WWII Pillow Tops - Part VIII
by Patricia Cummings
with contributions as noted
This is an ever-growing file of photos of pillows and pillow tops, shams, or covers, whichever term one prefers to use. These items were sent or brought home to Sweethearts, Mothers, Wives, Friends and/or kept as personal souvenirs by GIs, particularly during World War II. The making and the purchase of military pillows that are often patriotic and feature the name of a particular branch of the service is a long standing tradition.
I
WWII Pillow Top from the Aleutian Islands: Attu, Kiska, Amchitka, and Adak, features animals and planes. 17.5" square, not counting the fringe.
Shown here, courtesy of eBay seller, "sell-stuff4u."
World War II is recognizable simply as "The War," according to Walpole, New Hampshire, film maker Ken Burns. His much-awaited documentary about the war fought by "the greatest generation," will be released in September. If you remember your history lessons, you will recall that the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was the decisive moment that involved America in the war.
The pillow cover above commemorates Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona.
photo courtesy of eBay seller, "luckens." photo edit by Pat Cummings
"Mother and Dad" Pillows Very Popular
With or without poems or signatures, Mother and Dad pillow seem to have been sold in great numbers. The following pillow says simply, "U.S.A.," and does not indicate a branch of the military. Also featured is a banner with the words, "Mother and Dad," and a nostalgic poem.
"Mother and Dad" pillow with a classic poem that we have seen on other pillow tops. t photo courtesy of Bobby, eBay seller "acsalesco."
WWII Era C.C.C. Pillow with "Mother and Dad" Poem
On the 22" square pillow, shown below, you will see a circular logo, a sentimental poem, and the letters, "C.C.C," which represent the U.S. Civilian Conservation Corps. This program was begun in the 1930s as part of the "New Deal." The goal was to put young men to work so that they could earn some income. In all, about 4,000 work camps were established in all forty-eight states and U.S. owned territories. Work was done primarily in outdoor settings. All funding was cut off by Congress and the program was officially terminated on June 30, 1942.
photo courtesy of eBay seller "attic-attractions"
Mother and Dad
No one knows but mother and dad
about the smiles and tears we've had
no other is willing and glad to share
whatever we have of joy or care
no other of years gone by
or understand each smile and sigh
for the dearest hearts of this old earth
are the hearts at home of golden worth.
To read more details about the C.C.C., and to see another pillow cover that is located in the Michigan State University collection, click on this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Conservation_Corps
Vogart Produces Patriotic War "Puppy" Patterns
The Vogart Needlework Company produced a 1942-43 catalog that has puppies in uniform, for various branches of the Armed Services. After Joan Kiplinger told me about finding examples in some ephemera she has, I remembered that I have a Navy Puppy-Soldier Pillow Sham. I will post a photo of that, as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are scans shared by Joan.
Vogart catalog pattern #255: a Puppy-Soldier toting a gun, and #254, a Kitty-Nurse. Scans courtesy of Joan Kiplinger.
WWII Navy Puppy Pillow Cover, probably a Vogart design.
Collection of Patricia Cummings. photo by James Cummings
Vogart catalog pattern #251. Catalog scan provided by Joan Kiplinger.
©Copyright 2007. Quilter's Muse Publications. Photo edits by Patricia Cummings. All rights reserved. e-mail: pat@quiltersmuse.com