Signature Quilt Captures Family
Centre Block of St. Mary's Church Name Quilt made by the Catholic Women's League of Owen Sound, 1909. Photo courtesy of Grey Roots Museum & Archives collection. On a beautiful summer evening, a well-dressed crowd gathers in a garden pavilion, surrounded by lush trees. The tables are filled with savory and sweet foods and cups of lemonade. Another table is staffed by young women eagerly selling tickets for raffles, while youngsters dart about enjoying games and fun. A large signature quilt is displayed on a nearby table and many gather around to admire the embroidered handiwork and the red-stitched image of their church, St. Mary's. They search for their own names and point out the names of their neighbors, friends, and fellow churchgoers who also signed the quilt. The quilt was more beautiful than they imagined it could be when they signed the small square blocks weeks ago. And, God willing, it would raise the funds they needed to fulfill their congregation's...
A friend who was helping me translate birth records in Slovak explained the legitimate/illegitimate notation in church records. He said it refers to the father’s membership in the church. If the father did not attend or was not himself baptized, the child was recorded as illegitimate. That notation should not be interpreted as a child not recognized or living without a father. The parents may be in a civil marriage. I thought I’d pass that on in case it helps you in the future. 😊
ReplyDeleteHello "Unknown!" Hope you are well. Thanks for reading and responding with your info. I had not heard this, although I had heard that illegitimate might also mean the father had passed away. Makes me wonder why they did that. I appreciate the tip, it will come in handy in future.
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