QUILT INDEX RECORD

18-14-46

DESCRIPTION:

In this 1944 wedding quilt Gasperik tapped multiple sources to create an original design. She transposed a Detroit News Lily quiltING pattern into an appliqué lily at the bouquet's center. Other appliquéd floral designs in the bouquet may have come from Nancy Cabot/Chicago Tribune. The appliquéd flower girl is likely Gasperik's assemblage of ideas from multiple sources. For example, Gasperik might have taken her idea to embroider sausage curls under the girl's bonnet from a W.L.M. Clark (Grandmother Clark) set of quilt block patterns called Poster Girls advertised in Herrschner catalogs 1935-1937. The ferns and feathers quilted in abundance on this and other quilts came from an Aunt Martha quilting booklet.

ESSAY:

Of all the Gasperik quilts, this 1944 ‘Bridal Bouquet’ bears the greatest profusion of one of Gasperik’s favorite quiltING patterns – the fern leaf. Gasperik quilted these ferns onto at least 16 different quilts. Her pattern source was ‘Aunt Martha’ , which marketed the pattern (#C5573) based on its extensive use in the grand-prize-winning quilt of the Sears Contest of 1933, the famous “Star of the Bluegrass” submitted by Margaret Caden of Kentucky. It was probably seeing the Sears Contest quilts on display at the Century of Progress Chicago World’s Fair of 1933-34 that introduced Gasperik to quiltmaking and launched what became her life’s work. That particular pattern seems to have held particular significance, explaining why she used it so often and so creatively. In that same Aunt Martha booklet is pattern C5580, a large and elaborate sculptured feather motif which Gasperik quilted onto a second bridal quilt made for a special family member, Karen’s ‘Bridal Bouquet’ quilt #064, made in 1956. This same motif is the major quiltING focus of a third Gasperik quilt, the elegant ‘Leaf and Vine (Burgundy) #024, an undated quilt. In her quiltING, Gasperik selected and repeated particular motifs with great care, creating a body of work which was identifiably hers.

Where are the records for this quilt housed?

Mary Gasperik Legacy Project

Who documented this quilt?

Mary Gasperik Private Collection

CONTRIBUTING INSTITUTIONAL INVENTORY CONTROL NUMBERS: Enter the main control number for this item you are entering.

012

TYPE OF QUILT OBJECT: Choose the best description for the quilt being documented.

Finished quilt

QUILT'S TITLE, IF IT HAS ONE: Many quilts have no title, but contemporary quilters often give a name to their quilts.

Bridal Bouquet

OWNER'S NAME FOR QUILT'S PATTERN: Enter the name given to the quilt by the owner. This can be the name the family used to refer to the quilt as it passed through different generations, e.g. "Aunt Susie's quilt" or a pattern name that the owner used.

Bridal Bouquet (Doris and Elmer Gasperik)

ALTERNATE NAME(S) FOR QUILT'S PATTERN IN COMMON USE: This is the name of the quilt pattern that it is commonly used among quilt makers and historians. It may be different in different regions of the country.

Wedding Quilt

OVERALL WIDTH: Enter how wide the quilt is.

73 inches

OVERALL LENGTH: Enter how long the quilt is.

96 inches

SHAPE OF EDGE: Choose the best description for the edges of the quilt.

Straight

SHAPE OF CORNERS: Choose the best description for the corners of the quilt.

Straight

PREDOMINANT COLOR(S): Enter all colors that are found in the quilt.

Coral; Green; White

OVERALL CONDITION: Choose the best description for the quilt being documented.

Excellent/like new

TYPE(S) OF INSCRIPTION: Choose all the options that are found on the quilt.

Date

CONTENT OF INSCRIPTION(S): Enter the exact inscription here, including dates in the same form in which they appear on the quilt. Do not correct any spellings. If you are unsure of a letter or name, place a (?) to indicate uncertainty.

1944

DATE OF INSCRIPTION: Enter the date found on the quilt.

1944

METHOD OF INSCRIPTION: Choose the method used to inscribe the quilt.

In the quilting

LOCATION OF INSCRIPTION: Enter where the inscription was found on the quilt.

other

OTHER LOCATION OF INSCRIPTION: If you chose Other, please describe where the inscription was found.

1944 is quilted into the four white center hexagons above the wedding bells at the top of the quilt.

TIME PERIOD: Choose the time frame that best describes when the quilt was made. The date does not have to appear on the quilt to enter it in this field. This can be your best guess based on family stories or your own knowledge of quilts.

1930-1949

DATE FINISHED: Enter the date the quilt was finished.

1944

FAMILY/OWNER'S DATE FOR QUILT: If there are family stories that indicate a date when the quilt was made, enter that date.

1944

OTHER DATE ESTIMATION BY WHOM: Enter the name and/or title of the person who estimated the quilt's date for field 23d.

Merikay Waldvogel

FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING DATE(S): If you know anything else about the date the quilt was made, please tell the story.

Quilt made as a wedding gift for Elmer and Doris Gasperik in 1944.

LAYOUT FORMAT: Choose the best description for the layout (or set) of the quilt.

Medallion or framed center

SUBJECT OF QUILT, IF IT HAS ONE: Some quilts are made with a specific intent (e.g. Commemoration of September 11, the 100th anniversary of a town, or an AIDS panel). Enter the subject of the quilt.

Wedding

OTHER SPACING: If none of the options in Field 29 describe the quilt, explain the quilt setting here. May relate to Fields 26 & 27, if the blocks sizes are not the same throughout the quilt.

Elongated center panel is bordered with a row of white hexagons and a row of green hexagons.

BLOCK STYLE: Some patterns use the same shape template throughout the quilt (i.e. Charm quilts, Grandmother Flower Garden, Brick wall, Lone Star). If this applies to your quilt, choose the best description.

Hexagons

FABRIC FIBER TYPES USED IN QUILT TOP: Choose all the types of fiber that are used to make the quilt top.

Cotton

FABRIC PATTERNS, STYLES, MOTIFS, OR PRINT CATEGORIES USED IN QUILT TOP: Choose all the types of prints that are used to make the quilt top.

Print; Solid/plain

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USED IN QUILT TOP: PIECING TECHNIQUES: Choose the piecing method used to make the quilt.

Hand Piecing

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USED IN QUILT TOP: APPLIQUE TECHNIQUES: Choose the applique method used to construct the quilt.

Hand Applique

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USED IN QUILT TOP: EMBELLISHMENT TECHNIQUES: Choose the embellishment technique used to make the quilt.

Embroidery

UNIQUE EMBELLISHMENTS: Enter any embellishment materials that don't appear in a previous field.

note the embroidered curls of the flower girl

FABRIC FIBER TYPES USED IN QUILT BACK: Choose the fiber type used to make the quilt back.

Cotton

DESCRIPTION OF BACK: Choose the best description for the back of the quilt.

Solid/plain

MATERIALS USED IN QUILT BINDING: Choose the fiber type used to make the quilt binding.

Cotton

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USED IN BINDING: Choose the construction technique used to make the quilt binding.

Bias grain

WIDTH OF QUILT BINDING: Choose the width (in inches) of the binding of the quilt. Measure from the front side only.

less than a half inch

MATERIAL USED FOR QUILT BATTING OR FILLING: Choose the fiber content that best describes the material used to fill the quilt.

Cotton

QUILTING TECHNIQUES USED: Choose the technique that best describes the way the quilt layers are held together.

Hand quilting

THREAD COLOR: Enter the color(s) of thread used to hold the quilt layers together.

white

QUILTING DESIGNS USED: MOTIFS/OVERALL PATTERNS: Choose the overall quilt design found on the quilt top.

Grid/crosshatch; Grid diamond; In-the-ditch; Patches outlined/in the ditch

QUILTING DESIGNS USED: DECORATIVE PATTERNS: Choose the decorative quilt design found on the quilt top.

Feathering; Floral; Other

QUILTING DESIGNS USED: BACKGROUND FILL PATTERNS: Choose the background quilt design found on the quilt top.

Grid/crosshatch; Other

PLEASE DESCRIBE OTHER QUILTING DESIGNS USED: Describe any other quilting designs that appear on the quilt.

Fern quiltING design lines the inner edge of the coral panel; broad sweeping feather plumes fill the outer white areas.

ANY OTHER FEATURES OR NOTES ABOUT THE QUILT'S APPEARANCE, MATERIALS, OR CONSTRUCTION: Describe anything about the physical appearance of the quilt that wasn't already recorded in a previous field.

This special quilt with elaborate quilting and minute applique depicted in the wedding bouquet, as well as in the flower girl, is an example of the exceptional needlework skills Gasperik developed.

QUILT TOP MADE BY: Enter the name of the person(s) who made the quilt top.

Gasperik, Mary

QUILTED BY: Enter the name of the person(s) who quilted the top.

Gasperik, Mary

CITY: Enter the name of the city where the quilt was made.

Chicago

COUNTY: Enter the name of the county where the quilt was made.

Cook County

STATE: Enter the name of the state where the quilt was made.

Illinois (IL)

COUNTRY: Enter the name of the country where the quilt was made.

United States

HOW WAS QUILT ACQUIRED BY OWNER: Choose the best description for how the owner acquired the quilt.

Inheritance

QUILTMAKER'S REASONS FOR MAKING THE QUILT: If the quilt was made for a specific purpose, choose the reason from the list.

Gift or presentation

QUILT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO BE USED AS: Choose how the quilt was originally used.

Artwork/wall hanging

QUILT IS PRESENTLY USED AS: Choose how the quilt is being used by the present owner.

Keepsake/memento

OTHER PRESENT USE(S) OF QUILT: If you chose Other, please explain the quilt's present use.

Mary's grandchildren regard her quilts as a unique collection to be preserved and appreciated.

SOURCE OF QUILT'S MATERIALS: Choose how the quilt maker acquired the fabric for this quilt.

Purchased new

QUILT TOP PATTERN SOURCE: Choose where the quilt maker found the pattern for this quilt.

Original to maker

OTHER TOP PATTERN SOURCE(S): If you chose Other, please explain where the pattern was found.

Gasperik used the Detroit News Applique Lily Design (Leaflet #1743-ID48). And Nancy Cabot #32.8 and #32.83 (Chicago Tribune) patterns may be the design source for the Lilies of the Valley.

QUILTING DESIGN PATTERN SOURCE: Choose where the quilt maker found the pattern for the quilting design used in this quilt.

Published material

COMMERCIAL QUILTING DESIGN SOURCE NAME: If you know the commercial name of the quilting design used for this quilt, please enter it. This may include books, magazines, newsletters, pattern companies, etc.

Fern quilting motif is #C5573 and large feather motif is #C5580 - "Aunt Martha's Answer To 'How Shall I Quilt It?'"

ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES OR STORIES ABOUT THE QUILT'S DESIGN OR MATERIALS SOURCE: Describe anything about the design of the quilt that wasn't already recorded in a previous field.

Unusual for a Gasperik quilt, this one lacks even one border, but its broad expanse of of white ground filled with large feather motifs, edged with a narrow pale green binding, creates an equivalent frame for the medallion bouquet.

The style of this wedding bouquet, with its long drooping ribbons and bending stalks of lily of the valley mixed in with larger flowers, is reminiscent of traditional Hungarian bridal costume (in which ribbons droop down from the bride's headdress, past her face). Gasperik’s embroidered appliqué bouquet also resembles traditional Hungarian floral embroidery – both the plump flowers and the flat traditional white cutwork embroideries known as Madeira Work and Richelieu Work (also called riselin) for which needlework from Kalocsa is especially famous.

Gasperik might easily have adapted the Nancy Cabot pattern called Violet Block to create the two clusters of appliqué pansies appearing in the upper right and left corners of the medallion of this quilt. The pattern appeared in The Chicago Tribune 8-9-1935 (p 169-NC, Index to the Nancy Cabot Quilt Blocks M-Z compiled by Rose Lea Alboum, American Legacy Quilt Index, copyright 2005 by Rose Lea Alboum]. Gasperik frequently used Cabot patterns and many Cabot clippings from her hometown newspaper are pasted into Gasperik’s quilt album [private collection, Karen Finn].

EXHIBITIONS: List all known exhibits where this quilt has been displayed.

Illinois State Fair, 1946

Illinois State Fair , 1953

The Quilts of Mary Gasperik, Ravenswood Historic Site, Livermore, CA, March 14-15, 1992.

This is one of the 23 Mary Gasperik quilts exhibited in the Carnegie Room of the Marion Indiana Public Library July 16-17, 2021 in connection with the ceremony honoring the induction of Mary Gasperik into The Quilters Hall of Fame as their 2021 Legacy Quilter honoree. Mary Gasperik Quilters Hall of Fame Induction Exhibit.

CONTESTS ENTERED: List contest(s) entered.

OTHER RELATED ITEMS: List other materials that exist about this quilt like oral histories, wills, diaries, or patterns.

Letter from Miss Veronica Gavin to Mary Gasperik, dated Aug 17, 1946 reading "In my visit of [sic] the sewing building at State Fair yesterday I couldn't forget the two beautiful quilts which belonged to you. I especially like the "daisies won't tell" pattern and also the wedding design, so if it wouldn't be too much trouble & asking too much of you I would appreciate having both the wedding pattern and the daisy one."

1946 Illinois State Fair Blue ribbon in private collection of Elmer Gasperik heirs with attached cardboard tag reading "Illinois State Fair 1946 No. 3313, Class K, Lot 128, Prem. 4195 Ent 3 Most artistic quilt". It is likely that this ribbon was attached to this quilt.

The East Hazelcrest News issue No. 18, dated Sept. 23,1953, published by American Legion Post 1139 mentions that "one of the women of our village, Mrs. Stephen Gasperik, was awarded 2 first prizes & a second prize at the Ill/ State Fair for her quilts. The 2 first were given for her 'Delectable Mountain' quilt & 'Bridal Bouquet'. The second place ribbon was placed on her 'Indiana Wreath'. Last year she won a 1st & two 3rds. Quilting is almost a lost art, requiring a tremendous amount of patience & skill with a needle." Elmer Gasperik heirs, private collection.

Kalocsa kincse/Treasures of Kalocsa, Kati Fejer, 2006, Budapest, Hungary (collection of Susan Salser) presents excellent photographs, text and some instructional traditional needlework patterns. "We know that ladies in Transylvania and the Matyo region of Hungary also embroider Kalocsa designs..." (p 124). Gasperik was from Transylvania.

AVAILABLE SOURCES FOR QUILTMAKER: List other source materials about this quiltmaker such as photos, oral histories, book or newspaper publications, fame for some other reason or event.

Merikay Waldvogel and Barbara Brackman. Patchwork Souvenirs of the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, (Nashville, TN: Rutledge Hill Press, 1993)102-103.

Merikay Waldvogel "One American Dream Comes True", Quilters Newsletter Magazine, March 2008, 46-49.

OWNERSHIP OF THIS QUILT IS:

Private

NAME OF QUILT OWNER:

Elmer Gasperik heirs - Kathy Jacob contact

QUILT OWNER'S COUNTRY:

United States

AUTHOR/INTERVIEWEE'S RELATION TO THE QUILT:

Author/researcher; Blood relative of quiltmaker

OTHER RELATIONSHIP TO SOURCE: If you chose Other, for the relationship to the source, describe the relationship here.

Grand-daughter

OTHER INFORMATION ON SOURCE PERSON TO QUILT:

Grand-daughter Susan Salser began this research effort in 1991, after she and her two sisters divided up the quilts which belonged to their mother (Elsie Gasperik Krueger) who died in 1988. Her ongoing research has been fruitful and interesting.

QUILTMAKER'S MAIDEN NAME:

Mihalovits, Maria

QUILTMAKER'S GENDER:

Female

QUILTMAKER'S BIRTH DATE:

01/25/1888

DEATH DATE OF THE QUILTMAKER, IF APPLICABLE:

05/25/1969

QUILTMAKER'S ETHNIC BACKGROUND:

Hungarian

QUILTMAKER'S EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Elementary School

QUILTMAKER'S COUNTRY OF BIRTH:

Hungary

IN WHICH KIND OF ENVIRONMENT DID THE QUILTMAKER GROW UP?

Rural

CITY WHERE THE QUILTMAKER LIVES/LIVED:

Chicago

COUNTY WHERE THE QUILTMAKER LIVES/LIVED:

Cook

STATE WHERE THE QUILTMAKER LIVES/LIVED:

Illinois (IL)

COUNTRY WHERE THE QUILTMAKER LIVES/LIVED:

United States

QUILTMAKER'S FATHER'S NAME:

Mihalovits, Istvan

FATHER'S BIRTHPLACE:

Hungary

FATHER'S ETHNIC BACKGROUND:

Hungarian

QUILTMAKER'S MOTHER'S NAME:

Mihalovits, Vidoszava

MOTHER'S BIRTHPLACE:

Hungary

MOTHER'S ETHNIC BACKGROUND:

Hungarian

SPOUSE'S ETHNIC BACKGROUND:

Hungarian

SPOUSE'S OCCUPATION:

Milk Dealer/Grocery Store Owner/Butcher

NUMBER OF CHILDREN:

3

NUMBER OF FEMALE CHILDREN:

1 (Elsie 1909-1988)

NUMBER OF MALE CHILDREN:

2 (Elmer and Stephen)

HOW DID THE QUILTMAKER LEARN TO QUILT?

From guild or club member; Self-Taught

WHEN DID THE QUILTMAKER LEARN TO QUILT?

Age 40-49

WHY DOES/DID THE QUILTMAKER QUILT:

Pleasure; Other

OTHER, WHY THE QUILTMAKER QUILTS:

To exhibit in shows held by her Tuley Park quilt club in Chicago, the Detroit News quilt show in Detroit, many Illinois State Fairs, at least one Indiana State Fair. She entered quilts in at least 2 Chicago department store contests. She made at least one quilt and one quilt top specifically for the 1939 New York Worlds Fair quilt contest. She also made children's quilts specifically for grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and wedding and wedding anniversary quilts for her son Elmer and grand-daughter Karen. Primarily, she wanted to make quilts because it was her life passion and her greatest talent. The occasions and venues to show them presented themselves. It should be noted that prior to Mary's emigration to America in late 1904, at age 16, she was an apprenticed needleworker in her native Hungary. The intricate and colorful floral embroideries traditional to Hungary lend themselves especially well to applique, the quilt style Mary preferred.

NAME OF QUILTING GROUP: If the quilt maker belonged to a group, enter the name of the group.

Tuley Park Quilt Club and Detroit News Quilt Club

LOCATION OF GROUP:

Southside Chicago and Detroit MI

SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES/EVENTS OF QUILTING GROUP: Enter activities the group participated in.

Chicago group met to quilt and held periodic quilt shows; Detroit group held national exhibits and contests.

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF QUILTS MADE BY THIS QUILTER:

more than 50

DID THE QUILTMAKER SELL QUILTS?

no

DOES/DID QUILTMAKER TEACH QUILTING: Is the quilt maker also a quilt teacher?

no

PHOTO CREDIT:

Don Gonzalez

ACCESS AND COPYRIGHT IS:

Restricted

HOLDER OF COPYRIGHT:

Hank Finn

Details

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