Courthouse History
Fundraising Quilt Project, 1990-1994
Very few fundraising
quilts were recorded during the “1985-86 North Carolina Quilt
Project Documentation” that were made prior to the 1920’s. Similar
and yet unlike friendship quilts, which have survived for more than
100+ years, fundraising quilts are a more modern phenomenon.
Fundraising quilts first appeared in North Carolina in the 20th
century. Historically, fundraising quilts have benefited specific
goals for schools, churches, and various community projects.
The
Martin County Extension & Community Association’s (formerly known as
Extension Homemaker Association - EHA) fundraising quilt for the
restoration of the Old Martin County Courthouse, like those in the
past, has unique components.
Jackie Mobley, then an EHA member, designed and quilted the replica
of the front of the old courthouse. This center design is surrounded
by 33 blocks of the “Courthouse Steps” pattern (a variation of the
“Log Cabin” pattern). Within these steps, names were embroidered by
local EHA members who assembled and quilted the quilt.
The border of the quilt is one-half of the “Brick Walk” pattern.
Names are also included in this design. The original size of the
quilt was to be 72” x 84,” however an extra row of the steps pattern
was added to accommodate additional names, making the quilt a bit
longer.
A person living in the county (a current resident) or a person being
a native of the county and living outside the county could have
their name included on the quilt. Names and monies for the quilt
were collected during1990 -1994 by county EHA members. The goal of
the project was to record 600 names on the quilt. The completed
quilt has a total of 561names - individuals at $10 per name and 17
non-profit organizations at $50 per name, generating approximately
$6,500 for the project.
In addition to its fundraising goal the EHA group also wanted the
quilt to be a “living” history of people and organizations in Martin
County in the early1990”s.
Final plans are for the quilt to be hung in the restored courthouse
so that all may remember and enjoy this project and its history. In
the meantime the quilt is in the possession of the Friends and it is
displayed during other Old Courthouse fundraisers and historical
type functions.
Submitted by: Ila F. Parker, Martin County Extension Agent, retired