The Bryan House {A history lesson}

The name of my blog “Bryan House Quilts” has been with me for quite a while – long enough that I forget it’s origin and significance. Today I thought I’d share where I got the idea for the name.

Once you know that my last name is “Bryan”, you may hear Bryan House Quilts and not think any more of it. But there’s a wee story behind how I got the name – nothing crazy – but a story none the less.

Once upon a time there was an enormous battle over an enormous issue. That battle was The Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War and of course the issue was slavery in America.

Amidst that enormous battle was one man – a widower with five children. Abraham Bryan (Brian), a free black man and farmer to land that would one day be commandeered by war. During the battle, on July 3, 1863 his house, the Bryan House, was occupied by Union Forces and Abraham Bryan was not on the premises. Though his property was significantly damaged, he rebuilt his farm in the years after and lived there until 1879.

(source: Library of Congress)

Fast forward a century, a few decades, and a few years and you will find me and my husband along with my dad and stepmom and half-brothers exploring Gettysburg for a family vacation. I, being newly pregnant, was quite sick and it was so so so hot. Thus, I had little comprehension of anything other than my deep, visceral desire to find a spot to lay down. So I didn’t know anything about this simple, white house, other than the fact that outside the house stood a quaint little placard. The placard read in simple lettering “BRYAN HOUSE.”

Source

And me being the complete girl I am, pondered in my nauseated and overheated misery, the potential family my husband and I were building. Instead of a Bryan House affected by war, I could only see a Bryan House filled with the echoes of my prayers for our family.

And so fast forward a few more years to when I started this little blog, I could only think to name it Bryan House Quilts. Because the name (still) represents my hopes and prayers for my family. Coming from a family of divorce, I truly wanted (and still desire!) a strong family for me and my husband and my kids. One of my deepest desires is a strong and secure family, THE Bryan House. 🙂

So that’s where I got the idea for the name of my blog and what it means to me.

In writing this post,  I’ve learned the history behind the actual Bryan House (it’s about time!). And I thank you for reading!

Now if the smallest residents of The Bryan House would be quiet and go to sleep…

🙂