A block of heritage Story by SUSAN CHESSER | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
T
ravelers across the U.S. have noticed a trend that originated in the rural Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania — painted wood quilt blocks identifying homesteads and barns. A wood quilt block affixed to a barn or building tells a visitor a little about the heritage of a homestead of its people. And, as if you needed another reason for a road trip, finding unique painted quilt blocks along a state’s “quilt block trail” gives the traveler an excuse to visit even more places.
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~
FEBRUARY 2021
The quilt makers among you, or those with quilt makers in the family, are probably familiar with quilt blocks. These are the smaller blocks of patterned fabric that, when sewn together, make up a quilt. Wooden quilt blocks are simply another medium for those comforting and often symbolic patterns to adorn. Two River Valley women would like to see more Pope County homes and businesses added to the Arkansas Quilt Block Trail (AQT) brochure. Pope County AQT Coordinator Deanna Bohanan of Hector and quilt block enthusiast Sharla Hartzell of Dover are eager to share their fervor for quilt blocks with everyone. These ladies are on a mission to see the unique designs on homes, businesses and fence posts throughout the Arkansas River Valley.
