For the next few weeks, the Barton County Historical Society is displaying a selection of items drawn from its broad collection of quilts. Dating from the late 1800s to the 1950s, a variety of styles and patterns are featured.

Crazy quilts from the 1880s provided a stage not only for a quilter’s sewing skills, but her talents in the art of fancy embroidery, said Beverly Komarek, executive director of the Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village. Other quilts, such as Log Cabin or Courthouse Steps, are traditional patterns. 

One quilt, Boys’ Activities, shows a young man doing his chores, as well as playing games. Two quilts feature appliqué techniques – Rose of Sharon and Oak Leaf Cluster.

There are also quilts that clearly made use of scraps of material, including a Roman Squares pattern made with old neckties.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. It is located at 85 U.S. 281, just south of Great Bend, across the Arkansas River bridge.

For more information contact the Historical Society, 620-793-5125.