Christina (Gottschalk) and Johann Flath, Lodi, California, 1956

Marlene Strand with blanket made by her grandmother Christina Gottschalk Flath

Approximately 38” x 79” (without crochet) made by Christina Gottschalk Flath; history as written Marlene Strand’s mother: “1896 in Russia. They grew the flax, washed it in the river, dried it, and spun it on a spinning wheel. They colored the yarn by different colors of seed, onion peelings, and other growing plants. Then they put it on a loom to make whatever they wanted to create.”

Crochet work done before Christina Gottschalk’s marriage to Johann Flath in Klöestitz, Bessarabia in 1892.

My mother said these were put on “Sunday” beds and quilts were put on the plain top. Marlene Strand never saw her grandmother use these.

Each item is approximately 70” x 38” (without crochet) work, made by Christina Gottschalk Flath in Klöstitz, Bessarabia prior to 1897 when she came to America. They are now owned by her granddaughter, Marlene Strand.

Approximately 38” x 79” (without crochet) made by Christina Gottschalk Flath; history as written Marlene Strand’s mother: “1896 in Russia. They grew the flax, washed ["Retted"] it in the river, dried it ["hackled"], and spun it on a spinning wheel. They colored the yarn by different colors of seed, onion peelings, and other growing plants. Then they put it on a loom to make whatever they wanted to create.”

My mother said these were put on “Sunday” beds and quilts were put on the plain top. Marlene Strand never saw her grandmother use these.

Approximately 58” x 72” (2 panels seemed together in center without crochet) made by Christina Gottschalk Flath; history as written Marlene Strand’s mother: “1896 in Russia. They grew the flax, washed ["Retted"] it in the river, dried ["hackled" it, and spun it on a spinning wheel. They colored the yarn by different colors of seed, onion peelings, and other growing plants. Then they put it on a loom to make whatever they wanted to create.” The material appears to be wool instead of flax.

My mother said these were put on “Sunday” beds and quilts were put on the plain top. Marlene Strand never saw her grandmother use these.

Rug made by Christina Gottschalk Flath; backing is hempen/linen gunny-sack fabric with thin strips of fabric hooked through to create the design. 32” x 42”

Headpiece and boutonnière in a decorative case from the wedding of Christina Gottschalk and Johann Flath; married in Klöstitz, Bessarabia on December 30, 1893 by Pastor Julius Peters. This always hung in Marlene Strand’s grandparent’s bedroom. Christina Gottschalk Flath made and decorated the frame/box it is enclosed in.