Quilt Barns

Caledonia, MN Quilt Barn -- Gentleman's Fancy Block

The old classic barns are disappearing from our landscape.  Many have fallen into ruin or been torn down to make way for more functional buildings.  However, there are some preservationists who are trying to restore these old barns.  One especially innovative trend in several Midwest states is the Quilt Barn movement, where painted quilt block panels are displayed on the sides of barns.

An article  in Midwest Living Magazine credits Donna Sue Groves with starting this movement in 2001 in Adams County, Ohio (http://www.midwestliving.com/travel/interest/scenic-drives/explore-quilt-barn-trails/).  Now at least six states have adopted the marriage of quilts and barns to create interest and agri-tourism in their small towns and rural areas:

• Ohio (Adams, Vinton, Champaign, Athens and Harrison Counties)
• Wisconsin (Green and Racine Counties)
• Iowa (Grundy and Sac Counties)
• Michigan (Alcona County)
• Minnesota (the town of Caledonia in Houston County)

When I was back in Minnesota, my sister, brother-in-law, Dad and I took a drive through the bluff countryside in southeastern Minnesota and saw about 14 of the 35+ quilt barns in Caledonia.  We followed a Chamber of Commerce map and could view almost all of the quilts from the road.  Each barn displayed a different quilt block, but it was equally interesting to see how varied the actual barns were.  I loved seeing the quilt art in an agricultural setting on working farms amidst tractors, farm equipment, silos, and children’s toys!

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Bill

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Blazing Star Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Celebrate America Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Pinwheel Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Windmill Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Double Windmill Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Starry Path Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Woodland Clover Nut Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Friendship Garden Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Cross and Crown Block

Caledonia Quilt Barn -- Crow's Nest Block