Centennial Purse

A rare purse commemorating the American Centennial (100 years from the American Revolution). Divided into 4 sections, one section is dated "1776" and the other "1876." In-between the 2 dated panels is a lyre/harp design. From Maine. Crocheted in a waffle design with ruffled decoration. The combination of turkey red and cream was popular during the 1870's. The American Centennial was important to Americans, reaffirming that the country was here to stay after a turbulent 19th century (the War of 1812 and the Civil War).

Collection of Paula Higgins