Barn Quilts of Grundy County, Iowa

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!