what a great story!! So, I am interested in how many years are involved w/the generations starting w/grandma??There has to be a guess of years. And, someone is adding that to the label on the back!:)))Some day that is one we'll prob hear about in a museum walk:))
I know what I'd do if it were mine...is Tide detergent put in a tub of warm (ever so slightly)water...let it soak then gently swish it while there to stir dust and dirt out. Most detergents will soak out a stain in 24hrs...then rinse, rinse...squeeze the excess water out, roll into a clothes basket...hang out on a line to dry. And, I usually hang my larger ones on more then 1 line to take the weight off. The sun will usually remove the slight marking you will still see at this point. I wash many old linens...several quilts, etc. I am not a professional...just a stain hater!:))There is a newer quilt wash to wash and help remove old stains out...I can't remember the name of it, but, wasn't impressed when I used it. I felt the detergent worked just as well w/o the cost.Also...I have heard the stains like these come from storing the object in wood of some type......just my 2 cents...Skeat