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| Martha Erskine Ricks |
Martha Erskine Ricks: 19th Century Quiltmaker
by Kyra E. Hicks, a 2004 Anyone Can Fly Foundation Professional Scholars Grant recipient.
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Read an Excerpt:
Martha Ricks, (ca. 1817-1901) a simple farmer’s widow, made her way slowly off the morning train from London. She was a petite, seventy-six year old woman. She wore her finest Sunday suit and lace bonnet. She carried in her arms a bundle wrapped in brown paper and tied neatly with string. She gazed at the gathering crowd and inhaled deeply, savoring the moment. She spent fifty years anticipating and preparing for these next few hours.  A tall, dark-skinned man in formal attire cupped his hand under her elbow to assist her to the awaiting transportation. They walked several feet before she had to step up into the ornate, open-top carriage. One of the footmen held her precious package while she sat down comfortably. The rest of those accompanying her settled in the second carriage. Curious villagers, who had waited for the woman newspapers called an elderly Negress, applauded and shouted well wishes to her. Within moments, the team of horses started a dignified gait up the winding road leading to the large stone house on the distant hilltop. The locals called the residence Windsor Castle. Mrs. Ricks, hugging her bundle, called the house and its royal mistress the answers to her prayers.
--Kyra E. Ricks, 2004
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HTML Version: Martha Erskine Ricks: 19th Century Quiltmaker
by Kyra E. Hicks
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PDF Version: Martha Erskine Ricks: 19th Century Quiltmaker
by Kyra E. Hicks
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