Nicholson House Textile Collection 1797-1997 Generational Perspectives

Abstract

In the spring of 1797, pioneer-surveyor John Nicholson returned to Erie County for the third time from Fayette County, bringing his wife Isabella and infant son John. In all probability, cultivation of flax by the Nicholson-McKee Clan began that spring, and thus, too, the history of their textiles. This collection is an authentic sampling of 200 years of Erie County “linens” of several categories: quilts, coverlets, carpets, rugs, and yardage for clothing, bedding and sacking.