Washington County Historical Society is celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary a little early. We have been invited to participate in the “Washingtons Unite America 250 Quilting Collaboration” and will be joining all the counties and parishes in the United States named after George Washington in making a shared quilt art project. Quilt squares will be submitted and assembled into a quilt in Arkansas and then “travel” around to all the counties that participated.
Our square features a silhouette of Washington County appliquéd atop a background of watermelons. It is embroidered with a train, a river boat, a pine tree limb, and a hatchet. Both the railroad and river were important to the development of Washington County, as well as the timber industry. The axe represents our Native American heritage, with a nod to George Washington cutting down his cherry tree. “1825” notes Washington County’s Bicentennial. Our square was designed and made by Gweneth Collins, a crafter/artist and long-time member of the society.
If you pass by the museum, located at 685 7th Street in Chipley, be sure to notice all the 250th anniversary flags flying at our entrance and under the pavilion. If you’re interested in learning more about what the society is up to, please drop by for a visit on Fridays from 9AM until 1PM or on Saturdays from 10AM until noon.
