Have you ever driven the quilt trail that takes you out Bradyville Pike, through Readyville and back to Murfreesboro along Halls Hill Pike? Quilt designs painted on marine board and hung on barns and fences are beautiful. Plus, if you stop and talk--you'll learn about local history.
Extension Agent Carla Youree Bush with the Rutherford County Agricultural Extension guided one of those tours Friday. To learn about their next tour, phone her at 615-542-3890. You can drive the route yourself. Check the website: www.rutherfordcountyquilts.org.
The first stop is at Thomas Jones Century Farm at 9032 Bradyville Pike. The pattern is "Star Within A Star". Thomas will fascinate you with local history. His family farm is almost 200 years old, and he told of the days when mules and horses were the tools farmers used. He recalls that the last horse on his farm was in the mid 80's. They were not be used any longer in farming, but simply in retirement. His parents were surprised when one of the horses lived to age 55 and the other died at 60.
NewsRadio WGNS spoke with Thomas Jones . . .
(Time: 1-minute, 37-seconds)
There were several quilt patterns to follow along the route, but the next stop was at the Ferrell Hollow Farm Senior Horse Sanctuary at 5323 Ferrell Hollow Road. Cindy Daigre obviously has a passion for animals, because in addition to horses--the sanctuary is also giving aide to cats. Her barn is within 200-feet of the roadway, and the "Log Cabin" quilt pattern immediately catches your attention.
We spoke with Cindy Daigre . . .
(Time: 1-minute, 6-seconds)
James' giant Estes Bus amazingly made it around tight turns and into narrow driveways.
The lunch stop was at the nearly 200 year old Cripple Creek Presbyterian Church, where they just happened to have a quilt show in progress. By the way, it will continue Saturday (8/19/2017) as well. The church is at 2726 Cripple Creek Road in Readyville, Tennessee.
Talented quilter Minnie Lee Deakins spoke to the almost 50 visitors about the "joys of quilting". She should know, because she told the tour group that "she couldn't remember when she did not quilt", and Minnie Lee turned 93 last April. She shared memories of her grandmoters, who was a "hand piecer". She started her college education at MTSU, but graduated from Tennessee Tech. Later, when the Extension Service began a "Heritage Skills Workshop", Minnie Lee became an active staff member, and later a mentor for many quilters. By the way, Minnie Lee and her husband Avery will celebrate their 74th anniversary in October.
Former Extension Agent Pat Whitaker, who is one of the team members who extablished the quilt trail, talked with NewsRadio WGNS . . .
(Time: 1-minute, 33-seconds)
QUILT SHOW
And if you enjoy quilts, there is a major quilt show at the Lane Agri-Park. It's in the same building where the Farmer's Market is held--but next door. If you missed Friday's exhibit, it continues Saturday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Admission is $5, and if you have children ages 12 and younger--they're admitted FREE. The Lane Agri-Park is at 315 John R. Rice Boulevard. Check this website: www.quiltingbees.org/quilt-show.html
