Sample from Abigail Chandler's pocket

As a teacher of history and industrial design, Franklin Cushman was very interested in the development of the textile industry in New England. He created sample books utilizing the fragments and garments within his family’s trunks. Many of the swatches collected inside the sample books have notations in Franklin’s handwriting stating the possible history behind the fabrics and their potential use, such as “slave gowns” or “pockets.” These fabrics can be found in other areas of the collection, like those found on the hexagonal quilts.