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Bicentennial Quilt; Sampler

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QUILT INDEX RECORD

12-8-7254

Who documented this quilt?

Michigan Quilt Project; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum Collection

Where are the records for this quilt housed?

Michigan State University Museum

Michigan Quilt Project Number:

85.1589

Quilt's title:

Bicentennial Quilt

Names for quilt's pattern in common use:

Sampler

When was the form filled out?

8/13/1985

Name of the group that made the quilt:

Tillicum Elementary School Mrs. Marilyn O' Malley's 3rd Grade class

Where the quilt was made, city:

Tacoma

Where the quilt was made, county:

Pierce

Where the quilt was made, state:

Washington (WA)

When was the quilt started?

1975

When was the quilt finished?

1976

Details about why the quilt was made:

Bicentennial commemorative, made as a presentation to President Ford.

Quilt is presently used as:

Museum collection

Quiltmaker's gender:

Group

Quiltmaker's city:

Tacoma

Quiltmaker's state:

Washington (WA)

Quiltmaker's occupation:

Students

Does/did the quiltmaker belong to a group? Name of the group?

Students include: Eddie Algarin, Melinda Auel, Tammy Black, Alex Blessing, Danny Brannon, Paula Brendlinger, Pami Brockob, Bill Brooks, John Clark, Elnora Davis, Larry Darrington, Kevin Davis, Tammie Hadden, Cindy Ladd, David Lamberton, John Lowry, Tammy

This is a:

Finished quilt

How wide is the quilt?

68 1/2"

How long is the quilt?

74"

Shape of edge:

Straight

Shape of corners:

Straight

Quilt's condition:

Excellent/like new

What is inscribed on the quilt?

Back: Joel, Lori, Patti, John C., Tammie Hadd, Steve, Dane L., John L., Bill, Lisa S., Shannon, Tammy, David T., Cindy Ladd, Pammi B., Paula B., ? Long, Melinda, Lori Ann Wabeking, Elnora N. Dines, Kevin. Front: Tammy Black, Miss Cole, Cheri, David, Paul, Lori, Pami, Bill Brook, David L., John C., John L., Robby Ricks, Alex D., Steve B., Cindi Ladd, Denny B., Pat O., Lori W., David T., Lisa S., Tammie, Dick Tillston, Tammy M., Tammi, Tonya.

What is the date inscribed on the quilt?

1976

Describe the method used to inscribe the quilt:

iron on crayon transfer

Location of inscription:

on back

Number of quilt blocks:

25

Size of quilt blocks:

11"

Arrangement of quilt blocks:

Straight

Sashing width:

3"

What is the shape of the quilt blocks?

Sampler

Number of borders:

1

Describe the borders:

3"

Fiber types used to make the quilt top:

Cotton

Describe the techniques used to make the quilt top:

Ironed Crayon drawings

Materials used to make the back:

Cotton

What color is the back of the quilt?

White

Number of pieces of fabric in the quilt back:

2

How is the binding made?

Edges turned in/ no separate binding

What kind of filling is used in the quilt?

Cotton

How are the layers held together?

Tied or tufted

Exhibitions where this quilt was displayed:

Washington, DC, Great Hall, Chamber of Commerce Building; Gerald Ford Museum, Grand Rapids, MI

Ownership of this quilt is:

Public-Other

Quilt owner's name:

Gerald Ford Museum

Quilt owner's city:

Grand Rapids

Quilt owner's county:

Kent

Quilt owner's state:

Michigan (MI)

Describe anything about the history of the quilt that wasn't already recorded in a previous field:

Dear President Ford: The students of Mrs. Marilyn O'Malley's third grade class have just completed a special study of American heritage. The unit was designed as a part of our school's Bicentennial Activities. As a culminating activity, each child selected an event they felt was important to our nation's history to depict upon a "bicentennial quilt." The students held an election to determine to whom to present the quilt. They want to share the quilt with you, Mister President, because they are very proud of our country's first two hundred years. They truly love this nation. The class felt that you should have the finished product by February 16, 1976 -- Presidents' Day. Sincerely, Melvin N. Neighbors Principal March 25, 1976 Dear Girls and Boys: On behalf of the President and Mrs. Ford, I would like to thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending them a Bicentennial gift. All Bicentennial gifts received at the White House are considered by the President and Mrs. Ford as gifts to the nation rather than to them personally. We now have a display set up in the Great Hall of the Commerce Building located on E Street, between 14th and 15th Streets. I am pleased to inform you that your gift is among those on display at this time. Enclosed is a Bicentennial message the President asked that I send to you along with his very best wishes for a happy and memorable Bicentennial year. Sincerely, Milton E. Mitler Deputy Special Assistant

Access and copyright information:

Restricted

How did the quiltmaker participate in the creation of the quilt?

Made entire quilt

If the source helped design the quilt, describe their input:

Designed the pattern

Copyright holder:

Michigan State University Museum

Cite this Quilt

;. Bicentennial Quilt. 1976. From Michigan State University Museum, Michigan Quilt Project; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum Collection. Published in The Quilt Index, https://quiltindex.org/view/?type=fullrec&kid=12-8-7254. Accessed: 03/29/24