Historical information

A colourful sampler worked in Scotland about 1820 by Ursula Blair, who was only 12 years old. Donated from the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross.
The Blair connection is from the Munro family -maternal side.

Significance

This item shows the needlework skills which were being taught to young girls in preparation for their duties as wives.

Physical description

A colourful sampler showing numbers and letters, a house and garden in plain gold/brown frame. Sampler is in a wooden frame with glass front.