Below is a photo of our Campbell family tartan woven by my Mother (Louise Line Grout) in 1948 and a letter from my Grandfather (Robert Campbell Line) thanking her for the Campbell afghan she gave to him for Chistmas and which she made from her fabric.  Included is my attempt to transcribe my Grandfather’s handwriting.  He mentions his plan to take his afghan to Columbus (Montana) where his mother Mary Campbell and other members of his family would to see it.

As of April 2026 the official Campbell tartan, which can be worn by any Campbell, is the one commonly referred to as Black Watch.  In addition, there are four Campbell branches, and their tartans, which are also officially recognized.  The tartan my Mother wove is known as Campbell Argyll.  It’s a derivation of the Black Watch tartan, and a popular tartan today, but is not officially recognized by the head of the Campbell Clan.  It’s obvious though from my Grandfather’s note that he recognized it as his family’s tartan.  One wonders where my Mother found the pattern for her weaving.

(a note on the top of this memo, in Mother’s handwriting, says “Christmas 1948”)

(“Weedie” was my Mother’s family nickname for her)

Sunday

Dear Weedie – a note on one of my Xmas presents, (this paper)!  How can I thank you for the wonderful Campbell afghan!  When I wrote the crack about the second pair of trousers I  never dreamed that anything was coming my way much less a piece of weaving.  I think it was wonderful of you to make it in the Campbell plaid – to make such a large article – and even to bother to make it at all.  It was about the most wonderful gift at the tree yesterday morning.  I am taking it to Columbus today to show it off.  My only hope is that I won’t be old enough soon to use it for naps.

Many, many thanks    Your Father