Fraser historic barn added to Michigan Quilt Trail

FRASER — The Fraser First Booster Club and Fraser Historical Commission are unveiling a new addition to the historic barn at the Baumgartner House Museum in Fraser.

The barn is being added to the Michigan Quilt Trail, a registered collection of barns adorned with a traditional patch commonly found on quilts from days past.

“On road trips, I always saw these quilt patches on barns,” said Vania Apps, founder and executive board member of the Fraser First Booster Club. “I looked it up, starting when I saw one in Pennsylvania when the homeowners put up a quilt of their grandmother’s. It’s something from the family’s history or what they love.” 

The design was chosen by the Historical Commission and created by Apps and local artist and booster club member Sue Bertolini-Fox.

“Vania had the idea for it, but the historical society came up with the design. It looks like a traditional quilt pattern,” explained Bertolini-Fox. “We have a tree in the center, since Fraser is always looked at as a traditional tree city. They wanted it to be red, white and blue because they wanted it to be patriotic. Laying out the design was fun. We went to Dillman and Upton and asked what the best, most long-lasting wood would be. We got the same kind as the signs along the highway. We put six coats of paint on it to prepare it and weatherproof it.”

“It’s made out of wood and hand-painted, layer by layer,” added Apps. “They are a one-quilt patch design that references a cloth pattern, in the style of traditional quilt patches. It is made from wood and is 4 feet by 4 feet in size.”

The new installation will be dedicated during the Baumgartner House’s annual barn sale on Sunday, Oct. 2. 

“We’re having the dedication on the first Sunday in October,” said Marilynn Wright, the Baumgartner House Museum chairperson. “We are hoping to have Pastor Robert Brandon dedicate the quilt. It will coincide with our annual barn sale. We’ll have half prices on the day of the dedication. It will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. The dedication will be at 1 p.m. The museum will be open during the sale, as well.”

Apps had the idea and thought the Baumgartner House would be the perfect site for such a quilt patch.

“We have a barn at the Baumgartner House, and it is a restored barn, so we thought we might put up a quilt for our community on our barn here,” she said. “I ran the idea by the historical society, since it meant we wouldn’t be altering the barn itself, so they loved it. They picked the design and the color they wanted, and we commissioned artist Sue Bertolini-Fox.”

She added that a lot of work went into something people might think was very simple.

“When we contacted the Quilt Trail, we found out we were the first barn in Macomb County to join. We registered with them,” said Apps. “We had to do a lot of research on the design and the materials. It looks simple when people see the design, but it’s quite a complicated process.” 

Apps is thrilled that Fraser will now be included on the Michigan Quilt Trail.

“I love the idea that our historical site in Fraser is registered in the Michigan Quilt Trail. I hope it makes people think about barns and their significance and how such quilts and quilt patches told a story about you and your family,” she said. “We’re losing so many of these historical barns that are being taken down for development, so it’s nice that Fraser has its own historical site where we can preserve part of our history.”

Bertolini-Fox said she was so happy getting to be part of the project since it is a great way to look at American history.

“We always loved seeing these quilt patterns in our travels, and even though it’s a big thing in Michigan, Macomb County doesn’t have any,” she said. “It’s something that brings your eye to art and brings your eye to history. It was such a fun and exciting project. The quilts of farms in America are part of our history.”