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Delhi Coverlets
An exhibit in 2007 at the Delaware County Historical Association (DCHA), entitled “Classic Catskill Coverlets,” explored the history of coverlets in Delaware County with an emphasis on Jacquard-style “Delhi Coverlets.” In total, the museum has over twenty coverlets in its collections, including nine Delhi Coverlets. In the early 1800s many professional weavers, guild-trained from Europe, migrated to the USA and set up shop. One of those immigrants included the weaver John Holmes, who emigrated from Paisley, Scotland, settling in Delhi, NY. Holmes produced the earliest known Delhi Coverlet in 1833. In addition to Holmes, two other weavers made Delhi Coverlets from the 1830s to the 1860s – Asahel Amora Phelps and his son John Benjamin Phelps II. John Holmes came to New York City at the age of 60 in 1817 with his wife Ann, sons Walter and John Jr.. A letter dated Oct. 10, 1817 from a Daniel Peterson to Ebenezer Foote of Delhi tells how Holmes found his way to Delaware County:
“…the Bearer, Mr. John Holmes is just a few days arrived from Scotland and is wanting land. I have directed him up to you knowing you could furnish or sell what he wants, he has two sons strong young men with him, and I hope you will both agree. P.S. I understand the Bearer has a little money I saw about 400 dollars”
