“Por el Amor de Rose” (For the Love of Rose) Quilt Block In Memory Of Rose Marie Kuhl

By Ginger Todd

The McDowell County Department of Social Services now displays  McDowell Quilt Trail Block #95, titled in Spanish “Por el Amor de Rose” (For the Love of Rose).  The block was installed on the department’s building at 145 East Court Street in downtown Marion on Friday, August 12^th, 2011 by Mike Lucas and Jack Raker, quilt trail volunteers.

The name and colors of the block were chosen in honor and memory of Rose Marie Kuhl, a former employee of over 8 years.  Rose, a bi-lingual co-worker who resided in Spindale, Rutherfordton County, tragically lost her life in recent weeks due to a domestic violence incident.  She is described as an energetic, special lady who loved the beautiful things in life.

For the last several years Rose was a case worker primarily in the Food and Nutrition Services Department, although she had previously served in the Child

McDowell County Department Of Social Services Director, Philip Hardin, gave a reverent dedication speech

Support Division; however, Rose’s bi-lingual ability was extremely helpful to all staff divisions in the department by interpreting Hispanic case load problems.  Director Philip Hardin stated that her death has been troublesome for the staff to handle, and that the void her death left within the department will be difficult to fill.

The department’s motto is “people focused and service driven,” and the various divisions deal with a multitude of social services, their case loads increasing around 150 percent in recent years.  The staff wanted to host a quilt block in Rose’s memory and decided to use a traditional single rose quilt pattern. The block is also a reminder of the mission of the McDowell County Department of Social Services:  “To respectfully assist families and individuals by helping them maintain and/or enhance their quality of life; to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable people in the community.”  The department, which was initiated in the 1930s and now employs around 130 workers, implements multiple federal and state human service programs, including domestic violence.  The current building became its home office in 1994.

“Por el Amor de Rose”, a 4 X 4 foot block designed and painted by volunteer Mike Lucas, is situated diagonally on the center of the department’s building above   the entrance’s flower bed.   It faces East Court Street due south and is easily viewed by those passing by.

The rose is in five colors of varying shades of purple, the color representative of domestic violence.  The center is in two shades of yellow, and the leaves are in three hues of green, with a triangular point on each side representative of thorns.   A brown stem extends to the lowermost part of the block, on a background of muted dark blue.  It serves as a daily public awareness reminder of the domestic violence in our county and elsewhere, as well as a tribute to the valued employee who lost her life to that very problem.

Employees gathered outside the building as quilt trail volunteer and chairperson Jill Lucas presented the framed Certificate of Authenticity to Philip Hardin, Director of DSS.  Mr. Hardin gave a reverent dedication speech in memory of Rose Marie Kuhl, and spoke of her unselfish commitment to her job.  Rose’s Supervisor, Denise Prewitt, of the Food and Nutrition Department, spoke openly of Rose as a beautiful woman who loved life, had a passion for living and maintained an open, ambitious attitude when faced with any situation.The block “Por el Amor de Rose” serves a tri-fold message:  a keepsake of the name and vision of Rose, a well-respected employee; the color of the rose representing domestic violence, and as a reminder to the public that help is available through the Department of Social Services to defeat this problem and its tragic consequences.  A candlelight service was held Tuesday evening, August 9^th, in memory of her passing and of the department’s loss from such an unfortunate occurrence.

Names of Rose's "Food and Nutrition" work team (L to R): Janice Hensley, Sabrina McIntyre, Denise Prewitt, Supervisor, Felicia Norman, Margie Tilley, Debbie Street, Cynthia Nettles, Tonia Bartlett, Agnes White, Phyllis Long and Katrina Lambert

The McDowell Quilt Trail offers the opportunity to preserve a multitude of memories, historical, personal and serviceable, while utilizing the cherished art of quilting through public display.  To become a part of the trail call McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 828-652-8610 or go online at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org for more information.  A visit to the MACA gift shop at 50 South Main Street, Marion, North Carolina, will offer a wide array of items available for sale, including a storybook and trail map featuring blocks installed through December, 2010.  What a thoughtful and interesting gift this would make to visiting family or friends to use while exploring McDowell County.

DSS Employees watching the Quilt Block installation "Por el Amor de Rose"

Desire For Quilt Block “Mariner’s Compass” Prompted By Naval Military Service And Mother’s Quilting Ability

By Kathy Brendle

A tradition of quilting in the family inspired the latest addition to the McDowell Quilt Trail.  “Mariner’s Compass” now graces the home of Ray and Barbara Watson of 695 Watson Road in Nebo.  The quilt design was chosen since Ray had been in the Navy, and because Barbara’s own mother was an avid quilter.  Barbara pointed out that you needed a quilter in the family if you wanted to keep warm.  She remembers her mother always being busy with her hands.  For example she made Barbara and her sisters each a “Cathedral Window” quilt.  Barbara said her mother often used the “Texas Star” pattern.  Shown different patterns to choose from, she recognized the similarity of the Texas star to “Mariner’s Compass.”  She really liked the original colors of the Mariner’s pattern, which also influenced her choice.

The block was an April birthday present from her daughters, Debi Wilkerson and Shanna Gorecki.  Their husbands, Jamie Wilkerson and Jake Gorecki, are active in the Nebo Fire Department.  Having seen the different quilt blocks around the county, Barbara had commented to the girls that she would like one of her own.  The girls honored their parents with “Mariner’s Compass” on Saturday, July 30.

The Watsons live on land that has been in Ray Watson’s family for a long time.

They would have preferred to have hung their quilt block on the barn, but since it has burned, they chose to hang “Mariner’s Compass” on the house.  The 2′ x 2’ block hangs diagonally on the home.  The background of the star consists of small points of green and brown.  The next layer and larger points are two shades of blue.  The star itself is colored a deep pink on half of the star, a light pink on the other half.

If you’re traveling Highway 70 East, you may want to swing down Watson Road about a mile before the Burke County line and see a traditional quilt design given as a birthday present.

If you would like more information on the McDowell Quilt trail, you can call the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at  828-652-8610 or visit the website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org. Quilt Trail maps, the newly-published story books, and other quilt trail items may be found at the MACA gift shop on Main Street.  Quilting today may not keep you warm, as was the purpose in the past, but the beauty and artistry of quilting can still be kept alive by hanging a quilt block on your home or business.

Pictured Left to Right: Shanna Gorecki, Barbara Watson, Debi Wilkerson

 

Unique Quilt Block Design for Kozy Kritters Inn & Doggie Day Care – “Adopt God’s Kritters”

By Ginger Todd

The McDowell Quilt Trail installed its 93^rd block on July 8, 2011, by McDowell Quilt Trail volunteers Mike Lucas and Jack Raker at Kozy Kritters Inn & Doggie Day Care located at 3201 Old Highway 221 South in Glenwood.  The hosts Susan and Rick Menard had a strong interest in being a part of the trail.  

After reading an article in the McDowell News supplying contact information, they took action.  Susan knew she wanted the block to be themed to the dogs and cats she boards and she wanted to incorporate the bright, happy colors that adorn the inside kennels.  With the aid and ideas of Mike Lucas, a unique block design was created titled “Adopt God’s Kritters.”

The Menards moved to McDowell County in March of 2006 from St. Petersburg, Florida, after Rick’s retirement.  Susan, an independent insurance agent, at the time had harbored thoughts of opening a dog care business, and after volunteering with Merci Animal Rescue.  Mercy Animal Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose motto is “people helping pets, one pet at a time.”  The foundation consists of a team of volunteers whose mission is to save the lives of a portion of these destitute and often ill or injured animals.  The volunteers provide good care by fostering them in their homes in hopes of finding a safe, loving, and lifetime match through adoption.  

Susan Menard, through her volunteer work, became aware of the tremendous need in McDowell County.  Although Kozy Kritters Inn is not a rescue operation, it does offer the option of kenneling a pet when needed, in lieu of letting it run loose.  Susan continues to work with the rescue operation when she can, and helps by fostering animals until adoption.

“Adopt God’s Kritters,” a colorful 4’ x 4’ quilt block, incorporates a variation of the “snail’s tail” quilt pattern.  The center of the block is comprised of four cats, each facing in a different direction in the primary colors of blue, green, red and yellow with their ears detailed in contrasting colors.  The cats’ tails curve together in the spiral “snail’s trail” pattern.  A depiction of a dog is located in each corner of the block in a clockwise direction.  The bodies are shaded in gray, black, white, and brown, with the ears and face detailed in opposing colors.  The cat and dog scene rests on a sky-blue background.  

After the installation, volunteer Jill Lucas, Chairperson of the McDowell Quilt Trail, presented a Certificate of Authenticity to Susan and Rick to proudly display.  This newest block on the McDowell Quilt Trail is certainly appropriate for the Kozy Kritters Inn, and a must see.

For information on how to become a part of the ever-growing quilt trail, you may call the McDowell Arts Council Association at 652-8610.  You may also go online at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org to view the pictures and read the interesting stories of places, people and historical events the blocks represent in McDowell County.   The MACA gift shop at 50 South Main Street offers for sale a wide variety of quilt trail items, including storybooks, as well as trail maps featuring blocks installed from September 2009 through December 2010.

“Bear Creek Marina” – Newest Quilt Block On Lake James

By Kathy Brendle

NOTE: Hosts George and Susan Stroman have requested “Bear Creek”  be moved to a new location – 1180 Bear Cliff Dr., Marion

For boaters and other folks who love Lake James, Bear Creek Marina has provided the newest quilt block.  The block is entitled “Bear Creek Marina” and is located on the exterior wall of the rock fireplace facing the water.  The marina, facing west, sits across from the Black Bear access, and to its south is Big Island.

That peninsula at one time was the retreat site for Mill Power Supply, a branch of Duke Power.  Employees used the lake facility for both business and pleasure, including family outings.  Plaques that announced the retreat were attached to stone monuments that once stood at the entrance to the property.  One of those plaques has been kept by the marina.  Today the peninsula holds the New Manna Church retreat on the east face and the marina on the west face.

The four-foot quilt block features a walking black bear atop the bear paw quilt pattern in colors of deep green and two tone reds, with the bright gold and yellow squares spotlighting the bear.  Susan Stoman, the manager of the marina, chose the colors in the quilt block to compliment the colors on the building, especially the green trim, and with the bear framed in the yellow glow.

Susan is an advocate of tourism for the community and chose to include a quilt block on the marina in support of the quilt trail and tourism in McDowell County.  She believes the quilt block will be another draw to the lake.  She is planning a number of ideas for tourism, with the marina being a focal point of these activities.

If you would like more information about the McDowell Quilt Trail, you can call the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 652-8610.  Quilt Trail maps, the newly-published story books, and other quilt trail items may be found at the MACA gift shop on Main Street.  Hosting a quilt block is a great way to tell your story, affirm your history, and add artistic value to our county.

 

“New Beginnings” Barn Quilt – Appropriately Named For The Activities At Barn House Inn B & B

By Ginger Todd

On Friday, July 1, 2011, the 91st Quilt Block on the McDowell Quilt Trail was installed, hosted by Tom and Barbra Butler of 11611 Montford Cove Road.  The block, entitled “New Beginnings” sits to the left of the main entrance to the Barn House Inn, a bed and breakfast owned and operated by the Butlers, and was placed by Mike Lucas and Jack Raker.  The barn-structured Inn sits at the base of Cat Knob Mountain, named years ago by locals who reported sightings of bobcats in and around the caves located there.

Tom and Barbra moved to the mountains from the Charleston, South Carolina area after Tom retired with the closing of the Charleston Naval Shipyard in 1995, where he had been employed as a nuclear reactor engineer technician.  The land they purchased in our North Carolina Mountains was a part of the well-known “Old Nanny Farm.”  It was once a 300-acre working farm and peach orchard over 100 years ago, now divided and sold by the estate in the mid ’90s.  The Butlers lived in their camper while they designed and built the rustic barn-patterned future B & B.

The springhouse shed, still on the property, disclosed several of the original farming implements, which they retrieved and have used to adorn the walls of the Inn.  An old mulberry fruit tree adds a distinctive flavor to the landscape.  They also salvaged some of the windows from the original century-old farmhouse to add to the rustic feel, but added modern conveniences.  Scattered throughout the interior are various stained glass pieces created by Barbara, who has a degree in art and did custom work in Charleston.

The Barn House Inn, which has been host to everything from receptions, family vacations to a quiet writer’s retreat has had two especially attention-drawing surprises to the small community: rides on a hot air balloon in the back field and a surprise helicopter landing given by the bride to her husband for them to head off on their honeymoon.

Barbra’s interest in hosting a quilt block was sparked by memories of the first quilt she made, a double wedding ring pattern, for her daughter.  The block “New Beginnings” was named for the proprietor’s new beginning in the mountains, and for the new beginnings that are formed at weddings and other functions held at the Inn.

The 4′ x 4′ block, which faces west, may be seen in the “Crossings at Sugar Hill” area of Montford Cove, and is a variation of the double wedding ring pattern.  Two interlocking golden wedding rings sit across a dark green Cat Knob Mountain rising in the background, with two half medium blue rings and two half lighter blue rings acting as a backdrop against the Carolina blue sky.  In front of the looming Cat Knob Mountain are six smaller hills in various shades of green with a creek flowing through at a lower elevation, representative of Cove Creek, which is located behind the Inn.  At this creek, the terrain begins to rise, and is enhanced by an arbor which is often used for weddings.  The entire block is edged in dark red with each corner highlighted in gold.                                                                         

After the block installation, Jill Lucas, chairperson of the McDowell Quilt Trail, presented a Certificate of Authenticity to the Butlers.  Take a beautiful summer drive out to Montford Cove to get a view of this newest block on the McDowell Quilt Trail and the quaint Barn House Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Visit www.barnhouseinn.com for more information about the Barn House Inn Bed and Breakfast.  For more information about the McDowell Quilt Trail, or to host a block, call the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 828-652-8610 or visit www.mcdowellquilttrail.org.  A variety of quilt trail items are available for sale in the gift shop at MACA at 50 South Main Street, in Marion, including a storybook and trail map featuring blocks that were installed from September 2009 through December 2010.  The stories behind each of the blocks reveal the uniqueness of McDowell County’s history.

3 New Quilt Blocks On One Building In Marion, NC – Fire and Ice, Hair That Rocks and Computer Corrections

By Nancy Raker and Nora Worthen

A cluster of three new quilt blocks now adorn the west-facing wall of the brick building at 91 East Court Street in Marion, the home of Computer Corrections, Fire and Ice Jewelry and Hair That Rocks.  McDowell Quilt Trail volunteers Mike Lucas and Jack Raker installed these blocks on June 14, 2011.  This building, now owned by Frank Nederostek, once housed a car dealership and a sewing machine company.

Leaving the corporate world behind after working in both New York and Los Angeles, his experience in law enforcement as a detective led to his interest in becoming a jeweler, and he has been in business in North Carolina since 1984.  Originally from Pennsylvania, and therefore familiar with the Amish traditions, Frank considers one’s heritage to be of utmost importance.  In line with that tradition, his daughter, Megan, a mortician by trade, has managed the store for two years.  Frank is a first generation American, whose father is of Czech and Polish descent.

Now a resident of McDowell County in the Goose Creek area, he wants his customers to know that just as a diamond is forever, Fire and Ice Jewelry will be in Marion to serve the long-term needs of the community.  Frank is very proud to be a member of the Southern Jewelers Alliance, and says that he has the largest number of jewelry designers in the state because each of his customers is a designer and Frank facilitates that design.  Fire and Ice Jewelry also trades in coins, deals in firearms and has a loan service.

Number 85, named “Diamonds and Gold” is emblematic of a ring.  As one looks into this diamond design, your eyes are drawn to the very large two-tone blue facets, which is a variation of an Ozark crystal.  There are four prominent flower-shaped facets depicted in a lighter blue at each corner of the block, with the gold colored design alongside representing the studs holding the entire diamond in place.  This block, as it hangs on the brick building, is centered on a higher elevation and in between its companion blocks.

Next door to Fire and Ice Jewelry is Hair That Rocks, a hair salon owned by Denise Nederostek, Frank’s wife, who has been a hairdresser for 30 years.  The block Denise selected, number 89, is named “Rockin’ Shears,” which depicts a circle of cutting shears framed by a light blue background and a bright pink border.  Denise wanted the colors of her block to reflect her contemporary, edgy personality.  Upon entering the shop, you are wowed by the interior decor, which reflects that desire to stand out.  The back wall is of galvanized corrugated tin roof material, while the two side walls are painted red with a display of guitars mounted on each wall.  One other stylist, Shandy Lanning, works alongside Denise in this full service hair salon.  When Denise has time to relax, she and husband Frank travel long distances by motorcycle.

Host to the third block at 91 East Court Street is Computer Corrections, owned by Stephen Duncan.  This business deals in networking, repairs, sales, system maintenance and upgrades.  Block number 86 has been named “Keeping Life Connected.”  Stephen has been dismantling and reassembling computers since the age of ten.  Having been in the computer business for twenty years, five of those years he worked at the Department Of Corrections while repairing computers during his off hours.  “Keeping Life Connected” depicts four computer monitors with attached keyboards, all connected by a lavender cross in the center of the block.  Steven chose this design to reflect that his life and business is Christ-based.

As you travel on Main Street in Marion, turn onto East Court Street to view the quilt blocks.  Three different businesses, three different owners with a desire to be a part of the McDowell Quilt Trail and the community of Marion worked together to express their businesses and interests through their uniquely different designs and choice of colors.

To learn more about hosting a quilt block or knowing more about the quilt trail, call the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 828-652-8610 or visit the McDowell Quilt Trail website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org.

“Millcreek Farm” Quilt Block #88 Honors Farming And The Land

By Kathy Brendle

The Dysartsville community has a new addition; a 4 x 4 block entitled “Millcreek Farm.”  The block is sponsored by Don and Peggy Millwood, and is located on Baker Drive.  Centered between two upper story windows, the block now graces a redwood barn in the center of the horse farm.  The block was a birthday present for Don, who has retired from a forty-two-year career as a teacher and coach.  Four children and six grandchildren often visit the wooded, thirty-acre tract enjoying the wildlife and beautiful horses on the farm.

Pictured left to right: Amy Millwood Lyman, daughter; Don & Peggy Millwood, Malia Lyman, granddaughter; Brayden Millwood, grandson; Randi Millwood, granddaughter; and Millie, the family dog

Years back the family tended a working farm that grew multiple crops using a plow and mule.  The government at that time would provide plowing to terrace the fields in an effort to avoid a “dust blow” effect, as had occurred during the Depression.  Local farmers realized that the terracing prevented erosion and began to terrace the fields themselves.  The center of the quilt block reflects that terracing with lazy ribbons of various earth tones.  The ribbons lead toward a range of mountains painted in three different greens that stand out against a Carolina blue sky.  The design along the outside edge of the block provides a border, but it also fits into the plowing/terracing message.  The border design is actually a repeated plow, the devise which actually plows into the ground to make the terraces.  The left and right corners of the diagonal each have a deep brown horseshoe.  The horseshoes and the plows connect the mules of a bygone era with the horses of today’s Millcreek Farm.

A horizontal line of blue-green located toward the bottom of the block represents another facet of the farm, a creek that provided water for a gristmill.  The mill was a huge resource for the Dysartsville community with folks bringing their wheat and corn there for grinding.  Flat stones are still visible in the water at the site where the mill once stood.

Don brought the property from his mother in the 1970’s and actively has begun to build the horse farm over the last several years.  Peggy Millwood says the entire farm holds special memories for the family.  This quilt block, “Millwood Farm,” painted by Mike Lucas and Jan Zimmerman, is an illustration of those memories.

If you would like more information on the McDowell Quilt Trail, you can call the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) on 828-652-8610 or visit the website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org.  Quilt Trail maps, the newly-published storybooks and other quilt trail items may be found at the MACA gift shop on Main Street, Marion, NC.  Hosting a block is a great opportunity to expose the next generation to the rich history of our McDowell County.

YMCA’s “Spirit, Mind and Body” Quilt Block, Marion, NC

By Ginger Todd

On Tuesday, June 7, 2011, Block #87 on the McDowell Quilt Trail was installed at 2:00 p.m. at the Maxwell M. Corpening Jr. YMCA.    The theme of the 6’ x 6’ Block is “Spirit, Mind and Body.”            

It was in England, during the Industrial Revolution, June 6, 1844, that the first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was founded by Sir George Williams in London. The organization’s goal was to put Christian principals into practice by creating youth development, healthy living conditions and social responsibilities.  December 29, 1851, the first YMCA opened in Boston, Massachusetts, founded by Captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan, a missionary and American seaman.  The influence of the London YMCA had encouraged him to provide a “home away from home” for the young sailors on shore leave.  Later the YMCA of the United States formally adopted its core values, and women were admitted to the programs through the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) at the end of World War II.   

Today the YMCA is a federated organization, both local and national, in voluntary association with programs open to all, regardless of faith, social class, age, or gender.  Strong importance is placed on the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.  To help remember these, each of the core values has a color that is connected to it:  red for caring, blue for honesty, green for responsibility, and yellow for respect.  Geneva, Switzerland is the World Alliance of YMCA’s Headquarters. 

Recently, after two years of research, the national nonprofit organization developed a new logo to replace the one in place since 1967, the sixth since its inception.  Having a fresh, new contemporary look, the updated multiple color option scheme with its softer lines, creates a warmer, friendlier and inviting logo.  The colors reflect the diversity of the community it serves.  The bold new logo, changed for the first time in 43 years, symbolizes the YMCA’s commitment to personal and social progress.  The logo still includes the letters YMCA, although it is called by its nickname, the “Y.” 

Max Corpening, Sr., a native of McDowell County, successful in journalism and banking, founded our local YMCA.  He wanted to create in his home county a living memorial to his son who was killed during World War II.  In March 2003, the doors were opened at 348 Grace Corpening Drive, and a dream was fulfilled.  The Maxwell M. Corpening Jr. Memorial YMCA now celebrates its eighth year of “building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.” 

The quilt block named “Sprit, Mind and Body,” installed by Mike Lucas and YMCA employee Scott Morgan, is centered between the two playgrounds to the right of the entrance.  Executive Director Tim Blenco states that the idea of a block has been in the works for about a year and a half.  The decision to host a quilt block is a good way to support the community and the McDowell Quilt Trail, as well as add a colorful welcoming entrance to the wellness center.  

The original YMCA colors were black and red; those being the only colors newspapers could print way back when.  With the new color chart options, it was exciting to create the new “Y” block design.    The block, painted by Mike Lucas, Kathy Brendle, and Jan Zimmerman, retains a quilt-like pattern, with the ever present symbol of the “Y” represented by an inverted triangle, which represents the constant precarious balance of the three points – spirit, mind and body; a reminder that all three of these are equally important, and if one is out of sync the other two will be also. 

“Spirit, Mind and Body” is centered with two inverted triangles, one inside the other, and a black one surrounded by a deep red, while nine red and purple, and orange and yellow studs alternately edge the triangles on a yellow circular background.  Next are three concentric circles in two shades of blue and black, representing the oneness of the universe.   Petal points then fan out in aqua, jade, dark green, and gray on a yellow background.  The vibrant hues and texture in this large block truly manifest the YMCA’s new logo and exciting color chart. 

To host a quilt block on the McDowell Quilt Trail, contact the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 652-8610 or visit the quilt trail website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org to download an application.  Visit the MACA gift shop for the new storybooks and other quilt trail crafted items.

McDowell “Storybooks” debuted at Quilt Trail Gathering

Attending the Quilt Trail Gathering (left to right) are: Mike Lucas, Nora Worthen, Jill Lucas and Janet Williams

By Nora S. Worthen

A barn quilt movement is spreading across the country like a slow creeping vine, from barn to barn, county to county and state to state.  Even our neighbors to the north have caught the fever and have begun their own quilt trails in a couple of the provinces.  A Quilt Trail Gathering was held recently when representatives of 19 states and one Canadian province converged on Winchester, Ohio to celebrate a decade since the first quilt pattern was painted ten years ago on the side of a barn in Adams County, Ohio.

Jill and Mike Lucas, Janet Williams, and Nora Worthen of the McDowell Quilt Trail attended the convention for the opportunity to network with other groups, to exchange ideas, and share knowledge about all aspects of the barn quilt project from construction to marketing and publicity.  We sold our handcrafted items, debuted the now published storybooks in three volumes that tell the “Stories Behind the Quilt Blocks of McDowell County,” the Old Fort Trail, and the Marion Trail.

The barn quilts, as they are called in the Midwest, is an art project that has caught on nationwide.  This project promotes pride in ownership, pride in community, pride in connection.  There is no competition among the counties and states that have embraced this project, but rather a sense of extension, a sense of sharing and working together for the common good.  The barn quilt movement weaves the fabric of our society together, much as our mothers and grandmothers did with their quilting bees, and our fathers and grandfathers did with a barn raisings and community corn shucking.  It provides families and friends the opportunity to tour the countryside searching for and photographing the quilt blocks while rediscovering remnants of our past.  The quilt trail movement contributes to the cultural, social, and economic value in our communities, and reveals family and community histories in the publications that are sponsored by each quilt trail group.

Upon our arrival in Winchester, we found large open spaces of green rolling hay fields and pasture land, and many three-storied gambrel-style roofed barns with a large quilt pattern painted high up underneath the roof peak that can be seen for miles.   The barn quilt patterns have replaced the once common advertisement of “Mail Pouch Tobacco,” now faded but still visible.  Hex signs are dotted throughout, but mostly barn quilt patterns in various sizes, colors, and design can be seen.

A presenter at the Gathering reminded us that as the United States was developing, many times the barn was built even before the house was constructed; that barns are an integral part of the unique American agricultural heritage and culture.   He reminded us that with the spread of urban development across America, the family farm is struggling to stay alive.

Tourism is becoming increasingly important in the U.S. economy.  Agri-tourism is widespread in America, helping the family farm stay alive.  According to Wikipedia, “In Western North Carolina, the organization HandMade in America is using Agri-tourism to develop its economy and craft trades, and to educate visitors about agriculture practices.”  Barns on the family farm remain a part of the McDowell County landscape.

The McDowell Quilt Trail members in attendance at the Gathering, while sharing their handcrafted items and storybooks with others, came away with a new sense of purpose.  McDowell County has a few barns left.  Many in need of a face lift.  May we come together as a community project to preserve our agricultural heritage to teach our children and grandchildren of another way of life, and to enjoy the beauty of what we once had?  What better way to do that than to save our barns by doing a little maintenance and erecting quilt squares on them in order to draw attention and tell their stories?

Donna Sue Grove, the visionary of the barn quilt trail project says, “We are on to something big.  This concept is spreading like wildfire across the country.  The art of quilting has a calming effect on those who participate.   It is a way of self-expression through the simple act of selecting fabric, whether selected randomly or precisely, cutting, and sewing.  The finished product is a work of art that is used to wrap us in warmth, or viewed and admired by others, or treasured and passed from one generation to another.   The barn quilt project is a reminder of our past history, intended to preserve what is left, and to be shared with the future.”

Another goal of the McDowell Quilt Trail is to see a quilt block erected on every school in McDowell County.  To date three schools have hosted quilt blocks:  McDowell High, West Junior High, and Glenwood Elementary.  The students, faculty, PTO and staff from all three schools have participated in the fundraising for the purchase of the blocks.  McDowell High’s art students painted the Titan Star block and were on hand when it was erected.  Glenwood students paid a special tribute to beloved teacher.  In Greene County, Ohio the 4-H Clubs got involved with the barn quilt project and eventually erected 40 squares throughout the county.

McDowell Quilt Trail has erected 84 quilt blocks throughout the county in a two-year period.  The first edition of the storybooks is printed and for sale in the gift shop at MACA.  Three separate volumes cover three trails:  McDowell, Marion, and Old Fort.  Within the covers of each book you will find the history of the quilt trail and the volunteers who make it happen.  There is also an index of the blocks erected through December 2010.  Each block is pictured with the story about its origin.  Also included within each book is a self-guided tour map for the respective trail.  The last page closes out the book with the McDowell Quilt Trail logo.  Many of the stories told within the pages are about families, one about a factory that no longer exists, but all about people, places, and things that are dear to the heart of those who remember.

                           3 separate “Storybooks” for sale at MACA

The gathering that was held in Winchester, Ohio in its Red Barn Convention Center warmed our hearts, gave us encouragement and added sense of purpose that we are one among many in this clothesline of barn quilt blocks that is stretching across America.

More information about the McDowell Quilt Trail can be found at our website www.mcdowellquilttrail.org.  Stop by the gift shop at MACA at 50 S. Main Street in Marion, or call 828-652-8610.  Applications to host a block can be downloaded from the website or pick up one at MACA.  Join us on Facebook to keep track of our progress.

England Builders Quilt Block – “‘Quality’ Built On Detail”

                             Hosts Charles and Grayson England

By Ginger Todd

On May 5, 201l, the McDowell Quilt Trail installed Block #84 at 260 Barnes Road, the office building of England Builders Incorporated.  Charles England, founder of the company, and his son Grayson, President and Owner, received a framed Certificate of Authenticity.  It was their secretary, Judy Long, who persuaded them to enhance the brick wall entrance of the office and become a part of the popular Quilt Trail.  The name of the newest quilt block is “‘Quality’ Built On Detail”.

Originally established in 1938 by Norris England, father of Charles, the company was eventually incorporated in 1976.  With a background in shipbuilding and a structural engineering and design degree, Charles focused on high quality home building.  For more than three decades, it has been a family-run business, originally operating out of their home, with wife and mother Emma Jean acting as secretary.  Recently Charles, now semi-retired, has turned the hands-on jobsite operation and running portion of the company to son Grayson, while he spends more time at the drawing board designing the homes desired by their customers. 

Grayson, a Master Builder and graduate from N.C. Home Builder’s Institute, emphasizes the company’s reputation for attention to detail and fine quality materials. Operating as an unlimited licensed general contractor, England Builders can construct both residential and commercial buildings as small or as large and expensive as the client desires.  Although mostly known for their residential construction, one of their most recognized buildings is the Tom Johnson Camping Center on Highway 70 East. 

The company, which operates off one of the largest solar panel systems in the county, maintains ten employees, and has a waiting list for homes to be built, and has not had any layoffs during the recent recession.  The Englands’ aim is keeping the company small, using high quality structural material, and performing superior workmanship. 

A house plan is discussed and developed, and often incorporates the client’s individual ideas.  The same experienced crew builds the entire home from frame to trim.  There is no skimping on the superior grade of materials for the structure.  Both father and son have served in numerous capacities in the Home Builders Association, and remain up-to-date on codes and regulations.  They have also been involved in multiple community projects.

The interesting 4’ X 4’ block takes its name from the company motto, “’Quality’ Built on Detail,” and is representative of their construction work.  When viewing the block, you will note that the house frame sits on a firm foundation of gray cinderblocks.  A precision box bubble level portrays the floor.  On each side of the red and brown door are two four-paned windows, with the triangular roof truss above.  Tri squares, tools used for accurate marking and measuring of right angles, are in each of the upper corners on a sky blue background.  Although a little off the road, this block is definitely “on the Trail” and worth taking a look at.

If you would like more information on the McDowell Quilt Trail, you can call the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 652-8610 or visit the website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org.  Quilt Trail maps, storybooks, and other quilt trail items may be found in the MACA gift shop on Main Street.  Hosting a block is a fun way to honor the colorful heritage of our area.