Caddie Blush Quilt Collection

Biographical information provided by the donor:

Caddie Moline Blush (1873-1942) was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, where her father was co-owner of Wolf & Blush, Brick Manufacturers. Her father, Robert L. Blush, was born in Germany, and her mother, Etta Springer Blush, was born in Canada. The family later moved to Hammond, Louisiana, because of her father's health.

According to the 1930 census, Blush lived in Hammond, Tangipahoa, Louisiana. At the time, she worked with her brothers, who were merchants and photographers, and for the local drug store developing film.

In 1934, Blush moved to Indianola, Mississippi, due to health concerns related to diabetes. There she lived with her niece, Lois Blush Comish, nephew-in-law, Hugh Comish, Sr., and their two children Hugh Comish, Jr., and Gloriah Joy Comish. Blush was very close to her great-nephew, Hugh, who was known to play under Blush's quilt frame.

Following the death of his parents, Hugh Comish, Jr., and his wife, Nancy M. Comish, found twenty-one pieced quilt tops and other miscellaneous quilt pieces. The completed quilt tops were restored, made into quilts, and labeled by Carol Cantrell. These finished quilts were given to various members of the Comish family. Many loose quilt pieces, some with the names of Blush's friends and relatives, were also found with the quilt tops. These names include her brother's names and the names of nieces and nephews that have been identified through Federal Census information. There were also quilt pieces backed with newspaper from the 1940s.

Blush died on November 23, 1942, at Tangipahoa, Louisiana.