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Rita Jenkins, Marian Specter

In 1783, more than 10,000 settlers loyal to the British Crown arrived in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Canada, after fleeing the disastrous consequences of the American Revolutionary War. Called Loyalists, their numbers included farmers and dance masters, lawyers, indentured servants and slaves; about one-third were Black Loyalists. They helped to plan and build the town of Shelburne and made the settlement one of the largest communities in North America.

Now, 225 years later, the Rug Hookers of Shelburne County decided to help celebrate the country’s history b y hooking mats similar in form but “rug hooker’s choice” in subject. By July 2008, more than 30 mats had been submitted for the first showing of the exhibit, Shelburne County Then and Now. Each piece measures 12 x 14, is framed with a similar wool border and accompanied by a description submitted by the rug maker.

This traveling show has visited several Nova Scotia communities and when it is over, many of the mats will be donated to museums or given to friends.

A Loyalist Kiacking at Jordan River, designed by signsmith John Smith and artist Jack Smith. Hooked by Eleanor Robertson Smith, Shelburne, Nova Scotia, 2008.

To read this complete article, please see the January/February 2010 issue of Rug Hooking Magazine.