Interested in American lace history? This is for you. Last year my supplier of embroidery books enclosed a gift of a ragged old copy of Gertrude Whiting's "A Lace Guide for Makers and Collectors" 1920. Tucked into the pages were 3 old Needle and Bobbin Club letters that give information about the difficulties American lacemakers faced 90 years ago (WWI era) when it came to getting supplies. Obviously, none of these ladies are alive, so I feel it is OK to share - for our lace scholars (so they will understand circumstances then). You'll notice that I have not used address numbers. Aug. 2, 1918 from Gertrude Whiting on stationery from Breakwater Court, Kennebunkport, ME: "Mrs. Warren W. Whitside, My dear Mrs Whitside: Thanks for letting us know of your change of address. I fear, however, that it is on that account that you have received no club notices. I have just written the secretary and the editor, so you should soon have at least the June 1918 bulletin. I expect in a few months to have some very fine bone bobbins. I am importing them without having seen them. I have quite a number of old and modern Swiss, some American, Italian and odd wooden bobbins. Mrs. Marian Powys, ( ) Washington Sq. South, N.Y.City, would be glad to sell you modern English wooden bobbins, perfectly plain, (drawing of a Honiton bobbin), perfectly plain, good for Milanese on account of the pointed end and lack of flange. My Italian ones are flangeless (another bobbin drawing). 50 cents a doz., plus expenses. Mrs. John P. Bainbridge, Hingham, Massachusetts, may have some bone ones for sale. Also Miss Lehr, Boston Institute of Fine Arts. I should enjoy seeing some of your work if you are ever in New York. Wishing you success with your piece of Milanese; I am very truly Gertrude Whiting" Jeri's comments: American lace experts will recognize several familiar names in this letter. Interestingly, Whiting must have been visiting in Maine and using her hostess's stationery. In the 1960's I happened to live just 2 blocks from where Powys once lived! Also, when I retired to Maine, I met a woman who knew her personally. She had great lace memories to share. I will continue with the other 2 letters (on The Needle and Bobbin Club stationery) in a separate memo. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
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