Heritage barn quilt square competition opens

The Discover Bath Barns Committee presents the second annual “Heritage Barn Quilt Square Competition,” with submissions accepted until April 6. The contest is sponsored by Michelle Anderson, owner of the Welton-Barker Barn on Wye Road.

Completed squares and application forms must be dropped off at the Bake Shop in Ghent, 800 Wye Rd. between 7 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on April 4, 5, or 6. The contest is open to quilters of all ages. The completed quilt square must measure 12.5 inches by 12.5 inches and must be constructed of 100% cotton fabric. The design may be a combination of geometrics and images that represent the barn or Welton-Barker barn history.

The barn, circa 1850, originally housed horses, oxen and other small farm needs. In the 1860s, it became a blacksmith shop that created nails, agricultural tools, kitchen items, machinery for mills and more. From the 1900s until present day, the barn housed a variety of small local businesses.

A panel of members of the Welton-Barker barn owner’s family, Discover Bath Barns Committee and local quilt and history experts will judge the competition.The winner will have their quilt square converted to a painted barn quilt, which will be hung on the Welton-Barker barn. With questions, email discoverbathbarns@gmail.com or call the Bath Township administrative office at 330-666-4007. Entry forms can be found at bathtownship.org/discoverbathbarns.