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The true story of an early American boy in need of a new winter coat, this historic tale takes place in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, in the year 1811. Twelve-year-old Amasa Walker describes what it took to get a new coat early 19th century New England. The many steps involved in this process included shearing the sheep to get the best wool, washing it, spinning it into yarn, weaving it into cl... More

The true story of an early American boy in need of a new winter coat, this historic tale takes place in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, in the year 1811. Twelve-year-old Amasa Walker describes what it took to get a new coat early 19th century New England. The many steps involved in this process included shearing the sheep to get the best wool, washing it, spinning it into yarn, weaving it into cloth, dying it, and finally getting it fitted and sewed. All of this took over six months and required Amasa to travel over 80 miles on horseback. The book uses some old terminology with definitions listed at the bottom of each page, and includes Amasa Walker's inspiring biography in the back. 'Amasa Walker's Splendid Garment' is often used by teachers during early American studies.

"Students appreciate the opportunity to listen to a true story written from the point of view of a young boy. The steps of cloth making depicted by Amasa Walker are a wonderful teaching tool when used in conjunction with the museum's collection of early carding machines, spinning wheels and looms. The story is clearly written and the addition of vocabulary throughout the text is excellent."
Linda Carpenter, the American Textile History Museum, Lowell, MA

"Amasa Walker's Splendid Garment is a well-written, nicely illustrated portrait of a piece of America's past - a piece we are particularly fond of here at Old Sturbridge Village. A great starting point for discussions of textile manufacturing with schoolchildren, it is based on a reminiscence we have long used in educational materials and programs. It is also used in our Summershops programs to help acquaint educators with textile processes as part of our popular Teacher Training Workshops."
Mark Ashton, Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA

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