History:

The Drunkard’s path pattern, or Solomon’s puzzle, looks deceptively simple, with only two pattern pieces that can be arranged in a variety of ways. However, the curved edge is difficult to sew properly and have it lie flat on the quilt top. The pattern itself is associated with the Temperance movement in American history around the beginning of the twentieth century. Named for the staggered path of an intoxicated individual, it is thought that women used this quilt pattern to promote and spread their support for prohibition of alcohol. The colors of blue and white or red and white were traditionally used for temperance quilts. Another common temperance pattern was the Temperance Tee, which resembles a cluster of four “T”s radiating from a central point. Although this pattern was popular during this time period, it was used by quilters both before and after Prohibition. This particular quilt was likely made after the 1930s, but draws on the tradition of temperance quilting.