Pi Beta Phi Settlement School coverlet; overshot; 1927; Tennessee

Weavers at the Pi Beta Phi Settlement House in Gatlinburg, Tennessee wove this blue and white, “Double Bow Knot” coverlet in 1927. The coverlet measures 96 inches by 76 inches and is constructed from two panels. The Pi Beta Phi school was established in the late nineteenth century in Gatlinburg as part of the settlement school movement to help educate the rural population of Southern Appalachia and provide them with a marketable craft skill. The school was famous for its loomhouse. The craft school is still in operation today and known as Arrowmont. Pi Beta Phi Elementary is still educating the children of Gatlinburg, Tennessee as well. This coverlet belonged to Mrs. B.B. Moeur of Tempe Arizona. It is unclear if she was the weaver, but it is possible that while in the female fraternity she learned to weave at the school. The coverlet became part of the Smithsonian collection as part of the 50th Anniversary Pi Beta Phi exhibit and demonstration held in 1962.

Currently not on view