(By Becky Strack, FBC Archivist)
In researching about the coverlet, I reviewed the Centennial Celebration file from 1937. It was there I learned the coverlet had been borrowed in 1987 for the various displays put together by the Sesquicentennial Celebrations Committee. In the photo album of the 150th celebration, there I found a photo and description of the item. I am grateful for former archivists who kept such meticulous records!
A couple of weeks ago, our church secretary received a phone call from a woman asking questions about FBC in order to determine if the coverlet she had belonged to us. It was decided it did and when it arrived, I was thrilled.
The coverlet is the Centennial Quilt made in 1937 as FBC celebrated their 100th anniversary. Sections of the coverlet were available for 10 cents, 20 cents and so on. Once a member purchased a section, they signed their name on one of the squares. The names were embroidered by one woman, and the blocks were pieced together by women of the church. The coverlet was auctioned off as a fund raiser (purpose unknown) for $25. Frank and Ella Stratton placed the winning bid. It was handed down to their son Frank Stratton who then handed it down to his daughter-in-law Rondi who called the church and eventually sent it to us.
FBC has several descendants of the coverlet you might remember or know. A.T. Simmons’ grandson is Dr. Kent Talbee. Paul Lawrence is a son, grand and great of E.D., Sidney and William Lawrence. Rebecca Theobald is the great, grand, daughter and niece of the Fagerburg family and L.E. and Estella Witt are the grandparents of Harry Monkmon. There are other names that might be familiar to some members of FBC: Pearl Bohr, Ed Ahlenius, R.O. Ahlenius, Barbara Bunting (Janke), Marjorie Simmons (Taulbee), and Edgar Hill to name a few. It is fascinating to twist your neck and read the names in the circular pattern in which they are embroidered.
The coverlet will be on display in the Library May 3rd. Look and see who you can find. Please, no food or beverage allowed in the Library.
