WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION QUILT, ABOUT 1880-1900

The Politics

At the turn of the 20th century, many women became involved in social and political issues. Using their perceived role as moral compasses of society, they advocated reform in areas such as temperance, child welfare, birth control, labor conditions, and suffrage. The WCTU was one of many organizations which eventually succeeded in getting the 18th Amendment to the Constitution passed, banning alcohol until its repeal in 1933.

The Quilt

Despite quilting being a widespread feminine activity, few of the women’s reform movements used quilts as fundraisers or as statements of support. Many progressive women preferred activism not linked to traditional domestic endeavors such as quilt-making.

Beaver and Vernango Counties, Pennsylvania
Cotton
90” x 75”
Loan courtesy of Julie Silber