Heritage Quilts

180-year-old cloth square replicated in acrylics for
barn display

Story by Elaine Hobson Miller
Photos by Mandy Baughn

When Mike Jones’ great-great grandmother, Euphrasia Hannah Gibson, died in 1874, she left a box of quilt squares that she had intended to sew together. She probably had no idea those squares would someday hang in the homes of future generations, much less be replicated on wood and hung on a barn in Cropwell.

“My grandmother had the box of quilt squares, and when she died 15-20 years ago, her daughters rediscovered them when they cleaned out her house,” says Jones. “They got together and passed them out to each of the 14 cousins. So, we have had them that long. My daughter, Kristina Alexander, has one, too. I’m not sure who has the rest of that box of squares.”

Holding their quilt squares in front of the Jones barn are cousins Joy Sanford, Kathy Callahan (standing in for husband Jimmy), Walter Jones, Mike Jones, Michelle Dowler (for her mom, Gayle Boone), Karen Ragsdale, Christy Robbins (for her dad, Don Callahan, deceased), Carol Tucker, and Quinn Stewart (second oldest cousin at 83)

Kristina’s daughter, Jules, was 16 when she translated her 4th-great-grandmother’s quilt piece to a wooden board during the summer of 2023. Jules’ mom did the math and figured out how to enlarge the quilt block pattern to scale for a 6-foot-2.5-inch square piece of plywood that Mike cut for that purpose.

She put a screw in the center of the board and tied a string to it to make a compass, then used geometry to figure out the ratios. That was after Mike had painted three layers of a white base coat onto the board. Jules used a pencil to draw the design, a Dresden Plate with a star in the center and some extra colors in the corners.

“It took me a good while, because I had lots of coats to do,” says Jules. “I had to tape off each section to get clean lines. My grandfather picked the colors. He wanted something fall but bright and festive.”

Jules has been involved in art a long time, and usually prefers working with watercolors. She has painted stationery for friends and family, and helped groups from her church, Pell City United Methodist, to paint murals in a local private high school. “So, when my grandfather asked me to do this job, I was excited.”

The quilt squares are about 180 years old, according to Mike’s wife, Sandra. “The blocks were given to all the cousins in Mike’s generation.”

On Aug. 31, most of those 14 cousins gathered at the Jones House to celebrate Labor Day and compare their quilt squares. Each one features the same Dresden Plate design, but in a different color palette. Some have framed theirs, others haven’t yet. Each is proud of the heritage, though.

The Joneses hope their barn quilt will become a part of the Alabama Barn Quilt Trail. An agricultural tourism project, the Trail is designed to promote travel and community pride by encouraging the public to explore the state’s roads, farms, businesses and historic towns, according to its website. “Barn Quilts are part of what has become known as ‘The American Quilt Trail Movement,’ featuring colorful quilt squares painted on barns and buildings throughout North America,” the site states. “It is one of the fastest-growing grassroots public art movements in the United States. Tourists come to discover the quilt squares on thousands of barns and buildings scattered along driving trails throughout the nation.”

A Jones Family scrapbook displays a photo of Euphrasia Hannah Gibson (woman on right-hand page), among other family members

Regina Painter founded the Alabama Barn Quilt Trail in 2015, primarily in five northwestern counties of the state because of grant money from the Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation & Development Council. “We are very concentrated in north Alabama, but now have grant money from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to cover the entire state,” she says.

A fabric quilter herself, Painter saw her first barn quilt at a quilt show in Tennessee several years ago. “I fell in love with the idea and wanted to see them in Alabama. So, I started the Alabama Barn Quilt Trail with assistance from several groups and individuals.”

 By registering with the Trail, a person encourages agritourism and promotes small communities across the state as visitors check out the beautiful quilt blocks and their settings, Painter says. “We promote the Trail with brochures, public presentations, social media and various television and printed publications.”

The organization will help anyone pick out a design and colors, and will register a barn quilt for the trail after forms available on the site are filled out and turned in. (See alabamabarnquilttrail.org). If, like the Joneses and at least half a dozen others in St. Clair County, you have already painted your quilt, you can still get it added to the trail. Interested barn owners may contact the organization by email (alabamabarnquilts@gmail.com)

According to the website, the benefits to communities and their small businesses include:

  • Providing an economic benefit from tourism for businesses and farms on the Quilt Trail
  • Promoting preservation of our historic barns
  • Honoring the agricultural roots of the State of Alabama
  • Creating public art and paying tribute to the uniquely American history of beautiful quilts.

The trail is supported by the Alabama State Council on the Arts, ALFA and the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Of the 204 quilts on the state trail, seven are located in St. Clair County. In some cases there may be more than one wooden quilt registered. The Ashville House of Quilts in downtown Ashville, for example, has three designs. Greensport Marina has one, and one of the marina owners, Beth Evans Smith, has three others registered at various buildings on Greensport Road. The Trousdale Family has three blocks at 22630 U.S. Hwy. 411 in Ashville.

A barn quilt at 4522 County Road 22 is registered to Mark and Emily Taylor of Ashville. But it actually belongs to Emma Bean, the granddaughter of Emily’s deceased sister and husband, Doris and Billy Bean.

Painted in 2022, Grandmother’s Flower Garden is the name of Emma’s quilt square. “This was her grandparents’ barn,” says Mark. “An Alabama Barn Quilt Trail crew drew the quilt pattern.” Father and daughter, Nathan and Emma Bean, along with other volunteers, painted it. The barn and the land it’s on was passed down to Emma from her grandparents.

“We have some at my business, Taylor Fence, at 4097 County Road 22, and at our home, 9463 County Road 31, both in Ashville, but they are not registered on the Alabama trail,” Mark says.

Quilter Joyce Foster, who lives on Belvedere Drive in Ashville, doesn’t have a barn and didn’t fancy mounting a large board on her garage, so she attached her 10-by-10-inch quilt square to her mailbox post. “It’s no particular design,” she says. “I just drew some lines on a piece of plywood and filled them in, then painted it. I think that was about four years ago.”

Kolectic Treasures

Antique mall with a unique twist opens
second location in downtown Pell City

Story and photos
by Graham Hadley

When Jason and Danny Kellner first considered opening an antique mall in historic downtown Pell City, they knew they had a good chance of making it work because they already had almost a decade of success with a similar venture in Anniston – Kolectic Treasures Antique Market.

They just needed to find the perfect location.

They found it in the old roller-skating rink and adjoining Maytag building next to Brittle Heaven on Cogswell Avenue. And the second location for Kolectic Treasures is going to be even bigger than the Anniston store.

“We have around 19,000 square feet in Anniston, and this one will be 20,000 square feet,” Jason said. “We live on Logan Martin and saw Pell City as a good fit for what we wanted to do.”

Jason and Danny’s vision for the antique malls is almost unique in the business. They not only want to have a wide variety of “treasures” to sell – from rustic country pieces to mid-century modern – they want to make finding those something of an adventure.

Anyone who has visited the Anniston location will be familiar with the concept.

Jason Kellner helped the DeGaris family sell off the huge collection of antiques stored in the buildings

“I worked really hard in Anniston to build it,” Jason said. “I wanted to come up with something different from other antique malls. I have a mental image of a maze, you are exploring it, there are lots of twists and turns. I want our customers to feel like they are going back in time, get lost for a minute away from the stresses of the outside world.”

The Kellners have filled the two buildings with a series of booths and passages that wind and twist their way through the structures, which share an adjoining wall that has been opened across the front to allow access to both from one entrance. Customers find something new around every corner.

“We have something for everyone. That’s kind of my motto,” Jason said.

That idea has served them well in the Anniston location, which they created out of an old strip mall off Alabama 21 next to the bypass.

“I got in there and expanded as more customers found us.”

When Jason and Danny first saw the old buildings, owned by the DeGaris family, they knew they had found the perfect fit for their plans. In only six weeks, they were able to recondition the structures, which had been used for storage of all kinds of local artifacts for years, build out most of the booth spaces, and have a soft opening with around 100 vendors already in by Nov. 4. There will be room for 275 vendors, many of whom are already lined up, by their grand opening, Dec. 13.

“That is the day of the parade. We will also have our Christmas Open House the same day and will be staying open later so people can stop by after the parade,” Jason said.

“We want to bring something really special to Downtown Pell City. We hope to bring more customers and more foot traffic to the area. We want to see the same level of business here that we see in Anniston.”

They are working on remodeling the exterior of the buildings, while keeping the important historical features. “We want it really rustic looking – keep the old style and make it new at the same time. We want to get our signs up, but also want to get the old Maytag sign working again. We want to replace all the old glass, make it look almost like an old-English style, and repave the parking lots. It’s going to look really pretty when it’s all done.”

A variety of vendors are already in the location with more than 100 more on the way

And this is just the beginning of what he envisions for their Pell City location.

“We have room on the property to expand the market by around 3,000 to 4,000 square feet in a year or so as our customer base grows, if people shop local.” And like their Anniston location, they want to have a little library and food bank boxes next to the parking area. They have held successful music festivals at the original store for years, something Jason is considering doing in Pell City, along with showing movies on the adjoining property.

The Kellners are already familiar with their next-door neighbor – Brittle Heaven and More. Owner Sarah Deese used to sell her peanut brittle and other goods out of Kolectic Treasures in Anniston.

“She started with me in our Anniston store and eventually wanted to open her own location here. We were both excited when we found out we would be next to each other,” Jason said.

She is not the only one who has made the owners of Kolectic Treasures feel welcome in Pell City.

“People are excited about us being here, and we are thankful to everyone who has helped us. The Chamber has been really phenomenal with all the support, so has the City and the DeGaris family,” Jason said. “Danny and I have worked really hard to make this happen. We are just very happy to be here.”

Editor’s Note: You can follow Kolectic Treasures on Facebook and their website at kolectictreasures.com.

St. Clair economic update

County growth continues upward trend

Story by Linda Long
Staff and archived photos

St. Clair County is at it again. Fiscal 2024 is shaping up as another banner year – like the one before it and the one before that.  Despite inflation, run amok, threats of a recessionary economy and an uncertain election year the county continues to chalk up impressive economic numbers, showing an upswing in new investments especially in manufacturing, and a surge in retail expansion.

Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council (EDC) called 2024 a “positive” year for the whole county. “We had 10 large projects that we either broke ground or announced plans for expansion. These 10 projects represent a total of 343 new jobs and over $117 million in new investment,” said Smith.

According to Smith, high on this year’s economic agenda is implementing the county’s new 5-year strategic plan with renewed focus on helping St. Clair communities transition from small towns to the suburbs.  The county’s Grant Resource Center is playing a vital role in helping with that transition.

As Smith explained the county has a new strategic plan in place every five years, but he was quick to note, “the plan is not what we (EDC) think, but rather a consensus from hundreds of people – business leaders, elected officials, community leaders – people who come together at three different events to get a full picture of what the vision is for St. Clair County.

Moody cuts ribbon The Wharf restaurant

“From those hundreds of people, giving us their expert opinions,” Smith continued, “we’re able to formulate what it is we need to focus on for the next five years “

The current plan was released the first of the year, and certainly part of its focus is to help St. Clair’s small towns make that critical transition from rural to suburban.

“This is showcased with the creating of our new Grant Resource Center that will provide the County Commission and all the municipalities with the knowledge of funding opportunities as well as the tools in which to apply and be awarded grants needed for many of the needs of a growing community,” Smith explained

Some of those needs include “water, sewer, transportation – in a word, infrastructure. We need those things so we can bring in more employers,” he said. “So, we can bring in more retailers. That’s why the strategic plan is calling for an entity to assist our communities obtain different grants that are out there – federal, state and regional.”

As Smith explained, every single dollar a community can raise in grants is a dollar that doesn’t have to be taken from what Smith called “hyperlocal” expenses.

Downtown Ashville growing with new shops, restaurants

“Most cities in Alabama don’t have anything like this,” he continued.  “It’s a valuable resource. So far, the new Grant Center has helped secure $6.5 million in outside funds that would normally have to be paid for with local funds. This money is coming in from different grants that have been written, and we’ve already been approved for. The more money we can obtain from these grant sources, the more the local dollars can be put toward local needs.”

One such project was the purchase of 250 acres on the I-59 corridor. Smith said that property will soon be developed to attract large, quality employers to add to the ones already in that area. “These new companies will employ our citizens, raise the average buying power of the community and generate more taxes for our cities”

St. Clair County was the fifth fastest growing county by percentage in 2023. “This growth,” said Smith, “requires long-term planning and a larger investment in infrastructure.  We are working with our elected officials and providing resources to help them manage the increased demands that come with this growth.

Ashville named Community of Excellence

The City of Ashville has been awarded the prestigious “Alabama Communities of Excellence” designation, joining only 45 other communities across the State of Alabama.

The recognition was presented at the 2024 Graduation Ceremony hosted by the Alabama League of Municipalities, celebrating Ashville’s commitment to sustainable growth, economic development, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. 

The “Alabama Communities of Excellence” designation highlights Ashville’s strategic efforts in community planning, fostering local business development and prioritizing initiatives that make Ashville a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient place to live. This honor underscores Ashville’s dedication to maintaining high standards in community excellence and its proactive approach to ensuring a prosperous future for the city’s residents. 

“Receiving this designation is a tremendous honor for our city and a testament to the dedication of our residents, city staff, and local leaders who have all worked tirelessly to make Ashville a great place to live, work, and visit,” said Ashville Mayor Derrick Mostella. “We are proud to be recognized by the League of Municipalities and will continue to prioritize the needs of our community as we look to the future.” 

St. Clair County Economic Development Council Director Don Smith shared his excitement, saying, “This designation is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and vision demonstrated by the City of Ashville’s leadership. By earning the Alabama Communities of Excellence title, Ashville has positioned itself as a model for sustainable growth and community development across Alabama.” 

The Alabama League of Municipalities’ program, which awards the Communities of Excellence designation, identifies municipalities that are proactive in creating and implementing projects that positively impact their communities and align with the League’s vision of excellence in local government. 

In addition to the city’s Communities of Excellence designation, Candice Hill, the St. Clair County EDC’s Grants and Leadership director, received the esteemed ACE Star Ambassador Award. This award honors her dedication and leadership in guiding Ashville through the process, ensuring the city stayed on track to reach this notable achievement. 

EDC officials say they look forward to seeing the positive impact this designation will have on Ashville and commended the city for its dedication to fostering a thriving and supportive community environment. This achievement is a reflection of Ashville’s commitment to ensuring that future generations benefit from the city’s progress, infrastructure improvements and economic opportunities.

Out of difficulty comes …

One day the lens of retrospection will come into focus, and we will see clearly the beauty and redemption that was woven into our darkest days.

Those times we most struggled – when our faith was tested, our hearts were broken or we felt lost and defeated by the harsh realities of life … we couldn’t see all the light that illuminated us then because we were so consumed by the shadows.

We have heard it before, but we don’t always understand until we face it ourselves, but our most transformative experiences are rarely lovely or radiant. They are dark and painful and exhausting. 

But on most occasions, we are found and forged in these moments of pain and suffering. Our resolve and resilience are fortified in the valley of darkness and despair. It’s here we unknowingly develop our potential, our character and integrity. 

Our faith is often found on the crucible of conflict. 
And that really is beautiful … Even if we can only ever appreciate its beauty and redeeming effect on our lives in retrospect. 
People don’t always tell you that the Road to Redemption is often found in the Valley of the Shadow of Death … 
But it is. 

– Mackenzie Free –

Wife, mother, photographer & current resident of the unassumingly magical town of Steele, Alabama

Honoring those who served

Events planned all across St. Clair County

Story by Cherith Fluker
Submitted photos

As Veterans Day approaches, St. Clair County is preparing to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Across St. Clair County, flags flying, special tributes, events and exhibits will express gratitude to the veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect the country’s freedoms.

This year, the Museum of Pell City will host its annual Salute to Service event. “Salute to Service promises to be a heartfelt and meaningful experience for all who attend,” said Museum President Carol Pappas.

The event, set for Nov. 8, had its beginnings in 2023 with an expanded military exhibit at the museum, approximately three times the size of the regular exhibit. This special tribute highlighted the history and contributions of veterans, and the museum premiered a short film it produced, War and Remembrance, which featured local veterans of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.

“It was our very first outreach project, and over 100 attended the first day followed by others throughout the month of November.

This year, Salute to Service will include a reception and special presentations to honor the veterans in attendance, says Pappas. Each veteran will receive a special challenge coin as a token of appreciation for their service.

Expanded exhibits include more in-depth looks at some of Pell City’s “hometown heroes” and photographs, artifacts and other items of interest.

The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is always free.

St. Clair County Extension Veterans Outreach will host its Veterans Program is slated on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Springville Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Clair County Extension Outreach Veterans program at Springville Methodist Church

This program will feature tributes in honor of all who served. Highlights include a proclamation from Dave Thomas, mayor of Springville; a Veterans’ Appreciation speech by Greg Bailey, U.S. Air Force Veteran; musical performances by the Something Else Trio and Springville High School Tiger Chorale; and the 13 Folds Ceremony.

It also will include the Run for the Wall Presentation by Chuck Wright, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and the Missing Man Table Presentation by Wayne Johnson, U.S. Air Force veteran.

Greg Bailey, administrator of Outreach Programs for the St. Clair County office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, is partnering with the Josiah Brunson Chapter, National Society Daughter of the American Revolution, for the Springville event.

“This program is the least we can do for our servicemen who have done so much for us,” Bailey says. “Our office is focused on ensuring veterans are aware of the resources available to them. “

In addition to the Veterans Day program, Bailey and his team are also partnering with local schools and community organizations to honor and celebrate veterans across the county.

Throughout the month of November, cities and towns across St. Clair County will also honor veterans in various ways. Flags will be flying high in public spaces, special banners will be displayed along main streets, and communities will participate in events that pay tribute to those who have served. These collective efforts create a powerful visual reminder of the respect and gratitude the county holds for its veterans.

All of these events are open to the public and free to attend, but registration is required. Those interested in attending the Salute to Service reception event may register on the Museum of Pell City’s website, museumofpellcity.org.

The event at Springville Methodist Church is free as well, but attendees are asked to RVSP by calling the St. Clair County Alabama Cooperative Extension System at (205) 338-9416.

“Veterans form the very foundation of all of our communities across our country,” Pappas said. “Their history is what our history is built upon, and we truly thank them for their service.”