EXCHANGE PLACE FARM - (GAINES-PRESTON FARM)

 
The “Cross and Crown” pattern is displayed on the post-and-beam barn originally built in 1921 by John Preston to replace an older deteriorating log barn.  The pattern is taken from a quilt donated as a Preston family artifact to the restored Exchange Place Farm.  The Preston family lived at the Exchange Place in 1848 to 1925, the land having been obtained by John M. Preston through a trade with John Gaines, who had owned it since 1816.  The exchange of property may account for the Exchange Place name, but it is more commonly held that the name is derived from its function as a stagecoach stop where horses and currency were exchanged.  John presented the land to his son, James W., upon his marriage to Catherine Ann Greenway.  Their son, John, built the existing barn, which was restored in the 1980’s.  Exchange Place Historic Farm today exists on 62 acres of the original 2178 acres and portrays 1800’s pioneer life in East Tennessee. 

 The maker of the Cross & Crown quilt and the year it was made is not known, but the pattern name is biblical and probably represented a special significance to the maker.  It is a summer quilt, as the “filler” or batting is very thin—possibly just another piece of material—making it very lightweight.  It is pieced and bound with the same red, black and white plaid fabric.  A rather unique design is used for the quilting itself; the more common quilting followed the pattern of each piece rather than an overall design of its own.  This “elbow design” quilting followed a fan shape; the elbow moved for the next line of quilting about ½-inch away.  The designer had an eye for simplicity, using only two fabrics and alternating the patterned squares.  The quality of the stitching is excellent, the quilting spaced well, and no knots are visible. 

 Safety & Respecting Private Property

When viewing and enjoying the Quilt Trail use caution when slowing or stopping near a site.  Stopping along busy roads can be dangerous and illegal.  All sites are on private property and should be viewed from the public road unless otherwise indicated at the site if it is a business open to the public.   We are indebted to our barn hosts for their generosity.