Naples Historical Society kicks off spring with a barn quilt raffle

By Trish Lambiase

Naples Historical Society members Deb and Frank Lindbloom have painted and generously donated a 3’ x 3’ barn quilt (“Prismatic Poppy Bouquet”, shown above) for our Spring Raffle! With an estimated value of $525, this multi-color quilt will enhance any barn, house, or business. This block is also eligible for listing on the Finger Lakes Barn Quilt Trail!
The quilt block is on display at Caruso’s Café, 110 South Main St., Naples (www.CarusosCafe.com) now until the drawing on May 1st.
* TICKETS will be sold in person at Caruso’s Café Sunday March 28th 9:30 – 12:30 and Tuesday April 20th 7:30 – 10:30. Tickets are also available from Historical Society board members.

What is a barn quilt?

A barn quilt is a large piece of wood or metal painted to look like a quilt block. The size of the square varies and once painted they are hung on the exterior of a barn, house, garage, or other building.

In the early 2000’s, a barn decorating revival in the form of “barn quilts,” started showing up. Their geometric patterns resemble those on old hex signs. Archaeological studies reveal hex signs were found in ancient caves carved by prehistoric peoples, and that they, perhaps, depict the sun wheel that early people are said to have worshiped. Circles and stars are predominant geometric designs, symbolizing divinity and the circle of life.

Hex signs are “painted prayers” believed to protect the barns and animals housed inside from fire, lightning, sickness and the work of evil spirits, demons and witchcraft. They might augment fertility of livestock or encourage the right balance of sun and rain for success with crops.

In Pennsylvania, they are a symbol of Pennsylvania-Dutch farmers. History tells us they were brought from the Rhineland to America by Mennonite and other German farmers in the 17th century. They were usually geometric designs, often featuring some type of star. They came in a multitude of designs, sizes, shapes, and colors, although most had a circular border. They looked like giant eyes watching over the farm from the upper front of old wooden barns. A variety of symbols were used all representing a quality such as strength, luck, love, or happiness, just to name a few. Colors, too, have significance: blue conveys protection, green abundance, red strength, white symbolized purity.

Barn quilt trails

Today, barn quilt trails are being organized across the country. Quilt trails consist merely of many barn quilts mapped together by location to be visited and photographed. Many viewers love to drive through the countryside to see the blocks. Those following along the trail receive a map with all the locations marked. In our area we have the Finger Lakes Barn Quilt Trail. For more information or to print a trail map visit: https://flxbarnquilttrail.com