Sweetheart Pillows
A Wartime Phenomenon
Part I
by Patricia Cummings
photos by James Cummings, and many others
April 1, 2007
Sentimental "Sweetheart Pillows," "Mother Pillows," and other pillows for loved ones and friends were sent home during various wars, including World War II. We provide examples of this tradition in this article. A brief comparative price study is included which is not intended to be a price guide, nor an exhaustive consideration of that facet of collecting.
Every collection begins with just one item! A few years ago, while browsing in a store that sells antiques, I stumbled upon an intriguing pillow top from World War II. At the time, I thought the item to be quite unusual, especially considering its pristine condition, only because I had not yet seen other examples of this kind of tribute textile. Little did I know that soon I would have the opportunity to collect other examples, and then, I would begin seeing them everywhere!
History Found: Making Connections
In the meantime, I would learn more about the history of the shiny-surfaced items, into which a pillow form can be inserted. Many of these fringed pillow tops, pillow covers, or pillow shams, remain in an unused state. The front of the pillow top often includes a sentimental poem, specifically dedicated to a sweetheart, a wife, a mother, a sister, both parents, or is a general tribute to "Friendship." They were purchased by GIs, at military camps (i.e., bases), and were sent home to loved ones.
In all of the poetry that appears on these pillow tops, you probably will question the inconsistency of punctuation, or the lack of commas and periods altogether. In each case, I have shared the poems, here, exactly as they are written.
Pillow Shams: Symbols of Patriotism and Determination
WWII U.S. Marine Corps Pillow Sham.
Collection of Patricia Cummings. photo by James Cummings
These World War II pillow tops have common factors: the type of fabric used to make (most of ) them; the two-inch fringe that encircles the edges; often, the inclusion of an American eagle motif; and sometimes, the presence of art work that depicts military weapons. Usually, there is an announcement of the branch of military service. To date, I have come across far fewer U.S. Marines pillow tops. Mostly, I have seen pillow covers from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Forces (yes, "Forces.") The Army and Air Force were at one time combined into one branch of service. On a number of occasions, I have seen the name of a specific soldier, either a full name and rank, or just a first name, written across the bottom of the pillow top. Evidently, personalization was an option, probably by special order.
Camp Atterbury, IND Sweetheart Pillow Top from WWII. photo by James Cummings
The First Pillow Top Collected
The first pillow top I collected, shown above, says “Camp Atterbury, IND. After I had mentioned this particular pillow top on my Blog, I was contacted, with lightening speed, by a man who identified himself as Jim West, the webmaster for the official website of Historic Camp Atterbury. For those of you who may be interested, he sent this link: www.IndianaMilitary.org
Being one who loves to see words on textiles, I was enchanted by the
following "Sweetheart” poem that appears on the top's surface:
Sweetheart
Just for yourself I
love YOU
for the things you do.
For your sunny smile
and happy ways
Your heart that’s
always True
Some win their way with
favors
or treasures they may
own
But you are dear to me
SWEETHEART
for your Dear Self alone.
In some instances, "Sweetheart" could be construed as "Mother." Some of the young men leaving for war had not yet had the chance to have a real "sweetheart."
A Different Kind of War Casualty
Martin A. Fischer and his mother, Nancy Fischer, (my grandmother) on the day he shipped overseas to Germany, in 1944. In this picture, Martin was just about a month short of his twentieth birthday. Apparently, he had gained the rank of U.S. Army "Corporal."
To insert a personal note, I will tell you that my own uncle, Martin Fischer, left for overseas military duty during WWII, when he was only seventeen years old. Although he was a year short of the required age for enlistment, he was so eager to serve his country, he falsified information.
Unfortunately, his mother (sweetheart?) suffered a catastrophic stroke the same day. While he was on the train, heading off to be transported to Germany, his mother died. Only fifty-two years old, she already had become a casualty of the war herself, if only indirectly.
This article will be show you a number of pillow images, some of which have been kindly sent to me by antique dealers. The article is broken into ten parts, so that those individuals who have slow dial-up connections won't have to wait too long for files to load.
Pillow Top for "Wife"
WWII pillow top. Collection of Patricia Cummings. photo by James Cummings
A lucky person will find antique pillow tops in an unused condition. That was not the case with the pillow shown above which is in relatively poor condition. The four roses, on the yellow background, are faded, presumably from being rubbed against. The fringe looks ratty, which is a clear indication that the pillow top has been used. However, the words “U.S. Army,” and an American eagle with a Union shield, are still clearly visible. The sentimental saying on this one says:
To My Wife
A darling little wife
Has made my dreams
come true
She blesses all my
life
Her name is only You
You are my partner
sweet
You share in all I do
And make my
joy complete
By
simply being you
An Example of a WWII "Wife" Pillow Top
WWII pillow top, "To My Wife," with a more simple and straightforward design. Photo courtesy of Monique Wesson Davis. Photo edit for web by Patricia Cummings.
A pillow top from Dale Mabry Field, FLA, that measures 17" tall x 15" wide, is currently offered by mysticsmog on eBay for $70 plus shipping. The poem is as follows:
To My Wife
A lovely, darling little wife
Has made my dreams come true
She's lightened all the cares of life
other name my sweet is YOU.
My memories are quite complete
You share in all I do.
My hearts a sanctum that I keep
Preserved for thoughts of YOU.
"Mother Pillow" Example
U.S. Army "Mother Pillow."
Collection of Patricia Cummings. Photo by James Cummings
Another pillow top from Fort Dix, in my collection, is in much better condition. There are the same rose motifs as on the one mentioned above, and the same placement of the eagle and Union shield. However, all of the colored areas show up much better because of the white background. This one has the following sentiments:
Mother
To one who bears
the sweetest name
And adds a lustre
to the same
Who shares my joys
who cheers when sad
The greatest friend
I ever had
Long life to her
for there's no other
Could take the place
of my dear mother
Generic Heading for Poem: "Remembering"
WWII U.S. Navy Pillow top.
Collection of Patricia Cummings. photo by James Cummings
A more generic pillow top, that is in excellent condition, could have been given to anyone because it is titled simply, “Remembering.” The sham has gold lettering on a navy blue
background and the words, “U.S. Navy,” rendered in shadow
lettering, and also, “Newport, R.I.” That pillow top says:
Remembering
As days pass by
never feel blue
for I remember the
happy Times
with you
It would lighten my
cares
And double my Joys
To know that you
are remembering Too
An Additional "Remembering" Poem
Another U.S. Air Forces Sweetheart Pillow Top from Orlando, FL features a paper label pinned to the back that says, "Artistic Spraying & Painting Co., 87 Greene St., New York, NY," and a hand written date, "August 18, 1942." The words, "Air Corps," and "My Service to My Country and You," as well as the following poem appear on the pillow's surface:
Remembering
It's nice to remember
with wishes for cheer
someone like you
growing dearer each year.
It's nice to remember someone like you
but it's sweeter to know
you're remembering, too.
A Pillow Top for Remembrance
Before he died in Holland, on October 2, 1944, Pvt. Steve Chiberis, of the 82nd Airborne, 325 Glider Infantry Regiment, sent home a bright yellow, 18” square pillow top, with fringe, that features the words “U.S. Army,” “Camp Callan, CA.” Unfortunately, this kind of situation was probably not all that unique. The poem features the following words:
Mother and Dad in all
the years
Gone by You planned and strived for me
Thru sacrifice
of everything that could a pleasure be.
This token of love I'm
sending is just
a thought from me.
His name appears at the center bottom. On the sides of the beautiful pillow top, the following armaments are artistically depicted, and named: an anti-tank gun, a live bomber, a tank, an eagle with a flag, a long range gun, pursuit planes, and a machine gun. This particular pillow sham was offered by www.rubylane.com for $47.00. plus shipping, and the seller promised to include a file of research.
U.S. Army Mother and Dad Pillow Signed "Love, Son Walt"
Another signed pillow features a predominantly pink and shady green background with motifs that include an anti-aircraft gun, a bomber, a tank, a field gun, and a parachuting paratrooper, as well as an eagle, the words, "Overseas," and "U.S. Army" and a poem entitled, "Mother and Dad." A close-up of the pillow (which in its entirety, has brown fringe) is shown below, courtesy of Bobby, eBay seller "acsalesco."
Close-up of a signed pillow cover with scenes of war from overseas. The cover measures 18" x 16" and has a brown fringe. photo by "Bobby."
Two
Army Sweetheart Pillows Offered Online
Three U.S. Army pillow shams that offer the exact same “Sweetheart” poem are currently offered online by different sellers. One of them has “cool” colors and is from "Camp Lee, VA. Described as being in mint condition, the asking price is $55.00.
A more colorful pillow top that is being sold for $85.00, or best offer, by Monique Wesson Davis (whose eBay name is "mysticsmog.") That pillow sham, shown below, originated at Ft. Eustis, VA.
WWII U.S. Army pillow top.
photo courtesy of Monique Wesson Davis
photo edit by Patricia Cummings
A third pillow top with the same verse originated from Camp Crowder, MO. The beginning bid is $10.00, with a $5.00 shipping fee to anywhere in the United States.
Sweetheart
I thought that
you
would like to know
that someone's thoughts
go where you
go
that someone can never forget
the hours we spent
since
first we met.
That life is richer
sweeter far
for such a
sweetheart
as you are.
And now
my constant prayer will be
that God may keep
you
safe for me.
In reading the words to this poem, one can only think that the soldier felt, at the time, that his military duty was keeping his sweetheart “safe.” Psychologically speaking, he could have been projecting the thought of her remaining safe mainly because of his own wish to remain out of harm's way.
Prices of Pillows During WWII
According to one pillow seller, a price tag was still on the back of a "Sweetheart Pillow" from Fort George G. Meade. Apparently, the price was $7.50, or $7.80 (with an envelope for mailing.) In checking online with a site that will calculate values, then and now, a comparative price value for $7.50 in 1945 would equal $84.00 in 2006. As a point of reference, the site's web address is this: http://measuringworth.com/calculators/ppowerus/result.php
Prices on the Collectibles Market Today
Recently, I felt lucky to
have spotted a pile of pillow tops in a locked case at
“Needful
Things” in Amherst, NH. At $10.00 each, four pillow tops followed
me home. Four others stayed behind. As a collector, one tries to
acquire the best examples, and a cross-section of what is available.
Prices Range In Online Auctions
The lowest starting price on eBay for pillow tops of this kind has been $.99, plus shipping. One bidder won a pillow top for just $4.99, plus $3.00 for shipping, a good bargain! Most of the pillows I have seen, have a starting price of $9.99. Some do not sell, even at that price. The highest price asked for a sweetheart pillow top was a buy-it-now auction for $85.00, but that has now gone for weeks, with no sale. The seller did include a “best offer” bid section. In addition, the shipping cost is approximately $12. to U.S. addresses and the price has risen with consecutive listings of the same item.
Condition, Condition, Condition
In the real estate market, the watch words are “location, location, location.” In the field of antique quilts and textiles, we would have to substitute the words "condition, condition, condition.” That said, one of the drawbacks to buying any textile online is the inability to see for yourself its true condition. Photos do not always clearly provide an accurate view. There may be holes, stains, loose fringe, or other damage that is not readily apparent. A word to the wise: Pay close attention to any photos provided.
Do Not Iron!
Once in hand, it is clear to see the customary deep creases caused by folding, and their having been stored in this manner for close to seventy years, in some instances. "Ironing” antique textiles, especially of unknown fibers, such as these tops, is not advisable. When heated, inks may also run. A more desirable solution is to collect only those that have been stored in a manner that prevented creases from occurring.
With the pillow tops' heartfelt messages of love and devotion, one can imagine that many a mother or other recipient neatly tucked these pillow tops away in trunks or chest of drawers, areas in which there may not have been enough room to store them flat.
Sentimental Pillow Tops As Comfort Measures
While we have talked about these pillow tops as collectibles, with certain values placed on them in the secondary market, their greater significance lies in what they may meant to the recipients. One can only imagine the comfort that "Sweetheart," or "Mother" pillow tops brought to loved ones who were waiting for any word at all, from their soldier son (or daughter?). Sadly, as in any war, many of those serving this country simply did not make it home. In that case, a pillow top must have assumed stronger meaning, as a lasting symbol of patriotism, duty, and love.
As more and more estates are being disassembled, many of these collectible pillow tops may come into the marketplace for the mere reason that those inheriting them do not want to give them space, and/or do not realize their significance.
Historically, these pillow tops are important because they mark a point in time. They connect the feelings of real people and a greater cause, and a sense of duty, beyond their own selfish wishes. These pillow tops tell a story, and in each case the tale is a personal saga. No doubt, fine examples of this type of textile will continue to be collected in years to come. There is more to be learned about these pillow tops, and my own research has just begun.
"Cleveland News," V-E Edition, with banner headline, "Nazis Quit."
Scan provided by Joan Kiplinger.
V-E Day marked the defeat of Nazi Germany on May7-8, 1945.
V-J Day celebrated victory over Japan on August 15, 1945, and the end of World War II.
The Wright Museum – Caretaker of WWII Artifacts
The Wright Museum in
Wolfeboro, NH, located in the nation's oldest resort community,
displays many items related to WWII, including some Sweetheart Pillow
tops. A trip to the museum is well worth the trip. We are eager to
return for another visit, in the near future. To whet your appetite,
you may visit a photo report, written in 2004:
http://www.quiltersmuse.com/wright_museum.htm
Current Additional Files There are ten sections to this article! They are listed in the "Historical Articles" section, found on the left navigational bar, should you get "lost." Happy Reading!
©Copyright April 1, 2007. Patricia and James Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire. All rights reserved.
e-mail: pat@quiltersmuse.com