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The American Signature Quilt

The American Signature quilts were the creation of two visionary leaders who were determined to secure the future of Harrison Brothers Hardware. HHF volunteers Lynn Jones and Dale Rhoades spearheaded the project to help HHF pay off the debt owed for the purchase of Harrison Brothers.

The friends were inspired by a tradition that dates from the mid-1800s, when signature quilts first developed as an American art form given as keepsakes to friends and families migrating west. Charitable organizations also created signature quilts to raise funds for community projects.

Lynn and Dale developed an ambitious plan to expand the Harrison Brothers family. They and other volunteers made a “dream team” of noted Americans who they would ask to contribute their signatures for the HHF quilt. Lynn sent each individual a packet with two squares of cloth, a pen, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and a letter that explained how the quilt would be used for the preservation of Harrison Brothers.

Then, the women waited. Soon, HHF’s post office box filled with signed autographs. Dale pieced the quilt top; Ellen Anson, a local quilter, quilted the layers together.

Stitch in Time: Lynn Jones and Dale Rhoades show off their handiwork in September 1990.
Stitch in Time: Lynn Jones and Dale Rhoades show off their handiwork in September 1990.

Raffle tickets sold at $5 each or 3 for $10 and raised over $20,000 for the store.

At a dessert reception held at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library on Saturday, November 3, 1990, Mrs. Pam Jaillet, of Harvest, won the raffled quilt. HHF’s quilt hung in the Heritage Room of the Huntsville Madison County Library, in a custom-built case provided by the Foundation.

Later that month, HHF members gathered in Harrison Brothers as HHF volunteers Freeda Darnell, Nancy Van Valkenburgh, and Ginger Fail burned the mortgage in the coal burning, pot-bellied stove in Harrison Brothers.

The American Signature Quilt
HHF hosted public gatherings and member events to promote interest in the American Signature Quilt .
HHF hosted public gatherings and member events to promote interest in the American Signature Quilt .
HHF hosted a grand party at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library to announce the raffle winner.
HHF hosted a grand party at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library to announce the raffle winner.
HHF debuts the American Signature Quilt at Old Fashioned Trade Day on September 6, 1990. HHF founded Old Fashoined Trade Day as part of our early downtown revitalization program. Raffle tickets sold for $5 each or 3 for $10.
HHF debuts the American Signature Quilt at Old Fashioned Trade Day on September 6, 1990. HHF founded Old Fashoined Trade Day as part of our early downtown revitalization program. Raffle tickets sold for $5 each or 3 for $10.
With funds generated by the American Signature Quilt, Old Fashioned Trade Day, and The Moveable Feast, HHF paid off the mortgage of Harrison Brothers in November, 1990, ceremoniously burning the mortgage on November 20, 1990.
With funds generated by the American Signature Quilt, Old Fashioned Trade Day, and The Moveable Feast, HHF paid off the mortgage of Harrison Brothers in November, 1990, ceremoniously burning the mortgage on November 20, 1990.

Quilt Signers

Each signature on the American Signature Quilt represents a life that shaped our nation’s story.
Click on a name to learn more about their contributions. Click on a category to sort.