In these diary entries, Hattie has a terrible cold.  It's interesting to see how she treats a cold in 1916 - with a hot bath, hot lemonade, quinine, and Nibarger.  I read that quinine is a painkiller, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducer.  I had only known it as an old treatment for malaria.  I could not find out what Nibarger is.  Any ideas?  
     Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework and lives with them for most of the week.  Twelve-year-old George and fourteen-year old Ted are Hattie's younger brothers.  George has invested in some guineas.  Guineas are a type of barnyard fowl.  They act as a watch dog and eat a large amount of insects.  You can see a photo and read more here: http://www.guineafarm.com/guineas.html 
    
Friday, March 31, 1916 -
"I'm going to take a hot bath, hot lemonade, quinine, and Nibarger and hop in bed and see if I can't get rid of this horrid cold.  I refused a date to the show on account of it, but I don't think I should have wanted to go in the rain anyhow." 

Saturday, April 1, 1916 -
"Nothing much doing today.  After all my 'doping' last night, I have felt worse today and my throat hurts quite bad and is swollen on the inside tonight.  I have been up on the go almost all day - had a nap this afternoon.  Mother says I had better stay in bed tomorrow, but Mrs. Hile went home for over Sunday, and I hate to leave all the housework for Mother.  I'm going to 'grease up' with Nibarger again and hope I feel better.

"It turned out bright and clear today after the shower last night.  George invested in some guineas today.  He and Ted went up to Ellis' this evening after them."

Sunday, April 2, 1916 -
"It is just six o'clock, but I'm going to bed.  My throat and eyes are beginning to hurt, and all together I feel 'bum.'  I felt better this morning. and although I didn't venture out to church, I was up and around.  I phoned to May and wanted her to come home with the kids and cheer me up.  She said Bill was here, and they would walk out after dinner.  So they came about 2:30.  We made fudge, and I ate some, of course, and that is about what is making my throat hurt.

"Mrs. Hile has come back and is getting supper, so I'm going to bed and hope to feel better in the morning." 

Monday, April 3, 1916 -
"I stayed in bed until 9:30 this A.M., but it was so beautiful and sunshiny out that I couldn't stay in any longer.  My throat hasn't hurt so much today, but my cold is still quite heavy.

"We received news today of a new nephew at Eva's."

You might enjoyed reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/weathervane-quilt-block.html

4 comments:

  1. Susan I am so enjoying your grandma's diary. I have to check your blog everyday hoping for another entry.
    I'm curious as to how you plan on making your quilt. You have so many different size blocks. Are you gonna do rows of each size or mix them up? I can't wait to see it! Also how will you quilt it?
    Nancy skysnaina@cfl.rr.com

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  2. I wondered if nibargers was like our vicks vapo-rub or a camphor preparation since it sounded like she slathered on herself like a salve of some sort.

    I am reading from the beginning today. What an interesting life your family had!

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  3. Susan,
    Don't you think this story of your grandmother's and all of these fabulous blocks you have made would make a wonderful book? I think so! Love your work and "where your heart is!"
    Kathy in CA

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    1. Oh I so agree! Stories from the farm. I love the stories and your blocks.




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