Quilts in the Grove
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This bear was made from a quilt owned by Shnovia Burton, the Star quilt behind the bear was made by Mrs. Lorrine Maxwell, and the bear is sitting on a Maple Leaf quilt made by Mrs. Ella Mae Maxwell. Photo submitted
Special to the News
The J. D. Thompson Alumni members held their first Quilts in the Grove exhibit at the historic Coosa County Training/J. D. Thompson building in Cottage Grove on Saturday, June 20.
The exhibit celebrated the history of quilts and Juneteenth. On display were bed quilts from Mama and Grandma, new and modern quilts, wall-hangings, and small art quilts.
A display featuring historical information about Juneteenth was on exhibit, and historians Spencer and Lattie Hardy were available for discussions.
Juneteenth was made an official state holiday May 9, 2025, when Gov. Kay Ivey signed it into law, and the Alabama Senate passed the bill recognizing the state holiday.
There were more than 40 quilts in the exhibit, including some with torn patches and stains from a treasured life with family, scraps from old clothes or store-bought fabric. The quilts told a visible story that brought back memories for each of us.
Ms. Pat Williams from the Elmore County Black History Museum talked to the group about the “History of Quilting;” Mrs. Ruth Anderson, a local award-winning quilter, discussed her quilting method and her quilts on exhibit “Flying Geese” and “Wedding Ring;” and Lattie Hardy discussed the design of her quilt “Legacy” and its personal story.
Mamie Ellis introduced the attendees to the small art quilts on display. The 13 quilts ranged in size from 16×16 to 27×33. Eight of the quilters were first time quilters that included two men; this is a great way to learn to quilt.
Other items on display included a vintage apron and a bear made from a quilt.
The quilt exhibitors were Jernell Anderson, Ruth Anderson, Wanda Ellis Bean, Patricia Brooks, Mamie M. Ellis, Melvin Ellis, Michelle Ellis, Pamela Gaddis, Lattie Hardy, Shirley Jennings, Carolyn McCorvey, Joetta Maxwell, Chlora K. May, Melissa Roseman, Joy Scott, James Anthony Waller, Shanee Waller, and Johnny Whetstone.
We appreciate the vendors Son’flower Bakery/Stephanie E. Norris, New Gratitude/Shanee Waller and The Grove Concession.
Thanks to all our volunteers and to everyone that came out to support this event.
