Faith, Folklore, and Friends

After we had toured the Smithsonian exhibit at Red Bay on Saturday, one of the workers there told us about some other events that were going on in town.  One was a quilt show at the library, which happened to be next door to the exhibit.   This Cathedral Windows quilt was made by Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley.  The colorful middles are fabrics from Governor Bentley's old ties.   There were old quilts   and new quilts. All were beautiful,   but the one below is my favorite.     I don't know Hazel Hall, but I know that she owned a treasure.  She must have taken very good care of the quilt, because it is in mint condition. There is nothing more beautiful to a quilt collector than a handmade label like this one.  Rest in peace, Grany Burcham. I wonder if you had any idea that your quilt would be so admired sixty-six years after you made it.  

Red Bay, Alabama is hosting a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian called "The Way We Worked."  It will be at the Weatherford Centre from September 14-October 25. The exhibit comes to Red Bay through a partnership between the Smithsonian, the National Archives, and Alabama Humanities Foundation, and the Alabama Tourism Department. It is good for us to remember where we came from.  It is good for us to remember to be thankful.   This could be my mother, my grandmother, or my great-grandmother.      Working on a planter with a baby on her hip--all in a day's work. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame also has an exhibit there. Red Bay's famous daughter, singer Tammy Wynette, is recognized, too.   The exhibit is open from 9 to 5 weekdays, and on the weekends during special events.  There is no admission charge, and the people there will make you feel right at home.