Page 2 - Fort Seward Qults from 1988 to 1999

Amazing Quilts Made By

Wagon Train Participants:

Since near the earlier beginnings of the Fort Seward Wagon Train, some folks
came up with the idea of having a quilt made to celebrate the covered wagon
train community of that year. Since the folks on each wagon train come from all

walks of life, from various states, and often countries. The idea seemed great,

quilts are a part of the pioneer heritage, and for those who wished to leave their
mark on something lasting! After that, the quilt became an important part of each

annual wagon train.

Originally, blocks of cloth were
passed around and signed, or

decorated with embroidery
stitches, laundry pens, and

embroidery paint. At the end of
the wagon train, the blocks

were laid out on the prairie

grasses, and an informal
auction took place.

The quilt would go to the

person who offered highest
bided donation, to be given to Fort Seward, Inc. in exchange for the completed

quilt. Later the blocks were assembled by a hired experienced quilter and then
turned over to the one who made the donation, usually after being displayed on

the wagon train the next following year.