Monticello sesquicentennial quilt returns


Last week, the sons of former Monticello mayor Glenn and Marcia Gabriel visited Monticello, bringing with them the city’s sesquicentennial quilt. Marcia won the quilt with a sealed bid of $3,000. They also brought one of the rare wooden medallions made by Harlan Hetzler. From left are Glen and Mark Gabriel, Chamber Director Jan Hoag, and City Administrator Doug Herman. (Photo submitted)

The Monticello sesquicentennial quilt includes 63 depictions of Monticello history, with each of four corners showcasing one of the seasons. The quilt committee was co-chaired by Lucille Balsinger and Floy Stoneking. (Photo by Kim Brooks)

The individual squares on the quilt measure 10-by-12 inches. The famous Monticello train depot is seen here, with the artwork attributed to Mary Kay Ackerman and Janell and Don Peters. (Photo by Kim Brooks)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     A piece of Monticello’s sesquicentennial history has returned.

     Last week on July 31, the sons of Glenn and Marcia Gabriel, Glen and Mark, stopped by the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce Office in downtown Monticello to donate the quilt that their mother won in 1986. It was Marcia’s wishes to see that the quilt was given back to the community.

     “What a gift for it to come back to Monticello,” said Chamber Director Jan Hoag, whose family business, the Hoag Duster Factory, is illustrated in the quilt.

     The Gabriel sons also brought back pieces and memorabilia of Monticello history, including a wooden medallion handmade by Harlan Hetzler to commemorate the sesquicentennial.

     In July 1986, Marcia’s $3,000 single bid won her the coveted sesquicentennial quilt, which was a labor of love for those who worked on the project for several months. Her husband was mayor of Monticello at the time.

     Several committees were developed as part of the sesquicentennial celebration event, including a quilt committee co-chaired by Lucille Balsinger and Floy Stoneking. Marcia Gabriel co-chaired the sesquicentennial general committee.

     The quilt is made up of 63 drawings that take you through the history of Monticello from Varvel’s Cabin to the Old Stone Bridge, the train depot, the Lovell House, to the first school and much more. Each depiction measures 10-by-12 inches, with the four seasons represented on the corner squares.

     Those who had a hand in drawing and embroidering the quilt at the time included: Char Helgens, Vi Suter, Joy Adams, Marcia White, Janell and Don Peters, Wilma Clark, Myrna McDermott, Marge Lubben, Kara Schneiter, Amber Prull, Kyle Sand, Troy Ricklefs, Trevor Siebels, Edna Conley, Blanche George, Isabelle Webb, Eunice Jacob, Gertrude Postel, Dee Stoneking, Eileen Behn, Ruth Welter, Cindy Bagge, Lorrine Eilers, Wilma Koob, Carol Vorhies, Alvena Smith, Ruth Adams, Betty Wolken, Ruth Dreibelbis, Doris Shimanek, Doris Husmann, Chris Bertling, Emily Boots, Elizabeth Roller, Laura Montgomery, Gwen Kuntz, Mary Herren, Pat Cooper, Thelma Spahr, Irene Recker, Amry Kay Ackerman, Betty Collins, Mary Belle Cooper, and Adeline Schatz.

     Charlie Becker who served on the sesquicentennial promotion committee at the time, wrote an article in the Monticello Express on Jan. 22, 1986, highlighting the quilt.

     “Bring one of the fortunate ones to have a sneak peak of this special undertaking, I was left in awe over the beauty and obvious dedicated work that has gone into making this quilt possible,” Becker wrote. “One can feel the love and warmth that goes into each stitch…”

     After Marcia contacted Balsinger and Stoneking about the undertaking, they “set out to find Monticello’s finest artists and embroiders” to work on the quilt.

     “The quilt takes the viewer through 150 years of area history,” said Becker.

     Marcia Gabriel passed away in April 2017.

     The quilt is currently being protected and stored inside City Hall until a final display area is chosen for all to see and enjoy.

 

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