I live in Becker County, however I work in Hubbard County. I know much more about Becker County History since I was born and raised in the county. I did go to High School in Hubbard County..for what it is worth.
Sometimes the county lines are crossed..since we live so close to Hubbard County the lines are easily blurred.
Such is the case with a number of items in the museum. Today I will address the Colgrove Quilt.
The quilt hangs in the Heritage Room at the museum. It is one of two items that is “on loan” to the museum. “On Loan” so that all people may enjoy it.
During WWII local residents of the Ponsford Minnesota area brought things into the Red Owl store in Ponsford to sell. The store was owned by Ted and Mary Colgrove. They sold the store in 1949 to Ray and Bev Masog ( who I remember at the store).
Mrs. Clark’s quilt was not sold. It’s original price was $10.00 but she offered it to the Colgroves for $7.50. The Colgrove children remember the quilt being stored in a trunk..and on really cold nights it was brought out and put on a bed. The children felt special to sleep in the bed with the Indian Quilt.
So this is a bit of Becker County history that resides in the neighboring Hubbard County Historical Museum.
Last winter it was taken out for appraisal. I did not hear the evaluation. This spring I called Joyce..because the wall was so bare..and she brought it back into the museum.
It is a beautiful piece of art! The room where it is displayed has UV filters on the windows and on the light fixtures. I would like to see this quilt have a sleeve hand sewn at the top so that it can be secured to the board through the sleeve and not through the quilt itself. It would require approval by the family and someone to do the hand sewing.
Light and dust are the worst for quilts..and gravity. Quilts that are folded in cases must be refolded every once in awhile or their folds will become creased. All the quilts in the museum that are in cases need to be refolded. I put it on my “to do” list.
I recently read an article that said cedar chests are bad places to store quilts long term..that the wood should be sealed for proper storage of heirloom quilts.
Personally I have three quilts..well four..but three that I store in a Rubbermaid tote..I wonder how that rates for storage?:)
