Dated 1931-1934
Made in Geneva, Nebraska
Gift of Linda and Lynn Jones, 1999.006.0001

Carrie Stelzer’s Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt, made for her daughter Teresa during the Great Depression, is characteristic of many of the cheery quilts made during this era. Known as a frugal Nebraska farm widow, Stelzer made quilts with the scraps leftover from other sewing projects, including bonnets, aprons and clothing.

Stelzer carefully planned her hexagon blocks, choosing a solid yellow fabric for the center hexagon. She surrounded the center with a row of solid color hexagons and then one of printed calico. Between the blocks pink sashing adds brightness. The bright quilt has never been washed and retains its original vivid colors. Some faint pencil lines also remain, indicating how she marked her quilting designs.