The Quilt Trail movement began in Adams County, Ohio, in 2001, and by 2003, there were 20 “Quilt Blocks” throughout the county. These were 4’ x 4’ blocks, outside art depicting traditional quilting patterns, which were painted on the sides of barns or other buildings. The movement has spread across the United States and into Canada. The Louisiana Northshore Quilt Trail is one of the newest, which had its start in 2011.
Susan Nichols gives the background of the movement, and describes the formation process of the Louisiana Northshore Quilt Trail, which encompasses five parishes: St. Tammany, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, and Livingston. Adorning Welcome Centers, businesses, churches, private homes and even a university, these Louisiana Quilt Blocks have begun to move away from traditional quilting designs to incorporate images and patterns that reflect the local area’s history and culture. Another trend is to paint the designs on a board which is then mounted on the building or displayed on a free-standing post. The city of Amite has eight blocks, including “Crossroads of the Florida Parishes.” Ponchatoula’s “Old Train Depot” depicts a train, with an alligator as engineer, carrying a cargo of strawberries. “Seafood Platter” is displayed at the Middendorf’s Restaurant in Manchac. There are currently over 130 blocks throughout the Quilt Trail, with more being added as the movement continues to grow.
Color photographs of the Blocks, with clear explanations of what certain designs represent, enhance the appeal of this book. Full of interesting tidbits of information and local history, this volume is what you need to start your adventure to follow Louisiana’s Quilt Trail. The Louisiana Northshore Quilt Trail website is https://www.louisianaquilttrail.com for more information.
Rating: **** Stars (I really liked it)