McDowell Quilt Trail

By Ginger Todd

The Mission Statement of Marion Elementary School, as provided by Principal Donna Gardner, is:   “To educate all students to their personal best through a team of students, educators, specialists, parents, guardians and community stakeholders.  As a team, we will ensure all of our students are globally competitive and ready to be successful as they face the challenges of the 21^st century.  Hands All Around for the success of our students.”

Quilt Block #109 certainly represents this Mission and incorporates the genuine traditional quilt pattern “Hands All Around”.  

The school’s history dates back to 1901 when the first two-story school was built on Academy Street, accommodating nine grades in session for nine months.  Originally known as Marion Graded School, it operated separate from the County system, under its own Charter.  Unfortunately, the school building was destroyed by fire in 1954, and the students were housed out to three local churches that opened their facilities for the children to continue their studies.

Subsequently, the city of Marion purchased acreage on Robert Street and in the fall of 1956 a new school building was ready to accept students, grades K-6^th.   At this time, the name was changed to Marion Elementary School and a year later, in 1957, a gym was added to the building. By 1962, more expansion was needed and classrooms, library, restrooms and other facilities were added.  Over the next ten years further improvements were added, including a playground, handicap entrance, parking area and landscaping.

Air conditioning was installed in 1996 as well as new flooring and upgrading of electrical wiring.  1998 involved a huge renovation project and a new wing was added to the school.  A computer lab accommodates high speed wireless internet access and cable television was made available to the classrooms. The school has approximately 450 pre-school and elementary students and is part of the Accelerated Reader Program, their library housing access to 9,000 books. Future expansion to the school campus is under discussion as the student population is growing each year.

The idea and desire to become a part of the McDowell Quilt Trail originated with two of the school’s teachers, Michelle Revis (whose grandfather was a quilter) and Julie McKinney. They had both been using quilt patterns in their daily class plans under the 21st Century Community Learning Program.  The program consists of a Federal grant aimed at aiding rural and small city schools with funds to provide opportunities for at risk students.  Its purpose is to increase academic skills and enrichment activities, including after school programs. Following the examples of actual quilts brought into the classroom, and learning of their history, the students created paper quilts, composing their own designs and pattern blocks.  As the students choose the shapes and colors, their imagination is motivated and coordination skills are advanced. The activity finds learning opportunities in subjects from history to math.

On the cold Friday afternoon, January 13, 2012, the colorful Hands All Around 6’ X 6’ quilt block was put in place by volunteer workers Mike Lucas, Bob Brendle and Alan Scholl.   The teachers and students tracked the installation progress by each class taking its turn going out for a few minutes to watch while Jill Lucas explained the process.  It is located on 209 Robert Street, just three blocks from downtown Marion, and faces north.  Principal Donna Gardner, along with teachers Michelle Revis and Julie McKinney were presented with the Certificate of Authenticity by Jill Lucas, chairperson of the McDowell Quilt Trail Committee.

Although the blue and gold colors of the school mascot, the Bulldogs, are included, the additional bright colors on the block are represented by the eight primary shades found in boxes of Crayola crayons, first introduced in 1903.  They consisted of:  black, blue, brown, green, orange, red, violet and yellow.  The very center of the block represents the school structure and the students.   The set of blue and purple “hands” surrounding the school and students are representative of the support from teachers and other staff. The border edge of the block consists of many “hands,” symbolizing the mainstay backing of parents,  PTO, community, and other outside organizations.

As you drive by and take notice of the traditional “Hands All Around” quilt block, recall the meaning of these layers of support and the three A’s it encourages:  Attendance, Attitude, and Achievement.  Remember, you are a part of the outside support and can assist by linking Bi-Lo and Ingles grocery cards to Marion Elementary School each year, as well as saving General Mills Box Tops.  When you obtain a Bi-Lo Booster Card, 1% of  the amount spent will go to the school.  Ingles helps provide equipment, and General Mills donates ten cents for each box top turned in.

For more information on the McDowell Quilt Trail, including how to host a block of your own, go to www.mcdowellquilttrail.org.  An application form may be downloaded, or call the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 652-8610.  MACA’s gift shop has a variety of quilt trail items, including storybooks and maps of the Blocks installed. A new project is currently under way that will involve older buildings in a rural setting displaying traditional quilt block designs.  The McDowell County Rural Heritage Quilt Trail will add yet another reason to enjoy a journey through our beautiful mountains and learn more of McDowell County history.

By Nora Worthen

And the winner is:  Carole Garner of Southern Pines for the quilt block “Formal Garden.”

McDowell Quilt Trail members Mike and Jill Lucas, Cathy Green and Nora Worthen gathered at McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) on Thursday, December 15, 2011 for the drawing of the winning raffle ticket, which was drawn by Susan Pyatt-Baker, Executive Director of MACA.   

Upon making the telephone call to the lucky winner, Mike Lucas was informed that Carole Garner lived out of town, but Mary Garner, whose telephone number was on the ticket, is Carole’s daughter, and Mary made arrangements to pick up the block later that same afternoon.  Upon her arrival at MACA, along with her son Sully Davis, age 10, and boyfriend John Blue, a story unfolded:   

During the summer, Carole was in Marion visiting with Mary, and noticed the quilt blocks around town.  They stopped in at Scoops and More on 221 North to cool off and have some ice cream.  While there, they picked up a McDowell Quilt Trail rack card giving information about the quilt trail.  Mary says, “We had seen the blocks around town and fell in love with them.” 

On Carole’s next visit just before Thanksgiving, while waiting for Mary to complete an errand, Carol decided to stop by MACA for a visit and find out more about the quilt trail.  While shopping in the gift shop, she saw the “Formal Garden” quilt block and decided to purchase raffle tickets, placing her name on five and Mary’s name on five.  As typically happens, both Mary and Carole forgot about the raffle and the tickets until the telephone call from Mike. 

Upon receiving the call from Mike Lucas, Mary called her mother, who was waiting in a pharmacy for a prescription to be filled.  Mary says, “It just made her day.  She was estatic.”   

Carole is self-employed, working out of her home in Southern Pines doing medical billings for a local physician.  She collects miniature Amish quilter figurines made by a company in Ohio, and knows exactly where she will hang the block when it is delivered to her.  Carole is from New York, but has lived in North Carolina since 1989, and says both her daughters were born in North Carolina. 

Mary moved to McDowell County in June to complete a ten-week internship as a propagator at a local nursery for a degree in landscape gardening from Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina.  After completing the internship, she decided to stay in Marion, and will begin employment in January at Banner Greenhouses in Nebo. 

To kick off the third year of the McDowell Quilt Trail, the McDowell County Heritage Quilt Trail is a new project the committee is working on and is nearing completion.  The proceeds from the raffle will be used for quilt blocks for the Heritage Trail.  More information on the Heritage Trail will be forthcoming. 

You are invited to visit the quilt trail website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org where you can see pictures of quilt blocks, read the stories behind the blocks, and if interested, download an application for your own quilt block.  There are many quilt trail items for sale at the MACA gift shop, where you can also pick up copies of trail maps.   

There are a few more days left for shopping at the Blue Ridge Artisan Show at MACA for anyone who is still looking for unique gifts for someone for Christmas.  To learn MACA’s hours of operation, go to www.mcdowellarts.org or call 828-652-8610.

By Ginger Todd

Both residents and workers at East Court Group Care Home, a co-ed group home serving adults 18 and over with developmental disabilities, proudly looked upon the newly installed quilt block displayed on their building.  On Wednesday afternoon, November 30, 2011, all were gathered in excitement over the new addition of color and meaning to their home. 

In 1964, Mrs. Maggie Bailey purchased a house on East Court Street and turned it into a family care home.  Her daughter, Louise Church, bought the home seven years later and the facility was converted into a licensed, nine-bed group home for developmentally disabled adults.  Louise, fondly known as “Mama Church,” continued for 37 years to love and care for her residents, and established more homes for developmentally disabled adults throughout McDowell County.  Although known as East Court Group Care, a sign was never put up, as Mama Church wanted it to be a “home” rather than a business.

During these years, Mama Church raised five daughters of her own, Susan, Robin, Michele, Baleigh, and Tabby, along with the nine other “special siblings.”   Over the course of time, all five daughters have operated the home in some capacity.   Mama Church retired in 2008 and sold the home and its business to two of her daughters, Robin Gagnon and Tabby Hill.  This made them the third generation of owners, with Tabby’s daughter Hunter being the fourth growing up in the business. 

What dedication East Court Group Care Home has given the County through the years.   It is licensed by the State of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services Division of Facility Services, and is fully recognized by the community as a reputable group home provider.  It has a high standard of care that is trusted and assured, and provides quality assistance and various day programs that care for exceptional individuals.  One client has resided in the home since 1975, and every resident is regarded as family.   

The daughters of Louise Church had discussed for some time how to do something special for their mother, and decided a quilt block and its story would be a thoughtful, memorable way to honor her.  Although she had five children of her own, she had been a mother to so many, piecing each one together with love.

Block #107 of the McDowell Quilt Trail is quite an interesting block of bright and cheerful colors, and akin to its name, “Pieced Together With Love,” represents a puzzle with its different, unique pieces.   The 3’X3’ block faces South and was painted and installed on point by volunteer Mike Lucas.  The four corners of the block contain nine connecting puzzle pieces of varied colors, representing the nine residents of the home.

In the center of the block on a background of blue, are five hearts in shades of pink and red, representing the five daughters of Mama Church.  To carry out the theme, each heart holds a puzzle piece within it.  The hearts surround a yellow five-point star in the block’s center, representative of Mama Church, as well as the five-star high quality of care the group home has provided over the years to adults with both physical and mental disabilities.  Jill Lucas, chairperson of the McDowell Quilt Trail Committee, presented Mama Church with a Certificate of Authenticity, her five daughters and residents by her side.  

More information can be obtained about the quilt trail by calling the McDowell Arts Council Association at 828-652-8610. You may go to www.mcdowellquilttrail.org  and download an application to host a block of your own or to provide a meaningful gift to someone special.  The MACA gift shop, 50 South Main Street, has several items of interest including trail maps and descriptions.  They also have raffle tickets available for a block entitled Formal Garden.  Future plans for the McDowell Quilt Trail include a Rural Heritage Trail throughout the County. Take part in this interesting way to represent a part of history in our beautiful mountains and host a block to display your story.

By Nora Worthen

Nestled in a valley in the southern portion of McDowell County surrounded by mountain ridges with peaks known as Turkey Mountain and Camel Knob and Conaway, sits a 250-year old two-story farmhouse.   

This farmhouse sits on a hill between South Muddy Creek and a gated community today known as Grandview Peaks.   

The house still stands, having sheltered my family through three generations, with its bookend stone chimneys that were built by slave labor in the late 1700s. The chimneys on the east and west sides of the house are flanked by small cabin windows.  Looking out through the attic windows in this Brackett Town farmhouse, where I grew up smack dab in the middle of the twentieth century, kept a little girl in touch with the goings on of farm life and was the perfect vantage point for observation and daydreaming.   

During this time, traveling up or down the long driveway that connects the old farmhouse to Brackett Town Road, one had to ford South Muddy Creek, as a bridge had not yet been constructed.  During long rains, common in Western North Carolina, the creek would “get up” and escape its banks, and until it receded, made it impossible to cross for several days, except via the backs of Ole Hanna and Liza, the farm mules.  

Looking out the west-facing attic window one Easter Sunday morning, after about a 24-hours siege of continuous rain, a little girl I am familiar with was mightily disappointed to discover South Muddy Creek had escaped its banks, flooding the road and the bottoms to the point where there would be no going to church wearing her new Easter frock.

In September, 2011,  while attending a McDowell Quilt Trail committee meeting at its studio in Historic McDowell House, Mike Lucas showed me two new 2×2-foot quilt blocks just completed in preparation for the Mountain Glory Festival.  One block was the traditional “Attic Window” quilt pattern, in a design featuring a three-dimensional window frame, while showing a partial full moon and two twinkling stars peeping through the smaller segmented windowpanes. Memories of that flooded creek and my new Easter dress came rushing back.  I knew I had to have that quilt block hanging on my utility building where I could see it every day.  

On November 11, Mike and Jill Lucas drove out to Brackett Town to install the “Attic Window.” As I pointed out the old home place located across the creek and up the hill from 667 Brackett Town Road, I told them the story of my attic window, and the flood, and the new Easter dress.  

This old farmhouse began as a two-story log cabin built around 1760 by Jobe Upton.  In the late 1800s my grandfather, J. J. Sprouse, bought the farm and the cabin from Mr. Upton and farmed it until about 1930.  At that time the property was turned over to my father, J. Henry Sprouse, who, along with the two prior owners, provided for his family through his daily labors and what he could produce on that farm.  In the early 1900s, my grandmother acted as postmistress out of a little room on the front porch, with the mail being delivered from the Vein Mountain station for distribution to the residents of the Bracketts Township.  Up until 2003, the Sprouse home place had the distinction of having been continuously occupied for over two centuries.   

During the late 1800s the area had a booming gold mining operation of which my grandfather was the overseer.  This property that is now a farm was once riddled with rocks and gold mining pits.  It was these rocks that were used to build the two chimneys.  When my dad was about 97 years of age, Doug McCormick of Lucky Strike Mine in Vein Mountain brought a group of recreational gold mining folks for a visit to meet Dad and hear his stories of the gold mining days in Brackett Town.  Dad informed the group, as they were preparing to leave, “I spent my youth picking up rocks and filling up those pits [to make this land suitable for farming] and nobody is going to mine for gold on my farm!”   

In 1961 I left the farm and the home place and McDowell County to go out in the world and get an education and build my life.  Having accomplished that, in 1998 I returned to assist with the care of my 96-year-old father, who continued to bail hay until age 94, and who was born in the farmhouse in 1902 and died there in 2002, just two months shy of his 100th birthday.  

Presently, as I look out through my second-story sunroom windows to the opposite side of “that creek that ruined my Easter,” I see the “Attic Window” quilt block on the utility building.  My eyes travel out across a small expanse of woodland, on past South Muddy Creek, and over pastureland to the old two-story cabin turned farmhouse on the hill with the bookend chimneys.  I can see the little black square beside the west-facing chimney that was my favorite attic window and I reflect on all the history of that farmhouse and of what has been and what is yet to come.   

Since my retirement, my participation with the McDowell Quilt Trail and my newfound interest in quilting has provided me much pleasure.  As the quilt trail progresses into its third year, there are more interesting stories and more histories to be told using the vehicle of a traditional quilt pattern or a special design on a handcrafted quilt block constructed and developed right here in McDowell County.   

The second 2×2-foot quilt block that Mike Lucas built and showed to me on the day I fell in love with “Attic Window” is the traditional quilt pattern called “Formal Garden.”  It is being raffled by the Quilt Trail committee to raise funds for a grant to be used for McDowell County Rural Heritage Quilt Trail that is still in development and nearing completion. 

Visit McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 50 South Main Street in Marion, where “Formal Garden” is on display and raffle tickets may be purchased.   The winning ticket will be drawn there on December 15.   At MACA you can also do your Christmas shopping during the Blue Ridge Artisans show for handcrafted items made by local artisans.    

If you are interested in hosting a quilt block, or giving a block to someone as a special gift, MACA has the application to host a quilt block, along with quilt trail maps and other quilt trail items that are for sale.  Visit the quilt trail website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org or call MACA at (828) 652-8610 for more information, and follow the McDowell Quilt Trail progress on FaceBook.

By Ginger Todd

Suzan Harris, owner of the Market Grill Restaurant, chose the name “Southern Comfort” for her quilt block as it brings thoughts of not only good southern prepared food and dependable service, but a warm air of friendliness and comradeship.  A native of McDowell County, she lived for some time in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  In 1997 she moved back and opened her restaurant that same year.  It was originally located at the Eastside Flea Market once located on East Court Street. A fire however, destroyed that flea market in 1999 and she was forced to close down. 

Bob Frisbee, then owner of Frisbee’s Grocery, offered Suzan the use of an adjacent building he owned, and she gratefully accepted, grabbing the chance to reopen her Market Grill.  The building had once housed the First Citizens Bank and interestingly still has the old bank vault inside that is now used for storage purposes.  The word “market” remains a part of the Market Grill’s signature name in remembrance of once having started out as part of the old flea market.  “Southern Comfort,” Block #105 on the McDowell Quilt Trail, is located at 1210 East Court Street and was positioned on a wall of the Market Grill, facing southwest on November 11, 2011.  

Although not a quilter herself, Suzan took interest in the growing number of Quilt Blocks around the County and decided to become a part of the Trail and participate in the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) program.  It serves as a tribute and thank you to all her faithful patrons over the last fifteen years who have enjoyed the satisfying country food that is served, along with a good steaming cup of Java.

Mike Lucas, using a computer program, assisted Suzan in developing the pattern that is actually an interesting combination of four quilt patterns, each uniquely contributing to the restaurant trade.  The center of the block represents a plate edged in a variation of the scalloped “Dresden Plate” pattern, popular in Dresden, Germany at the center of the 19^th century Romanticism movement.  That was a time when household items and love of decoration was evidenced by the embellishment of plates with elaborate design. The radiating “petals,” or fan-like pattern, have flat sides and appear as water glass tumblers.  They are in shades of alternating blue and purple, favorite colors of Suzan’s. 

The center of the plate reflects the old traditional “Corn and Bean” quilt pattern, composed of right triangles in three sizes. Popular among farm families in the late 1800’s, the warm mellow colors of lettuce greens, corn yellow, and melon apricot are reminiscent of summer’s vegetable harvest.  The lovely Corn and Bean pattern, edged in autumn red, is recognized for its many triangles and points, possibly representing a plow.

The plate sits on a  ”Four Square Patch” pattern of alternating light green and tan colors.  In each of the four squares is the traditional “Cup and Saucer” pattern.  A miniature decoration of the Corn and Bean pattern on each cup compliments the center of the plate.  Be sure to take a look at this interesting 4’ X 4’ block and stop by for a “Southern Comfort” meal prepared and served by Suzan and her two employees!

Jill Lucas presented Suzan with a Certificate of Authenticity, recognizing her as a part of the effort to retain Appalachian quilting traditions and attract visitors to McDowell County.  Established in June 2009, the McDowell Quilt Trail organization is a non-profit volunteer operation. 

These painted quilt block provide not only appealing and interesting beauty to the buildings and roadsides throughout McDowell County, but each has its unique story of personal and historical significance.  To become a part of this increasingly popular and growing art form, or to present a meaningful and distinctive commemorative gift to someone, contact MACA at 828-652-8610.  If you are interested in following one of the Quilt Trails, stop by MACA on Main Street and pick up the maps available, as well as other Quilt Trail items for sale.  Raffle tickets are also available for the drawing of a 2’ X 2’ block entitled “Formal Garden,” the proceeds to be used for the Rural Heritage Trail  Grant that is under development.   More information and an application form may be obtained from the McDowell Quilt Trail website, www.mcdowellquilttrail.org. 

By Ginger Todd

 The McDowell Quilt Trail positioned Block 104 on the front wall of Sara Vallini’s home on Tuesday, November 7, 2011, at 185 Riverside Drive, Marion, N.C.   Sara, who ran the Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio and Vallini’s Bella Donna Salon for 36 years, formerly on West Henderson Street, is hosting the block in memory and honor of her family members.

Retired now for a little over five years, she had noticed the ever-growing quilt block trail throughout the county and the interesting articles in The McDowell News.  She has several of the quilts her mother made, using the tacked method, but never made one herself, and decided a block would be in order for her to display in one of her favorite patterns, Tree of Life.  Sara drew a rough sketch of what she desired, and presented it to volunteer Mike Lucas, who painted and installed the block.  Sarah prefers muted colors and chose the colors for her block while visiting a family member at Autumn Care Nursing Home.  Autumn Care displays a likeness of the Tree of Life on its welcome sign, and in other decorations throughout the building, including the fabric of a chair in one of the community rooms.  It was from this chair that Sara chose her colors. 

The Tree of Life design was first adopted by early American settlers when cargo of Indian and Persian cotton prints were brought in by clipper ships to the Atlantic ports.  It was a design common to Oriental rugs; and quilters looking for new ideas, easily converted it to a quilt pattern.  It is an heirloom pattern common among the Amish and others in the tradition of American quilting.  Religiously inclined settlers of the New World and their descendents found appeal in not only its intrinsic beauty, but also its quality of faith and belief in eternal life. 

Although there are several variations of the Tree of Life pattern, the trunk, representing solidness and life-giving roots, is usually in a solid brown colored fabric, while the foliage presents a variation of warmer tones accentuated by a dark background. The Vallini Tree of Life is 3 X 3-foot block and faces west, easily viewable from Riverbend Drive.  The trunk and five main branches of the tree are in a medium brown, while the leaves are in softened shades of orange, gold, red, brown and green tones.  The gray foreground of the block represents the shadow of the tree and the light tan behind it the soil of the earth.  Part of a yellow full moon shines from the upper left corner of the block with two white stars sparkling on a midnight blue background. 

Sara’s Tree of Life begins with the first branch on the left of the tree, representing her younger twin sisters Ruth and Ruby, one of whom died at birth.  The second branch represents herself, a widow for 43 years, and her late husband Bart.  Branch three portrays her sister Edith and her husband Horris; and the fourth and thickest branch in the tree is in memory of her mother and father, Nina and Lant Marlow.   The fifth and last branch to the right remains with no family depiction, and titled by Sara as “Eternal Life”.  Volunteer Jill Lucas presented the Certificate of Authenticity, which was proudly received by Sara Vallini.

If you would like to be a part of the Trail or to give a meaningful gift to someone, contact the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 1-828-652-8610 or the website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org.  Volunteers would love to help you with your block design idea and story, as well as size and multiple color choices.    Both walking and driving maps are available at MACA, located at 50 South Main Street, that will guide you through the interesting and historic block trails.  Tickets for a drawing of a 2 X 2-foot block titled “Formal Garden” are also obtainable along with many other quilt trail collectibles.  The winner of the block will be announced December 15^th, with the proceeds of this raffle to aid in funding the McDowell County Rural Heritage Quilt Trail, now in its early development.

by Jill Lucas

A mother’s gift can come in many different packages and for various reasons.  Betsy Samuels, a McDowell County resident, discovered the perfect gifts for two of her  daughters in the form of quilt blocks.  Now, one daughter, Debby Grice, lives in Fayetteville, NC.  The other daughter, Terry Olson, lives in Unicoi, Tennessee.  Mrs. Samuels visited the McDowell Quilt Trail studio at the historic McDowell House on Highway 70 West and made inquiry.  The answer was:  As long as the county the block is going to does not have an existing quilt trail, we will make a block for you. 

Betsy chose the “Eastern Star,” a traditional pattern in colors of bright purple and green, for Debby, who is an avid quilter.  This 2×2-foot block hangs on a wall of Debby’s quilting workshop for her and her friends to enjoy.  Pictured is Jill Lucas presenting the Certificate of Authenticity to Betsy Samuels.   

The 3×3-foot “Jonesboro Tree” quilt block went to the home of Terry, Mrs. Samuels’ other daughter.  Terry and her mother visited the quilt trail studio and brought in a design to discuss with Mike Lucas.  The “Jonesboro Tree,” painted in earth tone colors, is named for Jonesboro, Tennessee, the state’s oldest town, settled in 1779, and boasts the distinction of being the storytelling capital of the world.  Pictured is Mrs. Samuels the day she picked up the block for delivery to Terry.   

To date, four blocks grace the walls of structures outside McDowell County, in addition to two blocks on Lake James in Burke County.  When it comes to gifts, think outside the box, like Betsy, and give the quilt trail a call at MACA 652-8610, where a 2×2-foot block, called “Formal Garden,” is on display.  Tickets can be purchased at MACA, located at 50 South Main Street or from any of the 10 McDowell Quilt Trail committee members.   The winning ticket will be drawn on December 15.  The proceeds from the raffle will go toward the McDowell County Rural Heritage Quilt Trail, which is being developed.  Visit the quilt trail website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org and follow the quilt trail’s activities on Facebook.

by Ginger Todd

 Hospice of McDowell opened its doors in the basement of First Baptist Church in 1994.  After many years, and with tremendous community support, the new facility at 575 Airport Road was completed and Hospice personnel moved into their new building in September 2006.  At this address is where one can view the most recent McDowell Quilt Trail block, which was installed on October 21, 2011 and is number 103 on the quilt trail.

Julie Anne McKinney, representing the organization states at the installation states, “Our story is simple.  It’s about YOU.  It’s about you as a person. And it’s about you as a member of your community.  Hospice of McDowell celebrates hosting this quilt block and becoming part of the quit trail because life always matters.  The Hospice motto is:  If your heart is at home, then stay.  We will bring our services to you.  Making a difference one life at a time, says it all.” 

Each year the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization releases a new quilt design to all its members, and the Hospice of McDowell staff and volunteers chose “Home Is Where the Heart Is” as their quilt block display.  The staff members wanted to raise their own funds to participate in the quilt trail, and after a volunteer benefactor started them off with a generous donation, they claim “We ate ourselves to the goal,” through a late afternoon intra-office bake sale of assorted goodies made by staff members.  All proceeds went toward the purchase of the quilt block.  The staff at Hospice feels the block is a worthwhile addition to the building, and is a benefit to the community, which helped build this facility.

Hospice serves as a valuable community resource of skilled, compassionate, physical, emotional, and spiritual care to both patient and family to enhance the quality of life and death.  The philosophy of Hospice is to create care in helping people live with dignity, comfort and compassion at the end of life in the course of serious illness.  Support services include RN, CNA, Family Resource Specialists, Chaplain and volunteers.  

In 1978 President Jimmy Carter made the first White House Proclamation naming the month of November as National Hospice Month.  Each November the essential role of Hospice in end-of-life care is promoted to further public awareness of the services offered.  The proclamation reads in part:  “All Americans should take comfort in the important work of Hospice care, which enables individuals to carry on their lives, in spite of a terminal illness.  During this month, let us recognize those who allow the terminally ill to receive comfortable and dignified care.”   Hospice not only helps meet the patient’s needs and wishes, it supports the patient’s loved ones, as well.  

The national symbol, also recognized by many worldwide Hospice societies, is the butterfly.  The butterfly represents the different stages of life, the ultimate symbol of change, transformation and beauty; the transition between life and death shown by the caterpillar forming its cocoon and preparing to leave life as it is known, to become a lovely butterfly.  This symbol is believed to have originally come from drawings and carvings on concentration camp walls.  Many organizations have programs where they release live butterflies in memory of a loved one, and as a unique way to honor and remember them.

“Home is Where the Heart Is,” a 4 X 4-foot block is located in the peak of the front entrance wall of the Hospice building.  The block is quite detailed and colorful, edged in black with each of the four corners blocked in forest green, an image of a tree within.   The yellow background contains representations of budding flowers, heart, and home, with songbirds, leaves and butterflies on opposite sides.  Enclosed within a square of alternating red and purple, is a sunburst in shades of gold and yellow with a rendition of the recognizable national symbol of the butterfly at its center.  It is detailed in an offset background of blue, deep maroon, and green.  This block represents the dedication to McDowell County and the services offered by Hospice.

To kick off its third year as the McDowell Quilt Trail, a 2 X 2- foot block in the traditional pattern called “Formal Garden” is being raffled, with proceeds to be used for the McDowell County Rural Heritage Quilt Trail grant.  The block is on display at MACA, where tickets can be purchased.  Plans and details are currently in the development stage for this Heritage Trail.  

To become a part of the ever-growing and popular McDowell Quilt Trail or to give a meaningful gift to someone special, visit www.mcdowellquilttrail.org and download an application form.  The website also contains all pictures, maps, and stories of other blocks that have been installed.  You can also call or stop by McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) 652-8610 for an application form, and get more information.  Volunteers are more than happy to meet and talk with you and explore your particular ideas for hosting a block. 

By Ginger Todd

On Friday, October 14, 2011 around 4:00 P.M. the McDowell Quilt Trail installed a first.  “Scissorhands’ Star” is the first block to be viewable from both the inside of a building and from the outside as well.    It is unique in that although the pattern of the quilt block is the same, the background color is different on each side.  

The 3 X 3 foot Block, #102 on the Trail, is suspended from an inside window of the Nu Wave Hair Salon located in the WalMart Shopping Center on Highway 70 West, and is viewable from those passing by the business outside and by those clients inside.  Nu Wave Hair Salon began in 1995 with the opening of the WalMart Center.    Lynn Willis, in the skin and hair care business for more than twenty-seven years, decided to go out on her own and purchased Nu Wave Hair Salon in February 2011.  Collectively her employees have more than 60 years experience.

Installing this block was a challenge to Mike Lucas, who chose the colors and painted the block, along with his assistant Jack Raker, both faithful volunteers of the McDowell Quilt Trail committee.  This is the first double-sided painted block to be installed.  

Jill Lucas presented the Certificate Of Authenticity to Lynn Willis, owner of the Nu-Wave Salon (inside the shop)

Lynn wanted her business to be a part of the community-wide quilt trail project, but certain restrictions of the Center’s owner would not allow her to put up an outside display.   Her son came up with the nickname “Scissorhands” for her E-mail address, and after the creation of the design of the four pair of scissors creating a star, she decided on the name “Scissorhands’ Star.”

From either inside or outside, one must view carefully the pattern of scissors.  Concentrate on the color of each scissor point and the handles of same, of a darker shade in the center of the block.    The handles of each of the four pair of scissors intertwine in shades of blue, red and yellow with an encircling background shadow of brown.  

The overall view is that of a star-like pattern, the darker, reversed background highlighting the scissors from inside Nu Wave and the lighter from the entrance to the business.  Each of the four corners of the block has opposing colors in an arc, emphasizing the pointed sharp ends of the scissors.   Take some time to look at this block from both outside and inside and see the magic of putting your mind to imagination and view the four pair of scissors!

This interesting block is yet another addition to the growing McDowell Quilt Trail, which includes stories from all facets of history and personal memories.  If you are interested in hosting or gifting a block, contact the McDowell Arts Council Association at 828-652-8610 or visit the web site at www.mcdowellquilttrail.orgto get more information or download an application.    MACA has various quilt trail items for sale as well as trail maps and stories about each of the blocks throughout the County.   

A view of the double-sided quilt block (from outside the Nu-Wave Salon)

By Ginger Todd

Karen and Donald Bias first took notice of quilt paintings on buildings in Western Kentucky, however it was a trip to Burnsville last summer that sparked their real interest in quilt blocks.  Although they have resided in Hickory for the past fifteen years, their second home is on Lake James, and they had noticed the growing number of quilt blocks throughout McDowell County, sparking their interest in the art.

They decided a block would be perfect for the newly renovated upper deck porch of their getaway home, which they purchased eight years ago.  After visiting the Chamber of Commerce and obtaining information about the McDowell Quilt Trail, they applied online to have a block of their own. 

Karen, a pharmacist, and Donald, a physician specializing in family practice, met with Mike Lucas, who patterned a design that reflected one of their favorite pastimes, that of watching sail boats glide across the lake as the wind fills their sails.  On Friday afternoon, October  14, 2011, Mike Lucas, who constructed and painted the block, installed it on the Bias home in the Marion Lake Club subdivision, with the aid of quilt trail volunteer Jack Raker.   Jill Lucas, Chairperson of McDowell Quilt Trail, presented a Certificate of Authenticity to Karen and Donald.

The 4’ X 4’ block “Smooth Sailing” joins several other blocks that may currently be viewed from Lake James by those enjoying the water.   A goal of the McDowell Quilt Trail is to one day have enough lakeside blocks to provide a Lake James boat tour map similar to the present walk/drive land maps currently available at McDowell Arts Council.

Looking out from the Marion Lake Club subdivision, “Smooth Sailing” faces southeast over the waters, with the old State Park, the Catawba Dam spillway and the rising Blue Ridge Mountains in the background.   The colors are bright and cheery with each of the four corners of the block’s borders being done in arcs of yellow, light and dark blue and framed in a dark green.  The sailboat is in a shade of tan and brown with three white sails, one decorated with a red stripe and one with arcs of gold and bright yellow.  A reflection of the sailboat is portrayed in muted shades upon the blue waters of Lake James.  Three hues of green depict the varied heights of mountains in the background.  Two birds with black bodies and gray wing tips soar above the sailboat in the Carolina Blue sky.

If you are interested in becoming a part of this growing quilt trail movement, with blocks showing up on homes, businesses, and other public buildings throughout our county, portraying both local and personal history, visit the web site at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org or call MACA at 828-652-8610 for more information.  Volunteers of this non-profit program would be more than willing to work with you to create a block representing your memories, histories and themes.  A McDowell Quilt Trail block would make a wonderful holiday gift for someone to treasure, as well as adding to the beauty and interest our county exhibits.