Desert Trader The Life and Quilts of Goldie Tracy Richmond

by Carolyn O'Bagy Davis

Goldie Tracy Richmond ran a trading post on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation for forty years beginning in 1927. She created amazing award winning applique quilts depicting scenes from desert life that are now revered for their artistic vision. This book introduces Goldie and shares her wonderful quilts.

Genres: Quilting

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jean Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldie lived most of her adult life in a remote desert of Arizona and made a great number of quilts; the most famous being a series of several pictorial quilts detailing the desert life around her; the plants and animals, the life of a prospector, Papago culture and events such as rodeos. The detailed original appliqued designs set in blocks sewn together to make large bed-sized quilts are truly works of art. One is now in the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson with the hope that another one will be acquired. In addition, the author is a woman I've met who recently gave a lecture on Goldie at the recent Arizona annual quilt show. The quilt connection is surely what made me buy this book but the book is so much more. Goldie stood out literally at 6'4" tall and well over 300 pounds. She ran a trading post, helped all who needed her, knew medicine and was beloved by all who she came into contact with. She was dubbed Desert Angel. I highly recommend this book for the experience of the quilts AND the story of an artistic, talented woman living in severe conditions and managing to accomplish so much in life.

[Marie Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book about an amazing woman! Goldie Richmond had a very hard life, hardscrabble poor, the tallest of her family at 6'4" with the golden blond hair that reflected her name, unlike the golden reds of her sisters. She and her husband moved to a mining area of Arizona to take care of her husband's brother and his claim when the latter became ill. They never left even after the brother died. Her life became one of desert trials and endless work. They eventually opened a trading post which was used by the O'Odham Indians and many others traveling from Tucson to Ajo. She had a heart as big as the desert and was loved by all. She had three husbands in her life, the first she saved from a bobcat attack, killing the creature with her bare hands. Goldie was also an amazing quilter and so few of her quilts have been identified over the years. She was constantly resting hand-piecing on her ample breast while she served customers in the store. Many were given as gifts. There are a few in museums, especially in Tucson. I have had the pleasure of seeing her quilts in the Tucson museum. I loved reading about her life.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent portrayal of a hard working, much-loved woman who operated a trading post on the Tohono O'odham reservation. She was also a wonderful, prolific quilter. Great way to learn more AZ history.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read on several levels! Vivid descriptions of pioneer woman trader, her quilts, Arizona history in the 1930s and Tohono O'odham culture. Many illustrations,letters and anecdotes.