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"Tying the Knot"

May 16 - Sept 8, 2002

View a stunning collection of historic & modern wedding quilts, photos & gowns from Wilmot residents, set against the 1877 Victorian backdrop of this National Historic Site.

Quilts were often made to commemorate an event such as an anniversary, birth, major move or a wedding. These types of quilts were historically common in Waterloo County and are still being made today. As a result, they have become a cherished tradition for many families.

Quilts originated in southern Europe more than 700 years ago. Evidently, the oldest 'living' examples of quilting of any type are Sicilian quilts circa 1392. They were wedding gifts elaborately covered with scenes from the legend of Tristan. The quilts were made of a double layer of heavy, pieced linen and sewn with linen thread. Designs were raised with tiny pieces of cotton padding inserted through the back of the quilt.

Common themes found on wedding quilts tell their own stories. While there are no singly important symbols, they often depended on region and specific religion. Common symbols included the heart, which is used for love. Roses are symbols of love, purity, and happiness. The pineapple is used for hospitality, and the pomegranate for fruitfulness. Frequently found throughout several of the quilts on display throughout the museum today is the wedding ring - this theme seems popular in this area.

This virtual exhibition displays 140 years of brides, photos and their wedding quilts. Some quilts have stories behind them, and some speak for themselves, but all quilts deserve an audience and a voice.

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Nelson and Lillian Becker, May 17th 1930.
1930

Credits:
From the collection of Doris Schwartzentruber.

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Nelson and Lillian Becker, May 17th 1930.
From the collection of Doris Schwartzentruber.

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Marie and Kennith W. Shantz. 1950 New Dundee.
1950

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Marie and Kennith W. Shantz. 1950 New Dundee.

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Yvonne and Lt. James Asher, married 1984
1984

Credits:
From the collection of Yvonne Asher.

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Yvonne and Lt. James Asher, married 1984
From the collection of Yvonne Asher.

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This is the wedding photo of Terry and Jean Rickert on their wedding day in 1967.
1967

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This is the wedding photo of Terry and Jean Rickert on their wedding day in 1967.
From the collection of Jean Rickert.

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Mr. and Mrs. Mein
1927

Credits:
From the collection of Al Junker.

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Mr. and Mrs. Mein
From the collection of Al Junker.

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Sherry Veitch and Tom Pearson at Livingston Presbyterian Church in 1973.
1973

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Sherry Veitch and Tom Pearson at Livingston Presbyterian Church in 1973.
From the collection of Castle Kilbride.

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Laura Livingston and Harris Veitch at Livingston Presbyterian Church in 1942.
1942