The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-05-15
THE OLD RAG
...CARPET.
Observation-Disclosures

Among the memories Of childhood is
that of an old dame l used to yisj. with my
mother. She Was always seated in the
midst of rags, the east of clothing Of several
generations, which she etcrnally cut into
stripes, sewed together, and wound into
balls. In course Of the trausmigratiOn Of
matter, these balls were woven into carpet
more comfortable than artistic.
However, as my mother said, 10 book
could be written that would contain more
of the family history than this carpet.
With what pride old Aunt Sallic used to
pick out the different bits. They had for
her humGn interest; memories of JOY and
pain, of journeys and rests, of comfort and
pride and affection were associated with
each threadbare shred.
There was the last bit Of an old blue coat
which hid been buttoned over manly
hearts as far back as the revolution; it had
been the Sunday coat in which several
generations Of farmer lads had been made
uncomfortable, and it had held its color al
most to the last honest bit Of dye in tho
wool fabric.
There were the mortal remains OF an cid
gray shawl which had been identified
with the family for years and years. II
there were romance, and chivalry, and
hospitality in the family record, they were
woven in the warp and woof Of this old
shawl In the days Of its prime it had
crossed the ocean. The gallant young
husband of that old day had lovingly
tucked it under the chin of his dimpled
bride, that the breeze that blew across the
world might not visit her thoroughly.
1t was always garment that could be
loaned to friend who was caught out in
cold Or storm. 1t hung in graceful folds
from the shoulders of the grand and stately
dame, or was punched awkwardly about
the dumpy little woman whose face beamed
good-naturedly about it 1t survived the
rise and fall Of big sleeves and narrow ones.
Amid the fashions of capes and coats, it
held its own
The grandmothers OF the family each in
turn had sat grooming by the fire, carefully
cuddling this bundle Of shawl which, being
unwrapped fold after fold, was found to
contain Cliile kernal in the shell a red
faced, half smothared baby, 1t was used
as a covering Tor the couch; it was thrown
over the back Of the invalid's chair, or
tucked into the od-fashioned dearborn
when the family drove to meeting. 1t was
taken to picnics and spread upon the grass
on which soufe loving swain reolned at his
mistress feet, and as it grew old and feeble
it was caught on brush and hriar and torn
in little snags here and there
At last Aunt Sallia got her own reluctant
consent to its reincamalion, in the form Of
rag carpet.
useG sometimes to want to takea bright
new bit OF cloth to the old woman for her
carpet, but my mother said, ono; better let
her alone, the old bits are more to her; be
sides, they tone il together, and are all of
piece The life of the old dame was of
the same piece also, shreds and memories.
This was my primary lesson in the
harmonious relation Of one thing to another
which dates further back than Delsarte,
even to the Injunction not to put new cloth
upon old garments.
My childish interest in the old dame was
not unmiXed with contempt for her mental
occupation. Think of it, mother!" said
'not to have soul above old rags"
at is with rags old and new that most
of us spend our lives" said my mother,
''if thee will think of it"
Alas, have thought Of it many time,
in the shaping over of an old garment, the
planning OF IA new one, the little cambria
satisfaction or vexations which 20 to make
up life.
BY the way, have you ever thought OF the
impressions we make upon the rctna OF
other persons minds, by our manners or
occupation? | once heard boy tell his
mother he did not want to remember her
as always doing tne household drudgery,
bat as being being lady sometimes
Now there comes memory of another
woman, also seated amid heaps of rags, but
she was dainty aud beautiful and rags were
shining garments which she would tax out
Of chests, airing and smoothing them caress.
iugjN, recalling the festive occasions on
wAisn they had been worn, then, with O
sigh, putting them back into their hiding
place. Her hands were whittier than thost