Lyn,
That is really interesting history and thanks for taking the time to tell
it. I love learning about culture and the people and events via our lace
interests. I just like learning!
Mark, aka Tatman
On 5/11/12 3:12 PM, lynrbai...@desupernet.net lynrbai...@desupernet.net
wrote:
Exactly where your ancestors came from might prove important in this one. I
was in Mirecourt, which, btw, has a book. That's Lorraine, and Lorraine was
surrounded by France at one time, with heavy tariffs. Since Lorraine grows
flax, the Duc de Lorraine began a lacemaking industry. Which one, I'm not
sure, but I suspect in the 1600's when lace was all the rage. I'm not sure
they actually developed a style of lace themselves, but produced what the
market demanded, borrowing perhaps from other areas. At least I think that's
what they said. The lace exhibit in Mirecourt in the summer is wonderful, as
they move to the upper floor of the medieval market, have large displays, and
patterns for sale, as well as a group making lace right there. I spoke to
them in French, so I've no idea if they speak English, but it was an amazing
visit. As for Alsace, my grandfather came from a tiny German village about 8
miles east of Baden Baden, so I am somewhat familiar with the area. I've
visited my cousins there several times and am not aware of any lacemaking
tradition, certainly with my relatives, and they were so poor, the land being
rather bad in their village which is nestled in the Schwartzwald, and anywhere
they grow pine trees is bad farming land. If there had been a lacemaking
tradition they would have grabbed at is so the children didn't starve. Alsace
and an area east of the Rhine, possibly Wurtemburg or Baden, were once one
duchy, which might explain why Alsatian French is not known for its purity,
and neither is Schwabisch German. I suspect they sound more like each other
than standard French or Germans. Some Alsatians migrated to Cape Breton
Island in Nova Scotia, and I believe there was lacemaking there, but since the
French were the ones who lost the war in 1753? or thereabouts, they got the
short end of the stick economically and needed money, and so they make hooked
rugs for sale to tourists now, as well as finer products.
Hope this helps.
Lyn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, where I've just come in for a moment from
making lace among the roses with a pot of tea. Doesn't get much better than
that.
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