Quilt Trail - Lady Barn Quilt Block

LADY FARM

The “Bow Tie” is a pattern that was commonly used in quilt making. The Lady barn just off Interstate 81 in Sullivan County displays this design used in a quilt made by Mrs. R.C. Lady. In this particular pattern, the bow ties were connected to form a Nine Patch block. Mrs. Lady would use the leftover material from dresses she made for her children to piece quilts. A common social event, women of the community would meet at a home to help “finish a quilt.” On occasion they would gather together to spend the day laughing and gossiping as they quilted, stopping to eat a hearty lunch consisting of whatever delectable dish each lady chose to bring.

The Lady Farm property was owned in 1860 by Arch Brunner who that year built a two-story, four-room log house and store. It is believed that his daughter and son-in-law, Landon Patton, inherited it. These were built near the first permanent Baptist church in Sullivan County, Kendrick’s Creek Baptist Church, later changed to Double Springs Baptist Church as two large nearby springs were the source of water for the church and surrounding families. The property was bought by Thomas S. Hargis in 1890 with additions to the back of the log house and siding placed over the logs in later years. Mr. R.C. Lady bought the property on November 15, 1911, and later in 1918 bought 29 additional acres.

Colonial Heights Middle School Progress Photos

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.