Historians display, discuss antique quilts

In Winslow's restored Hubble building on the evening of Aug. 8, antique quilts were displayed and interpreted by Lenna De Marco and Anne Hodgkins. They are nationally recognized quilt historians from the Phoenix area.

They pair was in Winslow to do a video documentary for the Library Of Congress on the quilts of local artist, Eloise DeSpain. They graciously extended their visit one day to explain the history of quilting in the United States and show examples from the major periods. Significant eras of quilting are 1840's, post Civil War, late 1800's, early twentieth century and the bicentennial years.

Each period had recognizable patterns and colors with the early years having inferior dyes which characteristically change color with age. They showed a small part of their joint collection acquired over a period of 40 years.

The turnout was excellent, numbering about 60 people, some of whom brought their own quilts to share with the audience. Surprisingly, some quilters are men. Admittedly a very small percentage since quilting is mainly seen as a woman's tradition.