Patterson woman’s quilting skills earn her a spot in Missouri history

The State of Missouri Bicentennial Quilt featuring a block created by a Patterson woman is coming to Wayne County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Luna Museum, located at 108 West Elm, Piedmont.

“Our county is represented by a block created by Mortina Williams of Patterson,” said Kelley Brent, University of Missouri Extension county engagement specialist. “The block features Fort Benton, Gads Hill, Sam A. Baker State Park and Lake Wappapello, just to portray a few of the notable locations and attractions in our county.”

Williams lives on Camp Creek Farm near Patterson, along with her husband, Bill Williams.

Williams “comes from a family of crafters,” and she said she “remembers being amazed at how her mom could take a flat piece of fabric and create something for her to wear.”

She recalls her sisters have been quilters for some time, but it was 2011 before she got the “quilting bug.”

Not only she has acquired the ability to be a successful quilter, she uses her skills to benefit her community. Williams made a quilt for the Wayne County Historical Society to auction as a fundraiser for the Wayne County Bicentennial.

She learned from a news article about the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt competition and decided to give it a try. Her block was chosen over the others that had been submitted.

Williams said, “I feel blessed to have been chosen to represent Wayne County in such a historical event.”

Brent added, “in honor of our great state’s 200th anniversary, the State Historical Society of Missouri and Missouri Star Quilt Company teamed up to create the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt. The quilt block entries for Wayne County were judged by the 13 elected Wayne County officials. The winning quilt block was hand delivered to the State Historical Society in Jefferson City, Missouri. Once completed, the quilt will travel across the state for display in 2020-2021. The quilt will also be on display in the Capitol Building in Jefferson City.”

Since the pioneer days of the American Midwest, quilts have been a cornerstone of Missouri culture, fashion and tradition. “Using one quilt block from every Missouri county and the independent City of St. Louis, the quilt features the unique characteristics of Missouri culture and style,” Brent said.

Brent explained when Wayne County was originally divided, it made 35 counties from one county. It stretched from its present location to the Kansas border and that is why it came to be known as the “Mother of Missouri Counties” and at one time was considered the “Great State of Wayne.”

“Stop by the museum and make a memory as you observe the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt on its tour through the great state of Missouri,” Brent said.