Aunt Bill Rambles — Hi-Jac Quilt

The Hi-Jac Quilt

Hi-Jacs wuz made in Fort Payne, Alabama — at one time called “The Sock Capital of the World.”  A Hi-Jac is (wuz) a little sleeve that could be slipped on the bottom of a 6 oz Coca Cola bottle and it kept the hands dry while the drink was enjoyed. Back then when ladies got all dressed up and went out to a “function” or  “shin-dig” they wore gloves — usually white gloves.  The little sleeve looked and felt much like a sock and some man that worked at the mill where they’s made took enough home to his wife fer her to make a quilt.

The quilt is super heavy, and has some batt in it.  The quilting on it is not much — just enough to hold the lining, top and filler together and that’s about all.  On a cold night like we’ve been a-havin’ hit would help keep you warm, but hit’d be so heavy you couldn’t turn over.

Billie don’t need it and she’s donatin’ hit to the Depot Museum in Fort Payne next week.  They’ve got Hi-Jacs, but don’t have nair quilt made of Hi-Jacs.  Billie thinks Fort Payne is where hit ort be since them Hi-Jacs wuz made there.  Of course, Hi-Jacs ain’t  made no more — at least not made in Fort Payne.  China or somebody across the waters may make them.  Hit’s all part of country living.