My Quiet Book

Six double-paneled leaves with work on both sides, 11 x 8.5 inches. Very Good with minor fading and a few small spots. Made of green, blue and orange fabric zig-zag stitched around the edges. Each panel features a three-dimensional applique and/or moving part, including tying shoelaces, a felt shirt with functional buttons, cloth with moving hands, pouch with zipper, etc. The cover has a Charlie Brown printed fabric patch and a manuscript title, "My Quiet Book." The rear panel has an embroidered label, "Hand Made by Valparaiso University Guild," an organization founded in 1931 as the National Women's Committee of the Lutheran University Association to raise funds for the University and support student life.

The November 1969 Valparaiso University Bulletin reported that the North Oakland County, MI chapter of the Guild "concluded a successful year with eight new members, and experienced great sales of the 'Quiet Books' they hand-made. Other projects included the annual Ash Wednesday Breakfast, a wig demonstration and a progressive dinner at which husbands were invited. During the summer they joined in Rochester's Centennial celebration by serving an ice cream social..." Although the Guild published cookbooks in the 1970s which can still be found online, no other record of the "Quiet Book" could be located in commerce or institutions.