Women interested in how the War of 1812 affected this area have been researching the history and interpreting the women’s stories through the arts. A quilt design is complete and they are moving on to the next steps: stitching the quilt and painting the barn quilts. A meeting is being held at the Melbourne Community Hall November 23rd at 7 p.m. to start the next phase of the Longwoods Barn Quilt Trail
Joan Hilhorst says that “the project needs experienced quilters to stitch the individual blocks. Our committee is asking quilters and local quilting groups to call me and request a block.” Joan is located in Mt. Brydges at her quilt shop “Sew Creative” (519) 264-2177. A First Nations story quilt is also in the design phase and Freda Henry is a contact: (519) 264-2989.

Pauline Grondin
While the quilters are quilting, the barn quilts can move into production. Local service clubs, schools, and community organizations are invited to paint the large colourful wooden panels as a fundraiser. It is hoped that a community group or team will take on at least 5 blocks and they will be paid $200 per finished block. The group is required to find volunteers and a warm clean place to paint. The project will arrange for materials and training. The contact is Denise Corneil at (519) 693-7002 denisecorneil@creative-communities.ca
Anyone can install their own barn quilt on their property and one of the aims of this project is to inspire heritage barn owners across Middlesex County to highlight their farmstead’s history with outdoor art. This particular War of 1812 project is a community project involving many groups and individuals.
Anyone can install their own barn quilt on their property and one of the aims of this project is to inspire heritage barn owners across Middlesex County to highlight their farmstead’s history with outdoor art. This particular War of 1812 project is a community project involving many groups and individuals.
Owners of heritage agricultural buildings located on Longwoods Road and Gideon Drive are being invited to offer their location but it must meet siting criteria. The site must be a neat and attractive setting and close to the highway for good viewing without obstructions. Selected hosts will allow access for installation and will monitor the barn quilt. Owners of selected locations will be asked to sign an agreement outlining responsibility and ownership details.
There are several sponsorship opportunities. One category of sponsorship allows a business to have their name and brand permanently associated with one barn quilt. Businesses along Longwoods Road who meet the siting criteria may have an opportunity to sponsor a quilt block installed on their building. Jim Burr is coordinating the sponsorship program. (226) 236-0225
Hung on heritage timber frame barns, the barn quilts tell the little-known stories about the devastating American raids on southwestern Ontario in the last days of the War of 1812 - 1814. The quilt designs interpret the lasting effects these raids had upon the women and children.
The Longwoods Barn Quilt Trail is a 65-kilometre section of old Highway 2 (Longwoods Road) running from the Tecumseh Monument, near Thamesville, to the Delaware Speedway.
Photo above: Longwoods Barn Quilt Trail meeting held October 26, 2011. Photo by Mary Baxter. Pauline helps quilt designers and history researchers interpret the social history of the War of 1812 period.
Submitted by Mary Simpson, Longwoods Road Barn Quilt Trail project. Contacts: Mary Simpson, 519-287-3566 or 519-318-1074 or Denise Corneil 519-693-7002.
There are several sponsorship opportunities. One category of sponsorship allows a business to have their name and brand permanently associated with one barn quilt. Businesses along Longwoods Road who meet the siting criteria may have an opportunity to sponsor a quilt block installed on their building. Jim Burr is coordinating the sponsorship program. (226) 236-0225
Hung on heritage timber frame barns, the barn quilts tell the little-known stories about the devastating American raids on southwestern Ontario in the last days of the War of 1812 - 1814. The quilt designs interpret the lasting effects these raids had upon the women and children.
The Longwoods Barn Quilt Trail is a 65-kilometre section of old Highway 2 (Longwoods Road) running from the Tecumseh Monument, near Thamesville, to the Delaware Speedway.
Photo above: Longwoods Barn Quilt Trail meeting held October 26, 2011. Photo by Mary Baxter. Pauline helps quilt designers and history researchers interpret the social history of the War of 1812 period.
Submitted by Mary Simpson, Longwoods Road Barn Quilt Trail project. Contacts: Mary Simpson, 519-287-3566 or 519-318-1074 or Denise Corneil 519-693-7002.