Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
History
Date of Award
5-2001
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Colin F. Baxter
Committee Members
Dale M. Royalty, Marie Tedesco
Abstract
This thesis explores the evidence for handweaving in antebellum Washington County, Tennessee. The author examines probate inventories, wills, store ledgers, and census and tax materials to determine the identities of the weavers, the equipment and raw materials available to them, and the kinds of textiles that women wove. The author discusses the reasons many women continued to weave cloth at home although commercially woven textiles were available in local stores.
The author concludes that many of Washington County's antebellum weavers wove as a contribution to the country goods the family bartered at the local store. Others may have been responding to an ethnic or family tradition or seeking an outlet for creative expression. For many, a combination of factors influenced them to weave. By adding to our understanding of women's household activities in East Tennessee, this study adds to the history of the wider Appalachian region.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
MacRae, Ann Cameron, "Women at the Loom: Handweaving in Washington County, Tennessee, 1840-1860." (2001). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 115. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/115
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.