Standing Into Danger: Rug Hooking in Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia

Friday, August 25, 2023

Rug Hooking in Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia

Whenever I'm "home" in Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia,

I make a point of attending a meeting of the Smith's Cove rug hookers.

The meetings are held on Tuesdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

at the Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum.

My sisters Donnie, Barb, and Bertie are among the talented hookers in the area

who gather to hook, share their skills, talk, and enjoy coffee and treats.

I love attending because I feel connected to generations of hookers in my family

back to my great grandmother Sara Augusta (Cossett) Cossaboom and beyond.

A Meeting of the Smith's Cove Rug Hookers

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 1, 2023

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 4, 2015

Claire MacDonald began the hooking group in Smith's Cove in September 1994.

She taught many of the members of the group to hook, and

numerous pieces resulted because of her knowledge, patience, and guidance.

Some of these beautiful fabric art pieces are displayed in the museum today.

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 4, 2015

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 4, 2015

The origin of rug hooking is uncertain.

Certainly the craft of rug making is ancient and dates back as far as 2500 years.

Some historians credit Egypt with the origin of rug making; others, China or Europe.

Hooked rugs likely originated over 400 years ago in England,

and early settlers brought the craft to Canada and America.

What we do know is that rug hooking grew out of necessity in Atlantic Canada.

To provide warmth and color in the early settlers' homes,

worn clothing and bedding was repurposed into hooked rugs.

The fabric was cut into strips and hooked into burlap sourced from potato or feed sacks.

Local plants provided dyes, and wood, bones, cutlery, or nails provided hooks.

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 4, 2015

A Vibrant Rug Hooked by Current Member Ida Young

August 1, 2023

A new rug might be placed by the front door to keep out a cold draft.

As it wore down, it was moved to less and less prominent spots in the home.

Eventually, the rug was taken apart and the salvaged materials

were hooked into a new piece, perhaps another rug or a seat cover.

Today, while rug hooking techniques remain the same,

the craft has moved from utilitarian pieces to an art form.

Contemporary pieces are displayed in museums,

galleries, shops, businesses, and homes.

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 4, 2015

Everyday scenes often inspired designs for hooked rugs.

A sailboat in the Annapolis Basin.

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 2, 2015

Inspiration for rug patterns or designs came from the daily lives of the rug hookers.

Those who lived along the coasts of Nova Scotia hooked designs containing

ships, waves, anchors, fish, sea birds, or favorite places on the shores.

Those who lived inland hooked animals, houses, churches, trees, flowers, and farms.

Hookers also drew on memories of their ancestral homelands

or created designs based on their cultures.

For example, French Acadians often worked floral patterns and scrolls into their rugs.

Today inspiration for rug designs can come from anywhere.

A Pretty Floral Design in the Works

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 1, 2023

My great grandmother Sara Augusta (Cossett) Cossaboom

hooked many beautiful rugs during her lifetime.

She was born on August 21, 1873 in Smith's Cove,

and she died there on September 11, 1966 at the age of 93.

She married John Kelsey Cossaboom in the Cove on January 22, 1896,

and my grandmother Ella Grace (Cossaboom) MacDonald was born on February 20, 1897.

My great grandfather died in 1910, leaving Great Grammie with four young girls.

She managed to hook wonderful rugs in spite of her struggle

to raise her daughters alone and support herself.

Great Grammie with the Snowball Bushes She Loved

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

Date Unknown

I'm sharing two of her rugs that contain scenes and events

that her descendants continue to enjoy today:

the traditions continue with modern twists.

Watching Sailing Vessels on the Annapolis Basin

and Enjoying a Bonfire on the Beach

Watching Sail Boats on the Annapolis Basin with Bear Island to the Right

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 1, 2015

Still Enjoying Bonfires but Usually by a Firepit

Donnie, Heather, and Justin

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 1, 2023

The Lighthouse at Point Prim, Nova Scotia

Hooked by Sara Cossaboom in1920

Baby Jackson's Grandfather Martin Mundry Shows Him the Lighthouse at Point Prim

Sara Cossaboom Would Be Jackson's Great Great Great Grandmother

Point Prim, Nova Scotia, Canada

July 29, 2023

My sister Roberta "Bertie" Anne (MacBeath) Heembrock

is another wonderful rug hooker in the family.

Bertie Hooking a Large Rug

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

August 4, 2015

Bertie at Work

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

August 4, 2015

Bertie hooked perhaps my favorite piece ever.

Her friend Sally Dansereau of Calgary created the design and Bertie hooked it.

It contains so many traditional Smith's Cove design elements:

the mountains, Digby Gut, Bear Island, and a sailboat on the Annapolis Basin.

But it also contains personal elements that mean so much to our family:

Our grandparents Ella and Jack MacDonald's home,

our grandfather's shop where he worked as a carpenter,

and the Bear River Lighthouse which members of our extended family

are helping the Smith's Cove Historical Society restore.

Grammie's home is surrounded by her climbing roses and apple trees

and Bertie's beautiful blue hydrangeas.

Most special is the tiny white dog with the red collar in the lower left, sweet Noodles,

the Heembrock family pet but known and loved by all of us, never forgotten.

Bertie's Rug

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 4, 2015

Terry in Front of the Bear River Lighthouse

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

July 27, 2023

Sweet Noodles

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 2, 2015

Bertie and Noodles

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 8, 2015

My talented sister Barbara "Barb" Ella MacBeath has had

at least one of her pieces displayed in the museum,

this still life of colorful spring flowers.

Barb is currently the treasurer of the Smith's Cove Historical Society,

one of eleven volunteers on the Board of Directors.

Barb's Rug

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 4, 2015

Barb (right) and I at a Fund Raiser for Digby's Museum

Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 3, 2019

My Sister Donnie and Other Members of the Smith Rug Hookers at Work

Old Temperance Hall Museum

August 4, 2015

This next rug is bittersweet.

It was begun by our "Aunt" Mary Lou Raymond who was married

to our mother's first cousin, the famous Nova Scotian painter Kelsey Raymond.

Mary Lou was well known for her formidable knowledge of the area's history,

for her volunteer work at many events,

and for her excellent rug hooking skills.

She was a mainstay of the Smith's Cove Historical Society for many years.

If one of Mary Lou's hooked pieces was up for auction,

it was fiercely bid for by people who knew her and her work.

The last lines of hooking she completed are in the left side

of the vertical square dominating the photo below: blue, white, and green.

Members of the group are finishing her rug.

Last Stitches by a Skilled Hooker

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 1, 2023

My Cousins Mary Lou and Claire and My Sister Bertie

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 4, 2015

Nearing Completion

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 1, 2023

When I visited in the summer of 2015, my sisters outfitted me

with everything I needed to become a rug hooker.

I had dreams of joining Smith's Cove's rug hooking group.

I was hopeless.

Too ADHD.

I had no patience for the meticulous work.

I returned everything to my sisters the following summer

with only a few more stitches completed.

But I go to the meetings when I can,

because the conversation and the memories are awesome!

Not for Me!

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 8, 2015

Fortunately I won a lovely piece created by the rug hookers

at the museum in a fundraising raffle,

and it now graces my dining room table at home in Colorado.

Many of the hookers I know worked on this, including my sisters and Mary Lou.

It one of my most-treasured possessions.

A Familiar Theme ~ Sail Boats on the Basin

Aurora, Colorado, USA

August 22, 2023

Sail Boats on the Basin with Bear Island to the Right

Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada

August 1, 2015

My sister Sara Donalda "Donnie" MacBeath is also an inspiring Smith's Cove rug hooker.

She is currently the president of the Smith's Cove Historical Society.

Donnie at Work

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

August 1, 2023

If ever you visit Nova Scotia, stop at one of its many small museums,

sign the guest book, perhaps make a small donation, and take in the local culture.

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum is just one of many

throughout the province that function because of dedicated volunteers.

The number of people signing in at the museums can qualify

these local institutions for vital grants, funds, and summer employees.

If you're lucky you might come across a rug hooking group at work.

And I'll bet the members will welcome you, answer your questions,

and show you how this traditional craft is done.

They'll likely invite you to have a cup of coffee and some homemade goodies as well!

I'm linking to Rain's Thursday Art and Dinner Date and Nicole's Friday Face Off.

For TADD: Timbits and Homemade Delights

Brownies, Fruit, Muffins, Sandwiches, Biscuits, and Jam

Smith’s Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum

August 1, 2023

For FFO: A Bequiling Face

Barb and Pat's Rescue Husky, Rosie

August 1, 2023

For FFO: A Reminder Not to Take Myself too Seriously

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada

July 17, 2014

Have a great weekend!

Till next time ~
Fundy Blue

My next post will be soon! 🤞

Sources of Information:

Ancestry.com

ProQuest.com Qualifying Paper: From the Kitchen Floor to the Gallery Wall by Rebecca Carr

Nova Scotia Archives

Smith's Cove Historical Society and Museum

46 comments:

Elephant's ChildAugust 25, 2023 at 3:06 AM
Truly beautiful work - thank you for sharing some of its history and the way it is interwoven with your family.
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SandiAugust 25, 2023 at 3:47 AM
The one with the sunset is amazing!
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Alex J. CavanaughAugust 25, 2023 at 5:17 AM
Last picture is funny.
I bet making those rugs takes a long time.
And I can picture people's expressions when you tell them you're a hooker!
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Debra She Who SeeksAugust 25, 2023 at 7:02 AM
What a fascinating post, Louise! I loved seeing all the beautiful hooked rugs, so rich in history, tradition and artistry. And how special to have some rugs hooked by Sara Cossaboom! The tourist photo of you in the lobster trap made me laugh!

If I ever find myself in Smith's Cove, I will definitely go to the Old Temperance Hall Museum. It looks like a marvelous local museum. (I always go to these in small towns when I see them). My grandmother in Manitoba was a member of the WCTU (Women's Christian Temperance Union) when it was flourishing a little over a hundred years ago. I believe my sister now has her membership pin among her memorabilia.
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LeighAugust 25, 2023 at 7:26 AM
What an interesting post. Some of those pieces are absolutely amazing. My mother did some hooking, while I went a different route. But getting my studio and fiber blog going again has me excited about everything!

Also, thank you for the link to the Nova Scotia Archives. My 3rd-great grandfather emigrated from Ireland to Nova Scotia and got married after he arrived there. I haven't been able to trace him back any further, so perhaps the archives will offer some clues.
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Valerie-JaelAugust 25, 2023 at 8:46 AM
Hi Louise, good to see that so many people are keeping the old art of hooking alive. My crawling rug when I was a baby was hooked by my great aunt using pieces of old clothes. That was just after WWII, and in England there wasn't much to buy and it was all rationed any way, so people made their rugs. I gave mine to my daughter when she got married, and she threw it away . 'My kids won't need that disgusting old thing!' Times change! Hugs, Valerie
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DVArtistAugust 25, 2023 at 9:18 AM
Ohhhh wow! What a beautiful post. I used to hook rugs many decades ago but haven't even thought of it until today. Such beautiful art and the work that goes into it all. I would love to visit Nova Scotia. Oh and your entry for FFO is the best. What a beauty. Thank you for joing FFO and have a wonderful weekend.
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sirkkisAugust 25, 2023 at 10:49 AM
What a wonderful, interesting lecture of the rug hooking. Your sisters and the grandma of course are very talented on it. Love the sailboat rugs especially 😍
Happy FFO 🎨 ❤️
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TomAugust 25, 2023 at 11:54 AM
...I beat that Terry thinks that you are a great catch!
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My name is Erika.August 25, 2023 at 12:25 PM
Wow. If I ever take up a new hobby, it would be rug hooking. I even have a couple of books about it but I have never tried it. Wow, you showed some amazing work today, and views. And I love the story of your great grandmother. Rug hooking probably helped make her happy when times were really tough. And your piece came out spectacular too. Hurrah for sticking with it. Thanks for sharing all these photos. It sounds like you had a great visit home to your family too. hugs-Erika
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Pat HattAugust 25, 2023 at 3:05 PM
haha I never would have guessed you didn't have the patience for it. It must take a long time to make many of them. They are all done so well indeed. Neat how everything is incorporated into Bertie's Rug.

I never knew that about signing guest books. Guess I should have done that when we were out and about to many a spot last week.

Boy, are you going to get some interesting google searches now after using hookers so much hahahaha

I pointed out that lobster trap to the Nyers son and in he went, followed by his sister haha gotta have fun indeed.
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AnonymousAugust 25, 2023 at 3:37 PM
Hooking in a temperance hall, I think I've now heard it all! Seriously, I wound myself wanting to be on the water. It appears the piece you won has three boats with sails set wing to wing.
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AnonymousAugust 25, 2023 at 3:38 PM
By the way, it was Jeff who made the last post. I'm having problems posting on many blogs these days. https://fromarockyhillside.com
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roentareAugust 25, 2023 at 4:13 PM
It looks like a wonderful community that create so many forms of art! The atmosphere is so peaceful.
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Gene BlackAugust 25, 2023 at 8:29 PM
I have tried rug hooking at some point in my life but I have never completed a piece. I think it was in my young years and a neighbor lady was hooking a rug and let me try it.
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Iris FlaviaAugust 26, 2023 at 6:04 AM
Nice to meet you (all).
Very interesting, I never thought of rugs much. We have a hopscotch at the entrance. Apart from my ex-teamleader and my Brother nobody ever hopped...
Bitter sweet story indeed - and such a great memory at the same time.
Thank you for sharing all this, have a great weekend!
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BrendaAugust 26, 2023 at 8:23 AM
Hi Louise, the rugs are lovely, although I would not be very good at making them - my 'thing' has always been portrait and tiger painting. I always say to people 'Make the most of life' and I can see that you do. God bless.
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JeanieAugust 27, 2023 at 7:37 AM
Oh my! This post is just so up my alley! Not that I hook rugs -- I haven't a clue how to even begin, although I love them. But just the history -- both of the art of hooking and your family history and involvement with this creative endeavour for so many years. The work is so beautiful -- there wasn't a one that you showed that I wouldn't love to have in my own home. I especially love the scenes with water or lighthouses. The details are exquisite. And it's fun to see your family and the group at work. I don't know if I'll ever get as far as Nova Scotia but if I do, I'm going to try to find ths group or one like it. It sounds wonderful.
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carol l mckennaAugust 27, 2023 at 10:55 AM
Oh those 'hooked rugs' are all wonderful ~ great post and photos and what a fun time you had ~ family is so special ~

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
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https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.comAugust 27, 2023 at 12:21 PM
Lovely rugs. My mother used to make what is called peg rugs when I was a child many moons ago. Likewise old clothes etc were made into strips to make them. I remember a bathroom rug in particular. There was no central heating then so anything that would make the bathroom warmer was helpful.
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AnonymousAugust 28, 2023 at 7:31 AM
What beautiful photos.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com
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Damyanti BiswasAugust 29, 2023 at 11:59 PM
The rugs are gorgeous! Each one is so unique and beautiful, and full of love. Thank you for sharing this lovely post!
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AdamAugust 30, 2023 at 1:18 PM
I will admit, I read that second sentence wrong 😳
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Bleubeard and ElizabethAugust 31, 2023 at 5:46 PM
Sorry I'm so very late this week. On Friday I got food poisoning from a salad I bought on my way home from a meeting. I was so sick, there was no way I could sit at the computer. I'm slowly improving, but my body feels like it has been through a five car pile up.

So you come from a family of hookers (grin). Actually, I was impressed by the history and the idea that hooking has gone from utilitarian to decorative to art museum quality. I think the rug you won with the sailboats is beautiful. I was delighted you shared your family and their love of hooking, even if it wasn't for you, dear Louise.

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