Stitching Stories: Quilts by Daisy Estelle Anderson & Others

Stitching Stories: Quilts by Daisy Estelle Anderson & Others

An exhibit by the Nash House Museum and Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. 

Open Monday - Friday, 10am-4pm at 136 Broadway St, Buffalo NY 14203

Closing Reception with Special Guest Speakers: Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 6 - 8pm

Biography - Daisy Estelle Anderson

Mrs. Daisy Estelle Anderson (née Hood), known by friends and family as Estelle,  was born on February 14, 1922, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Orestes Hood and Daisy Hood (née Eslick).

Her parents were the first generation in her family to be born free. Her grandfather on her father’s side was born into slavery and sold away from his mother at 6 years old. He was freed after the Civil War.

Hoping to give the most opportunities to their children as possible, Mrs. Anderson’s parents made education a priority in their family. Her parents ensured that all their children received a quality education, leading Mrs. Anderson to enroll at Indiana State Teachers College.

In 1943, Mrs. Anderson made a trip to Buffalo to visit her aunt, intending to return to her Indiana home. However, she found herself captivated by the city, specifically drawn to Buffalo’s Central Terminal, and decided to stay. She transferred to Buffalo State College and earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in elementary education.

It was shortly after her arrival in Buffalo that she met Arthur Sayres Anderson, Sr., whom she married on November 25, 1944. Together, they raised four children and established a thriving poultry business known as "Anderson's Quality Poultry Market." Eventually, they shifted their focus to their respective careers, with Mr. Anderson becoming a lawyer and Mrs. Anderson a dedicated elementary school teacher within the Buffalo Public Schools system, where she devoted 25 years.

Upon retiring from teaching, Mrs. Anderson focused her energy on community service. She began volunteering for Ladies of Charity in 1985 where she worked to assemble baby layettes for new mothers. These layettes had essentials like diapers, socks, books, and blankets handmade by Mrs. Anderson and her volunteer partners.  In 2017, at 95 years old, she was named Catholic Charities USA volunteer of the year and visited by Al Roker of the Today Show.

When she wasn’t volunteering with the Ladies of Charity, Mrs. Anderson spent her time creating beautiful quilts. She used her craft to share stories of the Underground Railroad and the rich history of quilting in the African American community. Her quilts have earned her recognition in the arts community, including a permanent display at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Despite her numerous accolades, Mrs. Anderson remained humble and driven. Even in her later years, she continued to expand her skills, attending classes in weaving and writing, a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning and self-improvement. Mrs. Daisy Estelle Anderson's legacy is one of resilience, service, and a fervent pursuit of knowledge, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.