century France, where they were used as wall hangings and table
covers. Floor cloths became popular in England as floor coverings and
were considered elegant. They were imported from Europe to America as
early as the late 17th century. George Washington listed one in his
financial disclosure report in 1796. By the mid 18th century, American
floor cloths' quality compared favorably with those made in Europe. As
floor cloths became more affordable they increased in popularity.
Learn more about these decorative pieces on February 18 from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Volunteer Erica Blake will teach you how to make floor
cloths that you can take home with you. You'll learn how to apply
traditional floor cloth techniques to create your own bookmarks and
mouse pads. Pre-registration is required and there is a $10 materials
fee. Registration ends on February 8, 2012. The workshop is limited to
10 participants. We will provide light refreshments, and attendees are
welcome to bring lunch. For more information contact polk@ncdcr.gov.
The site is located approximately 2.5 miles south of Pineville off
exit 65 B, I-485, at 12031 Lancaster Highway in Pineville, N.C. For
further information on the Polk birthday program or the site, call
(704) 889-7145, e-mail polk@ncdcr.gov or check out the website
atwww.polk.nchistoricsites.org. President James K. Polk State Historic
Site is an agency of the Division of State Historic Sites, which is
part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency
dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina's arts,
history, and culture. For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.
