Barn Quilts of Grundy County, Iowa

The annual Barn Quilts of Grundy County calendar will be available in just a few short days.  This year’s calendar features 11 new quilt block locations and two project favorite photos as well as a full location map on the backside.  Calendars will be available for purchase on Wednesday, October 28 for $10.  Calendars can be found at the Barn Quilts of Grundy County office (705 F Avenue, Grundy Center), Grundy County Extension office (703 F Avenue, Grundy Center), Simple Pleasures (202 Broad St., Reinbeck), Country Closet (427 Main St., Reinbeck), Brick Bungalow (504 West 4th, Wellsburg), Conrad General Store (101 N. Main, Conrad), Something to Share (127 N. Main, Conrad), the Grundy County Heritage Welcome Center (Hwy. 14 & 20), Grundy County Heritage Museum (306 Broadway, Morrison), and the Cedar Falls Visitors & Tourism Bureau (6510 Hudson Rd., Cedar Falls). 

2010 Barn Quilts of Grundy County calendar

Orders can be sent to barnquilts@gcmuni.net or by calling 319-825-3606.  Calendars are $10 and a small amount of postage will be required if sending calendars directly from our office.  For more information, please do not hesitate to call or email!

Ok, so its not 60 as in age, but just as important as a birthday!  The Barn Quilts of Grundy County has now jumped to having 60 quilt blocks dotting rural Grundy County’s landscape! 

On Wednesday, July 15, Alliant Energy made the journey to help me, once again, to mount 4 blocks.  A HUGE thank you goes out to Alliant Energy for helping do this task…without them, I’d be lost!  Im sure they probably had better and more important things to be doing, so a thank you goes out to my Alliant guys for generously taking time to spend the day with me and our barn owners! 

Our first two blocks belong to John & Vera Krull.  They are located at:  21563 280th St., Grundy Center.  I am so happy they called and wanted to become a part of the project.  They have such a perfect place and buildings for the quilt blocks. 

Alliant Energy mounting "Bed of Stars" at the Krull location

"Bed of Stars"

Krull's second block - "Rail Fence"

Our next location was at the Grundy County Heritage Welcome Center (the Mill).  Although they already had a smaller block, 4′x4′, it is not a regular Barn Quilt.  Their block is part of the Grundy County Development Alliance’s “Community Quilt” project that was started 2 years ago.  Since the Mill’s block almost looked like a postage stamp on the side of their building, they asked for a larger, more visible block.  Ask – and you shall receive!

Alliant Energy mounting "Windblown" at the Mill - located on the intersection of Hwy. 20 and 14, north of Grundy Center

"Windblown"

The fourth and final block is located at Bernie & Elaine Schnell’s farmstead, north of Stout, at 25609 110th St., Parkersburg.  This couple called in early winter and wanted to have a barn quilt.  They picked their own design (Grandmother’s Choice), colors, and their daughter, Carmen, actually came home in mid-June and painted the block.  Its neat to have such family involvement and pride associated with the Barn Quilt project.  So glad they’re a part of the Barn Quilt family!

Moving the block closer to the corn crib

"Grandmother's Choice"

Thanks to all who helped with painting, building, transporting, mounting and for being involved in the Barn Quilt Project!  So glad we can say we have 60!

On Wednesday, June 17, Suzi Parron, an Ohio University Press commissioned author, joined us for discussion and reminiscing about the Barn Quilts of Grundy County.  She is traveling around the country and visiting many barn quilt project sites.  Her book will touch on how the projects have improved tourism in areas, will include stories from actual quilt block owners, individual county/state project information, photos and much more!  I really don’t know where to begin with what will be included in her book – but we are very pleased to met Suzi and had the chance to tell our story – the story of “Iowa’s Original Barn Quilt Project – Barn Quilts of Grundy County.”  Many of my Board of Directors, past sponsors and a few quilt block owners were present and all had the chance to tell their story.  It was interesting to hear the upbeat and positive feelings these people have when talking about the project and how proud they are to be involved with it!  If you’d like to read about Suzi and her travels while writing this book, check out her blog at http://americanquilttrail.blogspot.com/

A shot of some who attended the Barn Quilt meeting with Suzi Parron.

As people call, email or write for information about the Barn Quilts of Grundy County, I find that a map with just small locations dotted out just isn’t enough!  So, a new travel guide was produced to include ALL quilt block locations, larger map with Main Loop highlighted, other spots of interest while touring, ads from over 25 local Grundy County businesses to encourage shopping, dining, & recreation and of course, a note of where you can obtain MORE information. 
I do hope this guide proves useful for our many travelers.  If you’d like one mailed to you, please email barnquilts@gcmuni.net or call 319-825-3606! 

Just a taste of what the guide looks like!

American Trust Bank Club - June 4, 2009 Tour

Yes, I just had another bus tour come through Grundy County.  On Thursday, June 4, a group of around 40 from the Dubuque, IA area met me for a day of touring the countryside and viewing over 15 quilt blocks on our journey.  From the beginning of the day, I knew this group was special!  Very nice people and extremely nice travel director, Joan Gibson!  (Thanks for bringing your people to Grundy County, Joan!)
We met at the Grundy County Heritage Welcome Center for rolls and coffee and then were off towards Wellsburg.  In Wellsburg we toured the Neessen House/Walters Collection, the Wells Hotel, viewed a quilt show by the “Knot Sew Perfect Piecers” and had some extra time to do a little shopping!  I was so happy with the group because everything went to schedule and timing!  I do believe the group enjoyed the Wellsburg stop.
Next, we traveled to Conrad where we had lunch at Carol’s Restaurant, Bakery & Inn and had time to do a little shopping….AGAIN!  Although there were a little stumbles in Conrad, all in all, it was a good stop and worth while!  After filling our bellies and for some, emptying their wallets, we headed off to Morrison where we stopped at the Grundy County Heritage Museum.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love this place! 

Some of the group looking through the replica General Store at the Morrison Museum.

There is quite a bit to see in the Museum and always a great stop – even if you are limited on time.  The above photo of the group in front of the quilt block “Bear’s Paw” is in front of the Morrison Museum. 
After checking out the artifacts, miniature room, gift shop, replica barn, general store & pioneer home, it was time to head over to Reinbeck for an afternoon snack stop.  An ice cream sundae definitely hit the spot as we devoured the sweet treat in The Fountain on Main in Reinbeck!  mmm, hot fudge!  As some fed their sweet tooth, others wandered around Main Street to some of the local specialty shops.  And again, I saw more ladies boarding the bus with shopping bags! hmm, is there a common trend appearing here?! 
On our way back to the Grundy County Welcome Center, we viewed a couple more blocks and our goodbyes were made.  Thank you to Joan for bringing such a fun and friendly group to Grundy County to view the Barn Quilts!  Hope the group had a great day and will tell others to travel our way again!

Our tour began in Conrad, where I met the group for a little shopping and investigation.  Most of the group was in the Conrad General Store when I arrived.  The General Store attracts many people all the time, coincidentally it is also the Grundy County’s ONLY quilt supply shop.  Hundreds of bolts of fabric cover the sides of the walls along with sewing equipment, antiques and gift items. 

After a little browsing of Main Street Conrad, the group hopped back onto the bus and we began our day tour.  When tours are large enough for a step-on guide, I join them and lead them around the county and explain and maybe even show them some things they normally would not learn or see.  Our first brief stop was in Beaman.  We pulled over to see our first quilt block and take a group photo. 

West Des Moines Christian Church - April 23, 2009 - Standing in front of quilt block "Arrowheads"

After admiring a quilt block on a large and up-close scale, we moved on to Grundy Center.  The group had a tour planned at the Grundy County Courthouse.  The Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1891.  We met our tour guide, Mary Schmidt, County Auditor, and she led us around a couple floors of the building.  We saw the court room, recorders office, Board of Supervisors Meeting room, Auditors office and more.  It was a very informational tour.  A tour I plan on having other groups take in the future!   

A shot of the group from the Courthouse stairway.

After the Courthouse tour, the group had some free time to look around at many of Grundy Center’s downtown specialty shops.  After browsing it was time again to head back to bus and move on to our next destination.  Our next stop was in Morrison at the Grundy County Heritage Museum.  This is a key spot on each and every tour.  I love this place!  It is educational and just plain interesting!  This museum serves as the county’s environmental education center.  It displays a wide variety of artifacts from Grundy County’s cultural past and also includes natural history and displays of wildlife mounts and aquarium displays.  The museum is also home to a 90-foot long diorama that depicts the transformation of Grundy County prairie to farmland and also has a replica 1900’s farmhouse, barn and general store with all the furnishings!  If you have never visited, I strongly suggest you do!  For more information, call 319-345-2688 – Museum is open Tues-Thurs 8am-4:30pm or by appointment….and its FREE! 

 After viewing the museum, it was time to take the hungry group on to lunch.  We traveled towards into Reinbeck where we ate lunch at Indulge!  Yummy!  Indulge is owned by Glenda Billerbeck  and she also owns The Fountain on Main.  We ate in Indulge and it was great.  Great atmosphere, plenty of room and I believe we enjoyed good conversation and food! 

I was told this morning that a new quilt block had popped up!  I have been waiting on this block as the family had plans on painting it and mounting it themselves.  So I’ve been waiting for the good word.  It is now up for all to see in the glorious frigid Iowa weather. 
This block is titled “County Fair Variation” and is on the Ron & Eileen Flater farmstead.  Their son and daughter-in-law in Ohio contacted me over a year ago asking about having a barn quilt.  They had plans of building & painting the block in Ohio and bringing it home when they visited.  The large block traveled to Iowa in December and made its arrival for Christmas.  If you are familiar with our blocks and their names, you’ll notice that we already have “County Fair.”  Yes, we do, but the Flater family was insistent that we allow them to have that name because the fair and 4-H means a great deal to the entire family.  So it is called “variation” just to clarify between the two blocks. 
For more information about the family and the block, please go to www.grundycountyia.com. 
Welcome to the Loop, “County Fair Variation!” 

County Fair Variation

In doing some VERY early Spring cleaning, I came across a couple boxes of old Barn Quilts of Grundy County calendars.  Calendars from 2006, 2007 and 2008, and I don’t really know what to do with them.  I need the extra storage, but I don’t want to throw these calendars away.  So, I am putting this invitation out here to anyone that may be interested. 

FREE CALENDARS!  yes, they are a little outdated, but still have beautiful pictures of Grundy County’s barn quilts.  Maybe you’d like to see some of our older barn quilts or would like to cut the photos from the calendar and frame them.  I actually have had people tell me they do that. 
So below are the calendar fronts for your viewing pleasure.  Just call or email with your order and I’d be more than happy to send them out to you anywhere!

With getting rid of the old, I was asking around the office “what do I do with the leftover calendars?”  Someone had asked me if there is a children’s hospital, school or organization that might find these useful in making cards or some sort of project.  I would like to know more about this option because I really would like to give the calendars to someone or something that will use them or display them…because I don’t want to throw them away!  So, if anyone has an ideas I would love to hear them. 
Again, here are the calendar fronts from our previous calendars.  Enjoy and please let me know if you would like any! 

2006 Calendar

2007 Calendar

2008 Calendar

2009 is here and the Barn Quilts of Grundy County is heading in a positive direction.  With new barn quilts going up this Spring/Summer, bus tours, the Iowa State Fair in August, and other projects going on, it is difficult to NOT think positive. 
Currently I am working on a 2009 Barn Quilts of Grundy County Travel Guide.  This guide will be a free item for tourists to pick up as they travel the countryside.  Inside it will include barn quilt location map, photos, general tour information, recreation opportunities, background info on the project and business advertisements from many of our loyal project supporters around Grundy County.  This is an exciting tourism tool I will begin working on and hope potential tourists and travel guides that journey through our county find it informational and useful. 
Lately I’ve been thinking about the many counties in Iowa that now have the Barn Quilt project.  As far as I know, we have I think 32-33 counties in Iowa that are “authentic” barn quilt projects.  Not all are as established as Grundy County, but they are on their way to developing the project and making it unique to their interests and specific area.  I think it would be nice to hear from all of the project counties and see how progress is being made.  So, if you are working on a Barn Quilt project in Iowa or know of a project in your county, please leave me a comment or email me with your happenings.  I like to hear of the different ways people use the project and develop it, because it really wouldn’t be that neat of a project if everyone did everything the same way we did.  So, please leave me a comment, I’d love to hear from you and hear you’re 2009 is off to a great start!

The Barn Quilts of Grundy County is helping to provide comfort in knowing families in Grundy County will receive adequate food to eat this winter season. The Barn Quilt Project has reached out with a helping hand to the Grundy County Food Pantry this holiday season with a generous donation of $500 to help provide food for families in need. One of the objectives of the Barn Quilt Project is to share proceeds from the sales of Barn Quilt merchandise with local agencies, such as the Food Pantry, that assist local, low-income families.
“The Barn Quilts of Grundy County is proud to be providing this donation to the Grundy County Food Pantry. Grundy County has been a great supporter of our project over the past five years, and it was time to give back,” Kelly Riskedahl, Barn Quilts of Grundy County Project Coordinator said. The Barn Quilts of Grundy County project promotes and celebrates the unique agricultural experience of Grundy County through the visual combination of barns, which were vital to the economic well being of the rural community, and the comfort of handmade quilts that provided warmth, beauty and an outlet for individual artistic expression. Riskedahl commented, “It has always been a goal of the Barn Quilts of Grundy County to reach a point where instead of asking for donations, we can be the ones to give back.”
The Food Pantry usage has increased this summer and fall – especially in October when 49 requests for food from Grundy County families cam in (normal is 30+). 65 Thanksgiving food boxes were distributed and currently they are preparing for the Christmas food boxes. In fiscal year 08, (Oct. 1, 2007-Sept. 30, 2008 ) the Food Pantry had 525 requests for service and served 205 different families throughout the year. This is a part of a tremendous outpouring of support by Grundy County individuals, organizations, churches, businesses, schools, civic groups and others in response to the Food Pantry and those we serve. “We really appreciate the $500.00 from the Barn Quilts of Grundy County for the Food Pantry. It is a very heartwarming gesture,” Chris Tobias, Grundy County Coordinator said. Money donated to the Food Pantry is used for vouchers to the grocery store for basic perishables (milk, bread, eggs and margarine), purchasing needed items for the Food Pantry at county grocery stores and also to purchase items from the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
If you would like to donate to the Grundy County Food Pantry or would like more information about their services, contact Chris Tobias, Grundy County Coordinator of Operation Theshold at 319-824-3460. For more information about the Barn Quilts of Grundy County, please contact Kelly Riskedahl, Project Coordinator at 319-825-3606 or www.grundycountyia.com

Kelly Riskedahl, BQ Project & Chris Tobias, Food Pantry