Hearthside - The House That Love Built

HAND-CRAFTED LOOM FINDS NEW HOME AT HEARTHSIDE

In June 2002, Hearthside received its first major donation to the house, a 150 year-old, handcrafted loom. The loom, donated by Mrs. Trudy Schmidt, had remained in the same family for 150 years. It belonged to her husband, Alvin, who had received it from his grandparents, Dan and Jessie MacCleod of Loch Lomond, Nova Scotia, who had received the loom from Dan’s father.

HAND-CRAFTED LOOM FINDS NEW HOME AT HEARTHSIDEHaving the loom at Hearthside is quite significant because it helps to showcase one of the important uses of Hearthside over the years. In the early 1900's, the Talbot family operated a handweaving business at Hearthside, specializing in fine weaving, including altar cloths, bedspreads and table linen.

Talbots at their loomsThe fabrics were considered to be some of the country's finest at that time. Demonstrations on the loom are now a part of the house tours at Hearthside during special events.

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