Margaret C. Whiting
(1860-1946)

Margaret Whiting and Ellen Miller studied together at the New York Academy of Design, and in 1895 they wrote and illustrated "Wildflowers of the Northeastern States." In 1896 they founded the Deerfield Society of Blue and White Needlework, adapting John Ruskin's theory -- "everyone to develop a manual skill whose excellence would find a market" -- to Deerfield, Massachusetts, after discovering 18th century needlework in the town's homes and museum. In their own words, "the designs showed true New England directness, often with a vigor and perception of decorative need which was remarkable." The Deerfield Society of Blue and White Needlework flourished until 1926.