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IZI Isabel McClure Butterfield Nichols 1923-2005 Born on the 4th of July |
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My mother, "Izi," grew up in a hard-working family during the Depression in Antrim NH. From a musical family, she went to New England Conservatory of Music in Boston during World War II and became a music educator. She married Chick McLean of Boston-Irish extraction, had three children in quick succession, got divorced, and later married Martin Nichols, having a fourth child to round out the family.
A well-known pianist who was always in demand, she also produced many plays and shows, often writing musicals specifically for her talented students. Later she studied for a masters in library science and became the town librarian. After retirement she traveled, wrote, crafted, and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Key to fabrics and findings::
My mother, "Izi," grew up in a hard-working family during the Depression in Antrim NH. From a musical family, she went to New England Conservatory of Music in Boston during World War II and became a music educator. She married Chick McLean of Boston-Irish extraction, had three children in quick succession, got divorced, and later married Martin Nichols, having a fourth child to round out the family.
A well-known pianist who was always in demand, she also produced many plays and shows, often writing musicals specifically for her talented students. Later she studied for a masters in library science and became the town librarian. After retirement she traveled, wrote, crafted, and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Key to fabrics and findings::
- Applause, Lyre, Queen of Hearts, Stars: A very exacting and accomplished singer, musician, and actress. People still remember her towering, frightening performance as the Queen of Hearts in a 1964 production
- Apple, One-Room Schoolhouse : Loved teaching at one-room schoolhouses in rural NH, pushing back the desks to clear the floor so all grades could dance the Virginia Reel
- Apron, Rolling Pin: An indifferent cook but a great baker
- Bell: “Knock-knock.” “Who’s there?” “Isabel.” “Isabel who?” “Isabel necessary on a bicycle?”
- Books: She read them, wrote them, checked them out at the library, loved them
- Canoe: Never a fan of the ocean, she loved mountains, forests, and lakes
- Cat, Dog: She loved ‘em
- Clothespins: Never owned a clothes dryer.
- Compass, Pack Your Bags: Didn’t like flying but loved to travel, especially to historic sites
- Gears: A very accomplished person and an unbelievably hard worker.
- Gloversville: Her beloved Nana McClure was from the Gloversville NY area
- Growing Up on Butterfield Farm: Written by her favorite aunt
- Inspire: Inspired many students to sing, act, compose, or play a musical instrument
- Ice Cream Cone: Of the ice cream stand at Butterfield Farm, her brother wrote: “My highly popular and very attractive sister… served as waitress during her summer vacations and attracted young males like ice cream draws flies.”
- Knitting: She knit mittens and slippers for us as kids, later gave it up due to arthritis.
- Notebook: Writer of stories, plays, and historic articles.
- Piano: A very well-known and remarkable pianist
- Popcorn: A movie lover from a very early age
- Records: Performed on live radio in Boston and made several recordings with “The Girlfriends”
- Red/White/and Blue: A true patriot born on the Fourth of July
- Sewing Notions: Created theatrical costumes, clothing, curtains, quilts, and doll clothes
- Teapot: Gave me my first cup of tea when I was seven
Construction Details::
This is a “people” panel. Patriotic Schroeder (that Mardens fabric was a serendipitous find!) at his little piano is surrounded by a Folded Star pattern which gives way to Pine Burr in the outer circles.
This is a “people” panel. Patriotic Schroeder (that Mardens fabric was a serendipitous find!) at his little piano is surrounded by a Folded Star pattern which gives way to Pine Burr in the outer circles.
Copyright Jane McLean, 2023