Newest and oldest quilts were favorites in Mount Pulaski

[September 14, 2012]  MOUNT PULASKI -- Visitors to the quilt show at the Mount Pulaski Courthouse during last weekend's annual Mount Pulaski Fall Festival were invited to vote for a favorite quilt. By a few votes, the newest quilt, "The Topper Tee Shirt Quilt," won the first prize for the favorite. The creator, Heidi McCormick of Mount Pulaski, made the quilt to be auctioned as a fundraiser for the Mount Pulaski High School students who will travel to Washington, D.C., in the spring of 2013.

The second-place favorite was the oldest quilt among the 52 entered in the show. It was made between 1870 and 1880 by Ellen Scroggin Lucas. The quilt is owned by Mark and Mary McGee of Mount Pulaski.

The third-place favorite is owned by Libby Timmons, formerly of Mount Pulaski. Her quilt, "A Flower Garden," was pieced by her mother, Ruby Meister, 25 years ago. The quilting was done by Aileen Cyrulik.

The quilt show, the first in seven years at the fall festival, was sponsored by the Mount Pulaski Courthouse Foundation. A freewill offering was received to be used for repairs the organization is doing to restore and maintain the building.

Prize winners were given gift certificates to Salt Creek Attic, Vintage One and Saddie's Secret Place, three shops that are on the west side of the square, across the street from the Mount Pulaski Courthouse.

[By the REV. BARBARA STROUD-BORTH]