Lee's Rose and Buds
Betty Harriman, piecer, finishing by Mary Schafer
1969-1972
Virginia and Flushing, Genesee County, Michigan
Cotton with polyester batting
84 x 101
MSUM# 1998:53.50
Photo by KEVA, all rights reserved Michigan State University Museum

When Betty died, both women were working on their own Lee’s Rose and Buds. Betty’s notes stated that the pattern was from a quilt “made in 1852 (or 1854) by Mother and Grandmother or Cousin Mamie Lee. Mamie Lee was born [in] 1860, the night Abraham Lincoln was elected president…Quilt now owned by Robert E. Lee, son of Mamie Lee. This old quilt is in perfect condition and very beautiful.” Betty was a descendent of Robert E. Lee, this connection made the choice of pattern even more meaningful to her. When Mary received the quilt from the Harriman estate, it was partially marked for quilting.