WS Chronicle

Quilts were once used to communicate in Underground Railroad sites

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

The beauty, variety and creative expression of textile arts on display at Delta Arts Center not only reflects modern trends, but also tells the story of the long tradition of quilt-making in the African American community.

“Raw Edges III: Textile Arts by Area African American Quilters” opened with a virtual reception on Thursday, Jan. 28, with a descriptive viewing of the pieces by members of Delta Art’s Monday Mixer quilters, along with a virtual interview with Teresa R. Kemp, a master quilt historian from Atlanta.

According to Peggy Moore, program chair, this is the third showcase of quilts, which also include other quilted items, such as wall hangings and purses. The quilters have been meeting over three years every Monday night to work on their sewing projects and fellowship together.

During an interview with The Chronicle on Feb. 6, Peggy Moore discussed the various patterns used by quilters, including the “log cabin” pattern seen in the quilt made by Kathy Boler titled “Curvey Log Cabin.” The log cabin quilt pattern was one of many patterns used by the Underground Railroad to communicate secret codes to slaves escaping to the North. One of the squares in the pattern would indicate that this was a safe house. The “wild geese” pattern used the wings of the geese to point to a safe direction to travel.

During the reception on Jan. 28, Teresa Kemp discussed the connection quilts have with Africa. She has amassed a collection of quilts and other relics from Africa that go back many generations that she discovered as she traced her family’s genealogy. Quilts were handmade in Africa for centuries and slaves brought the art form with them when they arrived in America. In Kemp’s collection is a Kente “logs and rails” patterned quilt from Ghana matching American-made logs and rails quilts.

Quilts are not just made in historic patterns. Freeda Ward created her “Amy Bell’s Girls’ Trip 2019” quilt using squares that she asked her friends to write on with words to describe their trip together without them knowing her intention to sew them all into a memorable quilt.

Other quilters in the show have created such items as unique purses and wall hangings. Sadie Edwards created three beautifully designed, hand-stitched heads of women in African headdress.

Along with the new quilts are two vintage family quilts. “Big Ma’s Strip Quilt” from Freeda Ward’s family is a stunning example of a hand-stitched quilt in the log and rail pattern. Peggy Moore also has a family quilt displayed, its frayed and worn parts as evidence of its many years of use keeping loved ones warm. These quilts are heirlooms to be savored for the hours of handwork that went into making them and as treasured pieces to be passed down in families.

In discussing the quilts on display, Moore said that they ranged from quilters with years of experience to those displaying their first quilt. “I never tell a quilter that her piece is not worthy to be seen,” Moore said. She said that the Monday Mixer group helps each other learn the craft of quilting and they share their tips and talents with each member.

Moore said that Delta Arts Center has several plans for future exhibits and events and that plans for their 50th anniversary in two years are already in the works. The next big event will be Freedom Day on Feb. 21 from 12-6 p.m. Teresa Kemp will be coming in from Atlanta to give talks during the event and will bring some of her historic quilts to display. Tours for this event are by reservation only and limited to groups of ten or less. Reservations can be made by calling Delta Arts at 336-722-2625.

“We want to preserve this folk art form and want people to respect what was done in the past and value this craft,” Moore stated. “We should honor and treasure this art and legacy.”

For more information about Delta Arts Center, visit their website at www.deltaartscenter.org.

Information on the Underground Railroad secret quilt codes can be found in the book “Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad” by Jacqueline Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard.