Crazy Quilt created by Helena Kayser Murhammer in 1915.

More traditional block found in left center section of the quilt top. Overall block style similar to Widower’s Choice, yet believed to have been designed by maker to display the four corner Friendship Fan blocks.

Quilt Description

This quilt top was created by Helena Kayser Murhammer and donated to the Willamette Heritage Center in 2023 by family members. It is believed that in the creation of it, the maker found it easier to construct in smaller block-like sections which were then sewn together to create the quilt top. This method of construction defines the style as a contained crazy quilt. There are eight sections including a more traditional block in the left, center section. The quilt has three rows that measure roughly 26-27 inches in width and are 66 inches in length. The top and bottom rows mimic each other with the pattern of one square (27″ x 27″), a think rectangle (8″ x 27″), and a larger rectangle (27″ x 35″). The middle row has a complex traditional block on the left side, similar to a Widower’s Choice in layout, but with the four foundation corner blocks that are the Friendship Fan pattern. Adjacent to it on the right, is a rectangular block measuring 27″ x 35.”

The fabrics used are unique and representative of silks, cotton prints, solids, velvets etc. In color they are bright and bold with contrast. Decorative stitching and applique were used in various locations. Four key decorative blocks are: 1915 which is believed to be the creation date, “C.K.” which may represent the creator’s mother Caroline Kayser, “Marie” which may represent the creator’s oldest daughter and only child at the time the quilt top was created, as well as the name “Lillian” which is believed to represent the youngest sibling of the creator.

The quilt is bordered with blue velvet-like material whose width ranges from 3-3 1/2 inches. Short edges were sewn first, then the long. Decorative stitching was done on all four sides over the seam joining the quilt with the sashing. Pattern is inconsistent.

Though this is a quilt top only, the pieces and applique have been stabilized by sewing them to muslin fabric which appears to have been old feed or flour sacks, two of which still bear faint markings. Two visible logos are “OAK” with oak leaves and acorns, the second is Cherry City [P]ATENT and an indecipherable logo. More research could be done into the two companies to see if better representations of the bags and logos have been documented. Sizes of pieced backing closely mirrors the geometric sections already described on the front, though there are nine pieces compared with the eight on front.

Creator History

Helena Kayser Murhammer was born 28 Dec 1894 in Robinson, Kansas to Fred J. and Caroline [Knecht] Kayser.[1] The family emigrated to Marion County, Oregon in 1911 following a drought in Kansas;[2] she was 16 years old. Helena married Henry Matthew Murhammer 16 Dec 1913 in Salem, OR.[3] At first, the couple lived on, and developed farmland owned by Henry’s father and stepmother in the Croisan precinct, three miles west of Liberty. They eventually purchased a 120-acre section of the property in the 1920s. With their hard work it became a successful farm and dairy. They were the parents of 11 children including two sets of twins. Helena’s husband Henry died 27 Sep 1947 at their home, a result of diabetes.[4] His illness caused him to be homebound for three years prior, with much of the farmwork falling to Helena and the children. They continued to operate the farm and dairy until Helena’s death 22 June 1959 in Salem General Hospital.[5] She had been ill for over ten years with a rheumatic heart. She was buried in City View Cemetery with her husband.

References:

[1] Helena C. Murhammer, Social Security Numerical Identification Files, image accessed from FamilySearch.org

[2] “New People Arrive in Salem,” Oregon Statesman, 27 Jun 1911, p. 5, image accessed from Newspapers.com

[3] Murhammer-Kayser, Return of Marriage (No. 10352), Oregon State Archives, image accessed from Ancestry.com

[4] Henry Murhammer, Death Certificate, Oregon State Archives, image accessed from Ancestry.com

“Henry Murhammer Funeral Scheduled Tuesday Afternoon,” Oregon Statesman, 28 Sep 1947, p. 2, image accessed from Newspapers.com

[5] Murhammer, Death Certificate, Oregon State Archives, image accessed from Ancestry.com

“Mother of 10 Children Dies,” Oregon Statesman, 23 June 1959, p. 5, image accessed from Newspapers.com

Quilt Documentation prepared by Kaylyn F. Mabey, 15 Apr 2023

Henry and Helena Murhammer standing outside their farmhouse. Their farm was off Croisan Creek Rd. in the Liberty District of South Salem.

Murhammer family standing outside their farmhouse in 1938.