SINCLAIRVILLE - A variety of colors and patterns graced the walls of the Valley Historical Society's museum this past weekend. This was the tenth year the group has held a quilt show during the first weekend in August.
Free and open to the public, the display contained vintage quilts as well as first time contemporary efforts. Sizes varied from lap quilts that will be donated to a hospice in Charleston, S. C. to larger quilts that could cover a bed. A wide range of patterns and techniques were represented.
Jerrie Frank's first attempt at quilting was handsewn from pieces of her children's old clothing. A striking blue and purple quilt entered by Sondra Johnson was backed and tied by Doris Richardson. A quilt of restful blues and grays in the front window of the museum will be raffled off this fall to raise funds for the Sinclairville library. The quilt top was donated by Barbara Kocheraberger Pagels and tied by the Sinclairville Samplers.
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OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Mary Shearman, secretary of the Valley Historical Society, stands near some of the colorful quilts displayed at the society’s annual quilt show. The quilt directly in back of Shearman was entered by Sondra Johnson. It was backed and tied by Doris Richardson.
On Sunday afternoon, a number of members of the Valley Historical Society were present to welcome visitors as well as enjoy each other's company. Susan Sipos of Cassadaga brought her drop spindle so she could spin while she was visiting with others.
Mary Shearman, the secretary of the Valley Historical Society was willing to talk about her great-great-grandfather Silas who was a conductor on the underground railroad. She said, "It is difficult to learn about this because people had to keep quiet about it."
The organization's first quilt show was coordinated by Albert and Esther Olmstead, and has continued to be held each year on the first full weekend in August at the museum. Albert is currently serves as president of the society.
The Valley Historical Society was formed in 1977 to preserve the history of the valley, and has maintained a museum since then. The museum is open on Sundays from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. through September at no admission cost. On Saturday, Sept. 8, the society will hold its 14th annual History Fair, an all-day celebration featuring food, fun, and fireworks.
For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782. New members are always welcome.
