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.

In the late 70's and 80's, wagon train participants were allowed to take home a quilt block and hand decorated it as they wished, as long as it had a nice clean wagon train theme. This allowed for more time consuming handiwork and the quality of the work was greatly improved. Once completed, the participants returned the block by mail to the quilter. This didn't always work the best, as some blocks arrived after the quilt was completed, or just never were sent.

In the 90's evolved the "Quilt Contest". Again the participants who wanted to enter, took home the quilt blocks and decorated the blocks. The blocks having to be returned by a certain deadline date, in order to be both in the contest and in the quilt. The board of Directors would vote on the winning blocks, which is a challenge, since the quality and artistry has been fantastic. The top three places are given a U.S. Savings Bond, with a smaller gift given to the fourth place winner. All who enter the contest, receive a photo of the quilt once it is completed.

Still, as in the past, the proceeds of the quilt donation, goes towards the expenses of the annual wagon train. And the winning donator, becomes the owner of a much treasured heirloom.

If you have a question about the quilt, or are a wagon train participant that has a question about the quilt contest:

To view the first quilt from our photo archives: Click Here