- Kathleen Scavone
- Posted On
Lake County Time Capsule: Quilts in our county
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The art of quilting dates far back in time, throughout the world.
The Crusaders quilted in the 12th century, the Mongolians quilted floor coverings which archaeologists think date to around 200 AD, and there is evidence many other European, Egyptian and Russian quilts.
Meaning "stuffed sack" in Latin, quilts or the technique of quilting has been part of cultures of the world for millennia.
According to the book, "The Hawaiian Quilt - A Unique American Art Form" by Linda Boynton Arthur, the Hawaiian form of quilting reaches back prior to outside contact.
Hawaiians made use of kapa, or barkcloth. Kapa was felted using paper mulberry bark, then layered into quilts. Today there is a strong Hawaiian tradition of quilting throughout the islands.
Quilting in the United States became popular in the 18th century. Quilts then were constructed mainly by prosperous folks who had more time on their hands. Initially, these quilts were artistic creations that were proudly displayed.
Quilts, then, as now were used as a means to tell a story. Prior to 1830, when abolitionists were focusing on a way to put an end to slavery, fundraising with quilts helped the cause.
It is believed by some that special quilts were used to send messages. For example, a log cabin quilt could signify that the home over which it was hung was a “safe house.”
Here in Lake County we are fortunate to have “The Lake County Quilt Trail,” which incorporates history, art, agriculture and tourism throughout the county.
The project came about in 2009 due to the efforts of Marilyn Holdenried, founder/chairman of the Kelseyville Pear Festival.
On the Lake County California Quilt Trail Web site she states, “While attending the International Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN I was introduced to the Quilt Trail project concept. I was totally hooked! We needed this project in Lake County.”
Now, dozens and dozens of lovely painted quilt squares adorn barns and buildings all across Lake County.
The Stone House Historical Museum's quilt block design is “Oak Leaf Variation.” This painted piece of art was selected to pay tribute to a 200 year old oak tree which perished in the 1970s.
The Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum at 9921 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville has its own distinctive quilt square, “Carpenter's Star.”
The museum's building was once located along Highway 29 at a historic stage stop. Soon a working blacksmith shop will be completed at the Soda Bay Road site.
At Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville you will find the “State Park Bear Paw” quilt block, which represents our California state flag.
Be sure to see the Lake County Quilt Trail Web site and video, http://www.lakecountyquilttrail.com/quilt-trail-2/ , along with their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-Quilt-Trail/187014251326163 .
Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is an educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also writes for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.