In February 1987, the Thumb Area Thimblers began sewing on a commemorative quilt to celebrate Michigan’s sesquicentennial – 1837 to 1987. The quilt was completed in July. The quilt was 94 inches by 80 inches. The Thumb Area Thimblers had sold the quilt’s 316 squares for one dollar a square. They then embroidered the name of the donor on the square and assembled the quilt.
The quilt was first displayed at the Armada Fair in early August and then at other local fairs. For Almont’s Apple Country Festival in September, the quilt was displayed in the window of what is now the Almont Community Historical Society Museum (149 S. Main Street). A small quilt show was also held in the building during the festival.
In 1987, the Thimbler’s were looking for a permanent home for the quilt. They found a home at the Four County Community Foundation Offices in the Octagon House on East St. Clair Street (231 E. St. Clair St.).
The Thumb Area Thimblers had organized in the fall of 1983. The club’s purpose was to socialize while creating a quilt. They generally met at the First Congregational would assemble two to three quilts each year.
In 1985, for Homecoming, they conducted a quilt show in the First Congregational Church displaying over 200 quilts made by local people and club members.
Dues for the club were $5.00 a year, which was used to purchase materials for the quilts. After a quilt was completed, they would draw names and the lucky winner got to take the quilt home.
Dues for the club were $5.00 a year, which was used to purchase materials for the quilts. After a quilt was completed, they would draw names and the lucky winner got to take the quilt home.
In 1987, Cindie Wade was the Thimbler’s president, Barb Sandlin was vice-president, Marian Holmes was secretary, and Elizabeth Halsey was treasurer.
Some of the members of the Thumb Area Thimlers: Marcia Bacholzky, Judy Rayl, Mary Lorenz, Pat Bauer, Louise Spalding, Marrieta Hamilton, Elizabeth Halsey, Ruth Farley, Barb Sandin, Margaret Farley, Jennie Illonacie, Betty Walton, Cindie Walton, Bessie Garwold, Leon Walton, Evelyn Messner, Marion Holmes, Donna Farmer, Eva Smith.
