McDowell Quilt Trail

By Ginger Todd

On Tuesday morning, September 27, 2011, the McDowell Quilt Trail installed Quilt Block #101 at the radio station of WBRM.  “Covering McDowell County” Quilt Block was painted and installed by Mike Lucas.  Annette Bryant, owner of the station, received the Certificate of Authenticity from Jill Lucas, Chairperson of the Quilt Trail Committee.

WBRM Radio Station, 1250 AM, is located at 147 North Garden Street in downtown Marion.  It first went on the air in 1949 as Lake City Broadcasting.  Annette Bryant has been the owner of the station for 23 years, having acquired it in 1988.  Previous to this date she had worked there for twelve years, gaining valuable experience in the broadcasting field. WBRM is categorized as a private company under “radio stations and broadcasting companies” and features a country music format.  News, announcements and coverage of local events are a major part of the station’s service to the community.

Annette grew up with a quilting family background, fondly remembering the setting up of the quilt frames, the laughter and fellowship of others during weekly quilting get-togethers.  These were most often held in the “fire room” (sitting room) of her grandmother, Effie Poteat.   Grandma Poteat often quilted the more utilitarian, heavier type quilts for winter.  Annette has memories of her brother and herself often getting involved in assisting by getting under the quilt rack and aiding by pushing the needle up through the rougher material of the backing for tacking.

When she was eight years old Annette was given her first child’s Singer Sewing machine by her Mother, then progressed to the human powered treadle machine.  She remembers especially the double wedding ring quilt pattern and sewing quilt blocks together. 

It was Annette’s “Aunt Lib” (Elizabeth Poteat) who quilted the more elaborate, fancy designs and appliqué’s.  It was around twenty-five years ago Annette was given the quilt top pieces from a trunk for the Dresden Plate pattern that had never been finished by her aunt.  Although Annette grew up with a quilting family she had never made a quilt herself, so she had the top pieces quilted to form a cover.  To honor her Aunt for her 101^st birthday this year,  she decided to host a block on the McDowell Quilt Trail of the Dresden Plate pattern she inherited.  By hosting the 101^st Quilt Block, this is also to honor the McDowell Quilt Trail for continuing a new beginning of its second one hundred being added to the Trail. 

The   4 X 4 foot Quilt Block “Covering McDowell County” faces East on the front entrance of the WBRM Radio Station. The Dresden Plate pattern was first made in 1785 and became most popular during the 1920’s and 30’s.  The popular and easily recognizable flower-like petals of color on a usually neutral background, was named after the ornately decorated tableware of Dresden, Germany, then the center of 19^th Century romanticism movement in art.  

Often used as a wall hanging as well as a quilt, it brightened many a household during the Great Depression and the pattern is still popular today.    The unique round shape uses even the smallest of scraps of all types of fabric combined together to produce this pleasing cheerful and eye-catching pattern.  Due to its circular pattern it requires a lot of appliqué, producing a quite colorful and beautiful pattern, reflecting the romance of the Victorian Era and its love of elaborate decoration.  Through the years, the Dresden Plate has also been known by several other names, but all with the same central flower-like pattern and colors.

The four corners of “Covering McDowell County” are squared in maroon with triangles of steel grey edging on a lighter grey border.  Radiating from a central circle of maroon are petals featuring over 20 vibrant shades of color on a white background, a perfect example of the Dresden Plate pattern.  This beautiful Block reminds us of both the comforting cover of warmth a quilt can provide us, as well as our local radio station covering the airways of McDowell County with  good music and news.

To be a part of the McDowell Quilt Trail and join the over 100 blocks now  featured by homes, businesses and other public buildings, call 828-652-8610 or visit the website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org for more information.  The McDowell Arts Council Association’s (MACA)main building is on South Main Street and offers a wide array of items about the Mc Dowell Quilt Trail, including maps featuring all blocks installed in McDowell County, as well as a walking trail in downtown Marion.  If you’re looking for a special Christmas gift for someone, this would not only make a thoughtful and special surprise, but also preserve some of our area history.  The stories behind the McDowell Quilt Trail blocks are historically interesting, fascinating and unique!

 

 

 

By Terry Wilson

 

Calendars across McDowell County marked Friday, September 23rd, 2011 as the first day of Autumn.  A mere look at these calendars brought forth visions of brilliantly colored leaves, frosty mornings, football games, and seasonal celebrations.  One of the first of these celebrations was not the usual Autumn festival.  On the first day of the new season, the McDowell Quilt Trail committee held a celebration in honor of the hanging and display of the 100th quilt block of the McDowell Quilt Trail.

The celebration of this milestone was held on the grounds of the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Quilt trail members selected the Museum to be honored with the donation of their 100th quilt block, “Log Cabin.”  The theme of the quilt block honors the heritage of the area, and specifically honors the two log cabins, which stand on the grounds of the museum.  Museum Administrator, Terrell Finley, stated that the staff of the Museum felt a deep sense of honor at being selected for the donation of the quilt block by the members of the quilt trail committee. 

Jill Lucas, chairperson of the quilt trail committee, spoke to those assembled on the Museum grounds and paid tribute to the heritage of the mountain area, a tribute featured in the quilt block itself.  Mrs. Lucas also thanked all volunteers and government officials who have worked to make the McDowell Quilt Trail a successful venture.  At the conclusion of her remarks, Mrs. Lucas presented a Certificate of Authenticity to Mr. Finley, representative of the Mountain Gateway Museum.

The quilt block itself, Log Cabin, features the geometric pattern found in the dovetail construction of a log cabin once so common throughout the Southern Appalachians.  The block pattern itself was chosen by members of the Museum staff and features a color scheme of earth tone colors in a repeating format.

The pattern of the quilt block was chosen from designs offered by the Quilt Trail committee, and was constructed and painted by Mike Lucas.  The block itself was hung for viewing by Mike Lucas and Jack Raker.

The block is featured on the northwestern corner of the museum building.  The museum building itself is constructed of stone similar to that found in the adjacent Mill Creek.  Both the design and the color scheme of the quilt block complement the stonework of the building.   The main building of the museum site was constructed by members of the Works Progress Administration during the days of the Great Depression prior to World War II, and first served Old Fort as a place for community gatherings of all types.

After World War II, the building continued to function as a community center before being converted into a museium of pioneer life, the Mountain Gateway Museum, in the early 1970′s.  Mr. Finley stated that the museum sees approximately 15,000 visitors a year and these visitors will now be greeted to the site by the 100th, and newest, member of the McDowell Quilt Trail, “Log Cabin”.

The fact that this quilt block is the 100th block hung for viewing is testimony to the growing nature of this program.  On family dwellings, private businesses, schools, and public buildings, quilt blocks are appearing throught the county.  Their intriguing designs and vibrant colors catch the eyes of those who may pass their way.

Anyone interested in obtaining information regarding the creation of a quilt block of their own can do so by visiting the McDowell Arts  Council Association (MACA) at 50 South Main Street, Marion, North Carolina (828-652-8610).  The MACA Gift Shop offers a variety of Quilt Trail items including walking maps of downtown Marion and driving maps of Marion, Old Fort, and McDowell areas where quilt trail blocks are displayed.  Internet users may learn more about the McDowell Quilt Trail by visiting the website mcdowellquilttrail.org

By Kathy Brendle

Last Thursday, September 8, 2011, a number of members of First Presbyterian Church of Marion, NC gathered to watch the installation of the latest block on the McDowell Quilt Trail.  The block, titled “Cross and Crown”, was hung on the south-facing side of the church educational building.  The membership along with the new pastor, Jeff Coffey, also participated in the receiving of the block certificate.

Designed and painted by Mike Lucas, the quilt block boldly displays the cross of Christ in three shades of blue-grey.  At the intersection of the arms of the cross, a violet, four-point star holds squares of deep violet and yellow.

Also at the intersection, and behind the cross, are deep-red squares that draw the viewer’s eye to the crown immediately above the cross.  The reds symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Floating above the cross in demonstration of the royalty of Christ is a golden crown topped with spikes of various purples; purple being the age-old color and symbol of the royalty of the King of Kings.  As a background, and to continue the theme of glorification, rays of light (four tints of yellow) stream from the center of the cross to all the outside edges of the block.

First Presbyterian Church of Marion has been located on the same campus since 1845.  The current sanctuary has been standing since 1922.  During that time, “First Prez” has been a continuous contributor to the Marion community.  Therefore, the membership chose to provide the 98th quilt block in the county.

The membership of the church has a number of reasons for choosing the design.  The block honors the children who have come to know the Lord through this church.  “Cross and Crown” is a statement of basic Christian belief.  But more importantly, this quilt block is a praise to the Lord, Jesus Christ.

“Cross and Crown” is one of three quilt blocks that have been installed on churches in the county.  “The Dove” is displayed at Bethel United Methodist Church in Old Fort.  “God’s Glory” adorns the Children’s Center at First Baptist Church in Marion.  The symbols, colors and simple designs inherent in the traditions of quilting provide an excellent resource for churches.  Christian imagery, statements of belief and opportunities for praise can be displayed on a quilt block.

Anyone who wishes information about the McDowell Quilt Trail or information about having a quilt block created can contact the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 652-8610 or visit the website at mcdowellquilttrail.org for further information and assistance.

The McDowell Arts Council Association at 50 S. Main Street, Marion, NC offers specific quilt trail goods along with storybooks and maps of the three quilt trails – Marion, McDowell County, and Old Fort – which feature many of the quilt blocks on display through the county.  Don’t forget to place an order for a quilt block as a Christmas present.

By Terry Wilson

One of the many aspects of life in the early days of our country was the dependence that neighbors placed upon one another.  In times of need, citizens depended upon the skills and labors of their neighbors to help them see their way through any crisis, large or small, which might arise.

Be it a barn raising in the Amish fields of Pennsylvania, a corn shucking in the hills of North Carolina, or a communal wheat harvest in the great fields of Kansas, the tradition was simple, neighbor helped neighbor and could expect to be helped in return.

Many years have passed since the days of barn raisings and corn shuckings being
commonplace events in our society.  However, in areas of our nation, the ideal behind these events remains strong, even in our hurried and often frenetic world of today.

McDowell County’s citizens can easily speak of this “helping-hand” spirit by giving notice to the services offered by the members of the McDowell County Rescue Squad.  The headquarters of the Rescue Squad can be found in a non-descript building on a quiet side street in Marion.  From this building, at all hours, volunteers continue to answers the call to serve their neighbors, much as their ancestors did.

The McDowell County Rescue Squad was formed in 1958 and chartered by the state of North Carolina as a functioning agency in 1959.  The formation of the Rescue Squad was a direct result of a food poisoning incident, which occurred at the now long closed Cross Mill School.  Numerous children developed food poisoning while at school and were transported by private citizens to the local hospital for treatment.  It was after this event that the need for a trained rescue unit became apparent.  The local Rescue Squad was formed to meet this need with George Brown serving as the first Chief of the Squad.

Today the Rescue Squad stands ready to answer calls for assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Services offered extend from “carryouts” of injured hikers from Linville Gorge to rescue of entrapped motorists in vehicle accidents on Interstate-40, and to all the nameless incidents and accidents, which occur throughout McDowell County.

Today’s Squad has over 30 members who are highly trained both in the fields of emergency medicine and rescue techniques.  The men and women respond to their neighbor’s need whenever the situation arises, this continuing the time-honored tradition of the barn-raisers and corn-shuckers of an era long past.

Recently the McDowell County Rescue Squad joined the ever-growing McDowell Quilt Trail by having a quilt block created for their headquarters building at 200 State Street, which they named “Our Family Serving Your Family.”  Members of the Rescue Squad selected the design and color scheme of the quilt block themselves.  The design features a pattern highlighting the “jaws of life,” a tool used by Squad members when they extricate victims of severe automobile crashes.  The pattern of the block features 8 of the “jaws of life” tools.  The color scheme of the block highlights two colors: safety green and medical cross blue.  These two colors were requested by Squad members, due to the fact that they are currently featured on Squad vehicles.  In a bit of irony, the Squad’s quilt block is the 97th member of the McDowell Quilt Trail, and the identification number of the McDowell County Rescue Squad is “97.”

The quilt block was constructed and painted by Mike Lucas, and assisting Mr. Lucas with the chore of hanging the quilt block for viewing was Jack Raker.  Present at the dedication of the block were Chief Chad Robinson, Lt. Ricky Wright, and Bruce Messer all representing the Rescue Squad, as Jill Lucas, chairperson of the McDowell Quilt Trail, presented the Certificate of Authenticity.

The McDowell Quilt Trail is a recognized and growing feature of McDowell County.  Throughout the county, schools, businesses, governmental agencies, and private individuals all are using the quilt trail to highlight their histories and to tell their specific stories.  Soon 100 of these vibrant quilt blocks will cross the landscape of McDowell County, and there is still room for more.  September and October would be the ideal time to plan a Christmas gift of a quilt block for that special someone.

Anyone who wishes information about the Quilt Trail, or information about having a quilt block created can contact the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) at 828-652-8610 or  visit the quilt trail website at mcdowellquilttrail.org for further information and assistance.  The MACA headquarters at 50 South Main Street offers specific quilt trail goods, along with storybooks and maps of the three quilt trails – Marion, McDowell County, and Old Fort -  which features many of the quilt blocks now on display across McDowell County.

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

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

By Kathy Brendle

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.

 

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.

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.