'The Clothesline of Quilts' idea began right here is Adams County. Community organizer, Donna Sue Groves, a native WV, wanted to honor her Mom. So she enlisted family, friends and local artists to paint the murals. The Adams County quilt project took several years to complete, and by the time it was dedicated it had gotten national attention and inspired almost 100 counties in 26 states to join in the mural trail. A great way to see Adam's County is to get off the highways onto scenic back roads and follow Adam's County' clothesline of quilts'. Painted on barns throughout the county, these colorful murals lead you to a path pf discovery along ridge tops and streams, through natural areas, past cozy farms, to historic landmarks and interesting local shops. Fro more information contact; Adams County Welcome Center 1-937-544-5454.'
Most of the information about the quilts was gathered from the Crossroads Magazine I picked up at Keim. I wish I knew that much about these quilts and murals. But I must tell you that we did actual remember some of the names for the quilt patterns.
I have seen this quilt on the side of Rt 32 heading to Huntington for 15 years. I have always wondered what pattern and why it was there. Now I can tell you that it is Clay's Choice. It is documented to between 1895-1897. It is know by several names, all honoring Henry Clay---Henry of the West and Star of the West.
Dutchman's Puzzle...you can find this across the street from Keim Family Market (my all time favorite Amish establishment in the area). Many old quilts using this pattern have been found around Staten and Manhattan Islands in NY, an area of early Dutch settlement. It is based on the windmill pattern.
The Liberty Star. The pattern for this pattern was first published in the Kansas Star newspaper in 1932. I hope we plan to go back to this restaurant for lunch in the near future.
I had never seen or heard of this pattern...Hovering Hawks. We found it on the oldest barn in Peebles, Ohio, a former livery stable. Earliest mention of this was in 1929...the year that my father in law was born.
Nine Patch...Early pioneer women created their own patterns using the Nine Patch. A very early one from Massachusetts is dated at 1808. This is familiar to many as the logo for Purina.
The LeMoyne Star at GoodSeed Farm in Peebles was painted on a rainy weekend just days before it was needed as a backdrop for the quilt trail dedication ceremony. This barn is very special for many reasons. Donna Sue Groves, originator for the 'Clothesline of Quilts' autographed a limited number of Cat's Meow collectibles. Half of the proceeds went to benefit Donna Sue directly. She was fighting a cancer battle and needed help financially.
The Double T in 1895-1897...it was published as the Capital T in the 1920's.
Bow Tie...an early pattern from the late 1880's, that is also known as the Necktie. It is based on four patches and was widely used in everyday quilts. It is still popular today because if its simplicity and versatility.
Friendship Star. The pattern is barely visible. These murals have been hanging for 8-9 years and the sun has done a number on the paint colors. This pattern is know by many names...Simplex Star and in 1939 was published as Lost Goslin'. We about got killed here. Mark was turning around in a driveway and they guy that lives there came barreling down the road to turn into his driveway....gravel went everywhere but no one was hurt and no words were shared.
I like this name...Old Maid's Puzzle. An early pattern dating back to the 1920's. there are many variations according to the color placement. I thought the John Deer was a nice touch.
Monkey Wrench..this is the hardest pattern for me to quilt...have no idea why. This is another of the Nine Patch variations. It has many names, Love Knot, Lincoln's Platform because it was used to show the slaves direction in the Underground Railroad, and Sherman's March.
Windmill...again with the sun. One of the oldest of the four-patch patterns
My favorite...The Ohio Star. This was the first mural to be completed and it hangs at Lewis Mountain Herbs...a place I place to make a return visit to...they have outhouses for sale. This Ohio Star is based on a very old Variable Star pattern.
Another LeMoyne Star...a sixteen-patch design with an eight-pointed star, it is names for the LeMoyne brothers who founded New Orleans.
Sawtooth Star was also called the Nameless Star. The large center square was often used for signatures in album quilts.
Snail's Trail...this is a close relative to the Indiana Puzzle pattern. This is the mural that inspired the entire project. And strangely enough it was one of the last murals to be completed.
Ohio Star...this was ususual becasue it was wrapped around the corned or the barn. We missed it the first time around and really had to look for it.
This seems so crazy to me...they call this a Lemon Star. Don't you think it should be yellow? This is a nine patch pattern similar to the Ohio Star but with the star points reaching the center.
There are two murals we have yet to find...another day, another journey to Adams County.
I took some extra shots of any and all other quilt murals I could find. They have inspired me to start thinking about how we will do our murals for the fence this summer.
