Home of the Free

Because of the Brave

Block by Dustin Rennells

Embroidery by Triple J Embroidery

American Bald Eagle

This quilt block follows the classic nine patch pattern, one of the oldest and most enduring designs in American quilting. Its pattern reflects tradition and continuity. It's a block that tells the story of Jackson Township in Livingston County, MO, and the intertwined histories of the Peery and Doughty families.

The imagery within the block draws heavily on the northwest corner of Liv. Cty, where William F. Peery was among the first wave of settlers to arrive in 1837.38. The Peery Family Farm, established at that time and held by the family for five generations, remains a place where the past is still visible on the landscape. Among its most notable features is a 300-year-old Native America trail marker tree--recognized in a national registry--standing near two waterfalls that cut through teh rolling terrain. Together, they reflect a history that predates settlement and connects the land to those who travelled and sustained by it long before. 

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Jackson Township, formed in 1839, became home to numerous rural institutions and landmarks that shaped daily life. Among them were the Blackburn and Hicks schools, one-room schoolhouses attended by generations of local families. Blackburn School holds particular significance, as it is where the author's mother studied and began her teaching career, while Hicks School was attended by her grandmother.

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Community life in the township extended beyond the classroom. The Muddy Lane Post Office, a rural mail stop in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, served as a vital link to the outside world. Nearby, the settlement of Springhill, originally known as Naves Town, once stood as a contender for the county seat of Livingston County before Chillicothe ultimately prevailed. The area known as Poosey, settled by families from Kentucky and named for the former home, has since evolved into a 6,000 acre conservation area managed by the MO Dept of Conservation, now drawing visitors for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.

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The story carried in this quilt block extends into the 20th century with the arrival of the W. Wesley and Zelma Doughty family, who moved from Illinois to Livingston County in 1951. The Doughty Family Farm, initially worn and degraded, was gradually restored over the years through careful stewardship and conservation practices. It's an effort that reflects a continued commitment to the local environment. 

Our nation's capitol. Fabric donated by Melanie Geiss of KC Maker Studio & Fabrics

Missouri Star inside a Missouri Star

Stand Sure

I designed this block to replicate the rustic, hand-stitched style of quilting done in the early 1800's. It is entirely hand-stitched and even includes a patch as quilts often did in that time when they were made of pieces of old clothing and left-over sewing scraps. My design was patterned after the historic Anderson family crest from Scotland where my family originated before arriving in the American colonies in about 1730. For over 100 years they followed the pioneer trail from Virginia to Kentucky to Tennessee until John Anderson brought his family to Monroe Township, Livingston County, Missouri in 1844. Many of his descendants continue to live, work, serve the public, and preserve the history of Livingston County today. I am proud to be part of the sixth-generation of Andersons in this county. Stand Sure is our family motto. 

This is a tribute to Missouri's outdoors. Fishing, biking, covered bridges, horseback riding, swimming, camping and more are right at our finger tips. Fabric from Cuts and Bolts in Chillicothe. 

Uncle Sam

Ed D. Robertson Investments & Insurance celebrates 250 years of freedom. Embroidery by Whitney Wilder

God Bless America

Made with family clothing, this block mimics primitive techniques of salvaging clothing into a second use. 

Liberty Bell

There's not much on earth more iconic to northwest Missouri than the huge red barn against a blue sky.

Jim, Tobe, and Tom honor the legacy of Standard Oil's Pfaff Oil Co. 1939-2005. Embroidery by Whitney Wilder

This block combines a traditional church dash with an appliqued silhouette of the state of Missouri. An embroidered heart marks the location of Chillicothe, representing the community that inspired its creation. The Churn Dash was chosen for its deep roots in quilting history, symbolizing tradition, craftsmanship, and the generations of quilters who have come before us. In many ways, this block honors my grandmother, Maribelle Dupy, whose love of sewing instilled in me an appreciation for creativity, and the joy of making things by hand. The embroidered heart reflects my love for Chillicothe and the connections that make our hometown special. This block celebrates both our quilting heritage and the sense of belonging that makes Chillicothe a place we are proud to call home. 

Geri's work within the courthouse is a perfect connection to this "courthouse steps" style of quilt block. This is a popular  variation of the 19th century log cabin pattern which appeared frequently during the Civil War era. This block is made by sewing two light squares on opposite sides of the center square making a spool. The block finishes with dark strips so that in repeat, the dark sections are larger than the light sections.  

This fabric depicts the counties of Missouri with Livingston County right in the center. Fabric from Cuts and Bolts of Chillicothe. 

Created using the Monarch Butterly Quilt Foundation Pattern by Shaley, this quilt block celebrates the beauty and resilience of America. Made with 33 different, red, white, and blue fabrics, the piece represents unity through diversity and honors the many individuals and stories woven into our nation's history. Hidden within the monarch, there are eight special easter eggs representing meaningful pieces of my family's story, adding a personal legacy to this commemorative quilt created for the 250th Anniversary of America. 

By Dustin Rennells with embroidery by Whitney Wilder, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." In reverent honor of the Native Americans of Missouri who tended this land before us. 

Jim & Sara Gillilan celebrates 250 years of freedom for our semiquincentennial. Embroidery by Whitney Wilder. 

by Dustin Rennells with embroidery by Whitney Wilder, this block honors Chillicothe's Garden Club, founded in 1952. 

Red, white, and blue. 

Welcome to Missouri, the Show Me State. This fabric honors the highways, byways, routes, and more that carry us around our beautiful state. Fabric from Cuts and Bolts of Chillicothe.

God Shed His Grace On Thee. This block honors Sain Columban Catholic Church since 1857. Embroidery by Whitney Wilder.

Our keystone block by the Grand River Historical Society & Museum (Dustin Rennells) with embroidery by Triple J Embroidery. 

Honoring Livingston County's vibrant Black History. Block by Grand River Historical Society & Museum, embroidery by Whitney Wilder.

Red, White, and Blue.

This fabric depicts the counties of Missouri with Livingston County right in the center. Fabric from Cuts and Bolts of Chillicothe. 

Red, White, and Blue. 

George & Marta Quinn Farms celebrates 250 years of America. 

This block honors Missouri and its contribution to the cattle industry ranking 3rd in beef production and 24th in dairy production nation-wide. 

Farm Life

This block represents the rich farming heritage of our community and honors my grandfather, Roy Dupy. The design was inspired by his beloved 1953 Allis-Chalmers WD45 tractor, which was proudly restored to its original glory by his grandson, Todd Dupy. I can still remember being about five years old, riding on Grandpa's tractor and helping him sell sweet corn from the back of his pickup at his home on Third Street. Farm life symbolizes the hard work and dedication of local farm families, as well as the traditions, stories, and family connections passed from one generation to the next. These values have long been at the heart of rural communities across America. This block is a tribute to those cherished memories and to the agricultural roots that have helped build and sustain our community. Every stitch in this block celebrates the values of family, hard work, and community woven in my childhood. 

This block honors Missouri and its contribution to the poultry industry ranking 4th in laying hen production, 10th in egg production, and 7th in chicken meat production. 

For the Grand River Historical Society and Museum’s America 250 quilt project, I pieced three blocks using a wide selection of our hand-printed textiles from Salty Hippo Studio.

The fabrics in these blocks reflect both our studio and our building’s history. They include a leaf pattern inspired by the etched glass in our building, floral patterns inspired by the flowers found around the property, and our cats-and-bikes pattern, which was created during our building’s 130th birthday celebration. That design grew out of a study of the suffragette movement and how cats and bicycles became symbols connected to women’s independence and visibility.

I also included one of our Tossed Missouri patterns, which features small illustrations of the state of Missouri, surrounded by several of our blue hand-printed designs.

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This block is dedicated to recreation, including the nearby Pershing Baloon Derby. Fabric from Cuts and Bolts of Chillicothe. 

This block is dedicated to country life, lake life and farm life. Fabric from Cuts and Bolts of Chillicothe

250

Dedicated to 250 years of American on our nation's semiquincentennial. 

Embroidery by Whitney Wilder. This block honors Silver Moon Feeds, Milbank Mills, incorporated in 1867. 

Missouri is 7th in the nation for pork production and this block is dedicated to hog farming. 

Red, White, and Blue.

This block is dedicated to our nation's Constitution. Fabric donated by Melanie Geiss of KC Maker Studio & Fabrics

For the Grand River Historical Society and Museum’s America 250 quilt project, I pieced three blocks using a wide selection of our hand-printed textiles from Salty Hippo Studio.

The fabrics in these blocks reflect both our studio and our building’s history. They include a leaf pattern inspired by the etched glass in our building, floral patterns inspired by the flowers found around the property, and our cats-and-bikes pattern, which was created during our building’s 130th birthday celebration. That design grew out of a study of the suffragette movement and how cats and bicycles became symbols connected to women’s independence and visibility.

I also included one of our Tossed Missouri patterns, which features small illustrations of the state of Missouri, surrounded by several of our blue hand-printed designs.

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Chillicothe, Missouri is Home of the Hornets, the mascot of our local sports teams. This block honors the legacy of high school sports. Block by Triple J Embroidery. 

For the Grand River Historical Society and Museum’s America 250 quilt project, I pieced three blocks using a wide selection of our hand-printed textiles from Salty Hippo Studio.

The fabrics in these blocks reflect both our studio and our building’s history. They include a leaf pattern inspired by the etched glass in our building, floral patterns inspired by the flowers found around the property, and our cats-and-bikes pattern, which was created during our building’s 130th birthday celebration. That design grew out of a study of the suffragette movement and how cats and bicycles became symbols connected to women’s independence and visibility.

I also included one of our Tossed Missouri patterns, which features small illustrations of the state of Missouri, surrounded by several of our blue hand-printed designs.

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This block is a tribute to the symbols of America including the Bald Eagle, our nation's flag, our military, the White House, Lady Liberty, and more. Fabric donated by Melanie Geiss of KC Maker Studio & Fabrics

American Flag Block

Fabric from Cuts and Bolts of Chillicothe

This block honors the Olive Prindle chapter of the DAR: Daughters of the American Revolution established in 1911 in Chillicothe, MO. 

For the Grand River Historical Society and Museum’s America 250 quilt project, I pieced three blocks using a wide selection of our hand-printed textiles from Salty Hippo Studio.

The fabrics in these blocks reflect both our studio and our building’s history. They include a leaf pattern inspired by the etched glass in our building, floral patterns inspired by the flowers found around the property, and our cats-and-bikes pattern, which was created during our building’s 130th birthday celebration. That design grew out of a study of the suffragette movement and how cats and bicycles became symbols connected to women’s independence and visibility.

I also included one of our Tossed Missouri patterns, which features small illustrations of the state of Missouri, surrounded by several of our blue hand-printed designs.

In addition to creating these three blocks, I was honored to be asked to print the City of Chillicothe logo on fabric to be included as another block in the quilt.