It began with the Citrus Belt Quilters Inc. of Redlands, CA. They wanted to offer some measure of comfort to military families of fallen soldiers who were buried at Riverside National Cemetery or were from the greater Inland Empire area. The quilts were replicas of those made during the Civil War by the U.S. Sanitary Commission. Their idea has spread to all 50 states and the US Territories and the group is endorsed by the US Department of Veteran's Affairs. Visit their website to find contact information for local chapters. Crafty Tip
The U.S. Sanitary Commission was staffed by women volunteers during the Civil War. Self-funded, the group met many of the needs of the soldiers including bandages, clothing, medicine and quilts. The original quilts were 48 X 84 inches (the size of a standard military cot) and could also be used as bedrolls. It's believed the ladies made between 150,000 and 250,000 quilts. Sadly, only four are known to have survived one of which is housed in Smiley Library's Lincoln Shrine in Redlands.
|
Featured Artist Program
 |
