Stitch Six more quilts will complete the official Centennial Quilt display at the Shrewsbury Historical Society honoring the Centennial incorporation of Shrewsbury Borough this year.
But the 94 quilts on display now hold a story of their own, a piece of that history and the kindness, generosity and involvement of local residents in wanting to share that history by offering family quilts for the historic display.
The 100-quilt display is a goal of the Shrewsbury Historical Society to celebrate the borough’s Centennial along with the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. The display of the 94 quilts, some on tables, some on display along the walls, some hanging, are available to see now Tuesdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. or by appointment by calling 732-530-7974 at other times.
Historical Society president Donald Burden noted the display at the museum, located at Sycamore Ave. and Route 35, itself a historic site, has already drawn visitors for a variety of reasons in addition to seeing the intricacy of some stitches and colors. For instance, he pointed out, research has shown that the materials in the quilts on display have come from throughout the United States, including both California, and at least one on display was completed by a husband and wife.
“It’s the stories each of these magnificent quilts tell that is so intriguing,” Burden said. He highlighted the showcase quilt, the Friendship Quilt that greets visitors as they enter the building. Hanging above the foyer, the quilt dates to 1879, and includes the initials of the families that created it.
Another quilt drawing a lot of interest, the society president said, is one whose roots go back to a family who lived in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation of the 1940s.
It was Susa Stielitz Kohnstam who made the quilt which is on loan for the collection by her son and daughter-in-law. Ms. Kohnstam’s husband, Peter, a Holocaust survivor, grew up with Anne Frank in Holland. While Anne’s father, Otto, remained in hiding with his family in Amsterdam, Peter’s father escaped Amsterdam by way of Spain and then on to Argentina. After the war, the family made it to New York City and eventually relocated to Tinton Falls.” The Kohnstams are putting the quilt on display “with much love….one example of Susan’s beautiful quality work. The quilt is a testament to love, survival and the desire to thrive.”
The quilt made by a husband and wife is one of several examples of quilts sewn by both genders. In this quilt, however, the woman who started it died before she completed her project; and her husband took it up after her death and completed her work.
Another quilt has a bit of red stain in the corner, which in itself tells a unique story. The woman who donated that quilt to the exhibit got it from her grandmother and it was her grandmother’s blood on display in the fabric. The donor was firm and wanted the stain to be preserved as is. By including a quilt with a blood stain, it included her ancestor’s DNA, she explained, and is therefore a visible display of her DNA which could show more than two centuries of historic lineage.
The display also vividly points out the differences in design, stitches and even materials used in what has been an art form that dates back to medieval times. One quilt on display is a collection of Hawaiian shirts; another is made with children’s clothing used to highlight specific stitch patterns. Some quilts are made with individual square pieces sewn together, while others are intricate designs of stars, triangles, flowers, and floral scenes.
Burden is quick to point out the unique quilt display, like each of the other unusual displays that have been highlighted in the museum, are the result of society members, residents, professionals and specialists in a variety of fields working together. Collections come from individuals, families, others who want to ensure their piece of history remains preserved for future generations. Burden himself is not above checking out things left at the curb as trash and seeking out the history that would make it a fascinating piece for a future collection display. Past exhibits have highlighted sewing machines, wedding gowns, even ketchup bottles and history from the former Shrewsbury Ketchup of the Hazard company.
Burden is inviting anyone who has a quilt with a history and wants to donate it to the Society to call the society at 732-530-7974. with their piece of history. The quilt display will be on exhibit at least through July 4.
The borough’s Centennial will be celebrated throughout the year, but Saturday, May 16, will be the highlight complete with a parade, honoring the month in 1926 when the voters went to the polls and by an overwhelming majority let it be known they wanted the village to be independent of the township. In addition to the parade, there will be a series of events honoring the borough on May 16, with opportunities to share the significance of Shrewsbury throughout the nation’s history.
Because of all his work, leadership, fascination and knowledge of history and sheer pride in the borough of Shrewsbury, it comes as no surprise former Mayor Donald Burden has been named the Grand Marshal of the May 16 event.
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