Jeannette Millar - Underground Railroad

 At our January meeting Jeannette Millar spoke to us about the Underground Railroad.  This "rail road" was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th-century black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause.  She told us how quilt blocks were used as codes.  The quilt patterns, used in a certain order, relayed messages to slaves preparing to escape.  Some of the common blocks used were Monkey Wrench, Crossroads, and Wagon Wheel.

It was a very informative presentation enjoyed by all.  Thank you Jeannette.

As a bonus Pat Chester and Carolyn Porteous brought in newly made Underground Railroad sampler quilts.  They were beautiful