Western Carolina University WCU University of North Carolina Asheville UNCA

Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Rugs -- Appalachian Region, Southern
WCU - Craft Revival

Handmade Rugs: Fascinating Handicrafts Revival in the Southern Mountains

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  • This 1904 newspaper article describes the handiCraft Revival flourishing in places around the southeastern and northeastern U.S. The article appears to be written in response to a recent Bureau of Labor report and mentions the numerous charitable organizations, women's bureaus, and religious missions that are initiating the revival. While the article focuses primarily on weaving traditions, it also mentions quilting, basketry, rug making, pottery, and lace making as well. The article describes Frances Goodrich's work with the Allanstand Cottage Industries and identifies Emma Duckett of Asheville, N.C. as an award-winning weaver. Also mentioned are the Fireside Industries of Berea, Ky., and Cassie Rogan, who is working to revive patchwork and appliqué quilting in Russellville, Tenn. In addition, numerous other Craft Revival operations are mentioned including the Attakapas region in Southern Louisiana; various weaving and rug-making operations in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York; Rookwood pottery in Ohio; and lace maker Maria Storer.This article appeared in 1904 in a New York newspaper. The unidentified author mentions several places around the country where handcrafts are being revived. The article begins by looking at weaving as a "resuscitated" art and goes on to mention Allanstand Cottage Industries in N.C. It names Mrs. Emma Duckett of Asheville, N.C. as an award-winning weaver. It also discusses Berea Fireside Industries where carding and spinning precede the weaving. The author remarks on Miss Cassie Rogan, who is working to revive quilting in Russellville, Tennessee. The article continues with descriptions of work done in Louisiana and New England.

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Craft Revival

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mountain craftsmen formed the cornerstone of a revived interest in things handmade to create a movement known as the Craft Revival. During the Revival...

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