Jan in VA

I think they were used on bolsters placed on window seats and sofas. The open ended case could be changed and cleaned without the whole pillow/bolster being uncovered. Yes, the bolster had a cover and they were usually tied as previously described, then this case went on over that. Because proper women didn't sit all the way back against the sofa backing, the bolster added some comfort. When not in use it was decorative.

Jan in VA

wolfkitty

I have seen in a catalog what looks like a body pillow, but it's long enough to go up the front of the body, around the head and down the back of the body to about the knees. Could it be a case for something like that?

ncredbird

You see this is what happens when a Yankee marries a Southern Boy! They have to be educated. We have been married 43 years now and I am still learning things about "Southerisms" and believe me I have heard the phrase "proper women" more than once. LOL
I think the first time that was used in my presence was when I told my MIL that I was going to breast feed our first child. She told me "proper women don't say 'breast feed'". So I asked, what do they call it? Her reply "proper women don't discuss such matters"
Thanks for the information ladies! I have learned something new today. Being as I won't be using any bolsters in the near future I may just cut it in half, seam the ends, and make it into two king sized pillowcases. At least we would get some use out of it that way. Ann in TN

Olivia's Grammy

The first time I saw one I thought some forgot to cut it in two for pillow cases, so that's what I did. Realized later my mistake so when I found the second one I knew how to use it. I made a long pillow to go in mine. I place it in front of my pillows on the bed and use it as a decoration.

angiecub

This would be my guess too.

Greenheron

Google translates "traversine" to "bolster".
Now, will someone define "bolster", please?

noahscats7

My thought too.

angiecub

Merriamwebster.com defines it as "a long pillow or cushion." I would call it a long pillow that sits widthwise at the head of the bed.

GrannieAnnie

A bolster is generally 6-8-10" in diameter. And as wide as a bed. It's "pillowcase" is open on both ends, generally.

Remember when we had corn shuck under mattresses and featherbeds in ticking, the beds were often home made----------and never a uniform size. Besides, you could always tie a bow around the ends of the bolster.

GrannieAnnie

oh, don't cut it. Buy or make yourself a bolster for your bed.