Dobson Farmhouse Quilts

Some of the Dobson's family quilts that I promised to share.

Colonial Rose Quilt (1850-1860)

This quilt is called Colonial Rose and was made between l850-1860 by Ida's husband, Ralph Dobson's, grandmother. The border fabric is French. The quilting on it is very fine. These photos were made at a quilt show. The speaker told me about the quilts and what vintage they were.

Colonial Rose quilt made at the Dobson farm by Uncle Ralph's Grandmother.

Closeup of the Colonial Rose appliquéd quilt showing more detail of the French border fabric.

These two quilts were also made by Uncle Ralph Dobson's Grandmother.The quilt on the left is Turkey Tracks, Wondering Foot, or Iris Leaf. The one on the right is know as String or Eight Point Star. The star points are made up of tiny strips piece together.

Two more quilts from Uncle Ralph Dobson's Grandmother:The quilt on the right in the photo below was made sometime between 1850-1860. It is known as the Dresden Plate. Ralph Dobson's Grandmother made it also.

The five quilts below were made by Ralph Dobson's mother, Elizabeth Jennings Dobson. From left to right, front row: Butterflies, Dutch Doll. Second row, left to right: Double Wedding Ring, one with the blue background is named either Wheel of Fortune, Wagon Wheels, or Baby Aster and the back row right is called Four Patch.

Five of Uncle Ralph's mother's quilts created at the Dobson Farm

Quilts were usually made in winter time in the 19th and early 20th Centuries because spring and summer activities on the farm and in the garden did not leave any time for quilting. I can imagine the ladies quilting by the fire on winter afternoons. These quilts are not on display at this time.

Aunt Dobson Family Heirloom Quilts

I just now added some quilt sites to my "Reading  List" on my profile. My interest in my Dobson family quilts is renewed because of  my blog. It excites me to be able to share the things that are near and dear to me. In a few days, I will have some photos to share of some of the Dobson family 19th Century quilts. Sharing what you love brings life to its meaning.

Pound Cake Recipe

Here is a cake recipe very much like Aunt Id's that I remember so well.

Sour Cream Pound Cake

From: The Best of Home Economics Teachers Bicentennial Cookbook, 1976

Preheat oven to 325°

In large mixer bowl, cream together the following in this order:
1 cup of butter or margarine softened ( I soften in microwave.)
3 cups of sugar
¼ tsp. of baking soda
2 tsp. of vanilla or lemon extract.
If using orange extract, grate orange rind into batter too.
Cream above well with the sugar and butter
6 eggs
Add one at a time while the mixer is running to creamed mixture.
Add: while mixer is running
1 cup of sour cream
3 cups of flour
Add the flour a little at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl when necessary.
Put batter into a greased and floured Bundt or tube pan and bake for 1 and ½ hours at 325° or until cake tests done. (I have better luck with the cake baking evenly in a Bundt Pan.)
Let pan cool on rack for 5 minutes.
Loosen cake around edge of pan. (I never had to do this.)
Invert pan onto rack. The cake should turn loose of the pan. Let cake cool on rack completely.

"Mountain Treasures, Simple Pleasures."

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce logo is "Mountain Treasures, Simple Pleasures." That describes perfectly my feeling about Aunt Dobson's Farmhouse, and what my guests usually comment about their visit.

Fall Photos at Aunt Dobson's Farmhouse

Aunt Dobson's Farmhouse
photo by guest 

View of Patton Valley from the Farmhouse porch

photo by guest 

View from porch Patton Valley

Smoky Mountain sunset overlooking the hay meadow
photo by Sarah  

Fall at the Farmhouse

Aunt Dobson's Farmhouse
photo taken by guest fall 2009