Description
A rare and touching survival from 1861, this intimate grouping of hand-sewn linen and lace preserves the quiet artistry of one family’s needlework tradition, carefully saved and documented within the Bacon family of early Whittier, California.
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From an era long past comes this meaningful collection of textile keepsakes, each accompanied by handwritten family notes preserving their history. Carefully tucked away in an old chest and passed down through the Bacon estate — a prominent agricultural family instrumental in the early development of Whittier, California — these pieces offer both decorative beauty and authentic personal provenance.
### ✧ The Wedding Pillowcase — 1861
The centerpiece of the grouping is a finely hand-sewn white linen pillowcase, noted in period handwriting as a wedding gift dated 1861 and bearing the stamped name **Ellen L. Bruckett**, identified as the mother of Eldon P. Bacon.
Worked in exceptionally fine, soft linen, the case displays the tiniest, precise hand stitches and a delicately attached lace edging. The slender proportions suggest use as a bolster pillowcase. The linen has aged gracefully, with oxidation and gentle toning consistent with long storage.
**Measurements:**
• 41¾” long
• 18″ wide
**Condition:**
• Age-related oxidation and storage toning
• Structurally sound antique textile
• Please review photos carefully
### ✧ Hand-Made Lace Collar
A delicate pointed collar in fine cotton, hand gathered and embellished with lace. The accompanying note reads:
“Elise made for mother.”
A sweet and personal example of domestic needle artistry.
**Condition:**
• Fragile areas to lace
• Gentle age toning
• Displays beautifully
### ✧ Broderie Anglaise Fragments
Two lovely pieces of broderie anglaise, likely removed from a garment, accompanied by the note:
> “Mother’s work. Pretty fine needlework.”
These pieces nicely complete the family needlework story and are ideal for study, display, or careful reuse in heirloom projects.
**Condition:**
• Minor age spotting
• Soft antique wear
## **Historical & Collector’s Note**
Textiles with **documented family provenance** are increasingly sought after, particularly when tied to early California families. This grouping offers:
* Authentic mid-19th century dating
* Named family connection
* Original handwritten documentation
* Multiple related needlework examples
Whether preserved as a study collection, displayed in a primitive textile vignette, or cherished by a family history collector, this is a quietly powerful survivor of women’s domestic artistry.
