The Cashiers Historical Society held its annual Airing of the Quilts earlier this year in Spring.
The Appalachian tradition began after families would keep warm throughout the winter using handmade quilts. The arrival of spring was an opportunity to air out the quilts, ridding them of dust and odors, and ensuring they stay fresh and clean for the next season.
Quilts hung throughout the CHS campus during Airing of the Quilts, which included guided tours of the Zachary-Tolbert House in the background.
Quilts created and donated by the Cashiers Quilters and local residents, were hanging throughout the CHS campus during the 3-day event.
Quilts were made by members of the Cashiers Quilters and local residents.
Activities included demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving, broom making, creating stained glass ornaments, and guided tours of the Zachary-Tolbert House, and guided hikes of the campus lead by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.
Mattie Davenport demonstrates traditional floor looming.
“CHS mission is preserving the heritage of Cashiers through education, stewardship, and advocacy,” said Lauren Carmichael, CHS Marketing & Events Coordinator. “Putting on this event allows us to share the history of this longtime tradition – and it’s an interactive learning experience of the past.”
Loren Berg gives a live demonstration of blacksmithing on CHS campus.
The Cashiers Historical Society is located at 1940 US 107. For more information about CHS, click HERE.
Pictured at the top of the article of some of the many quilts that were hanging throughout CHS’ campus during Airing of the Quilts.
Participants got to try their hand at making stained glass ornaments during a presentation by Caryn Raming (not pictured).
A finished stained glass ornament.
Marlow Gates gives instruction on broom making.
Some of Marlow Gates’ creations.