Quilts dating back to World War I will be on display at Ballan at the weekend.
Ballan Red Cross president Anne Eskdale said the quilts originated from a fundraising drive for soldiers during the First World War, and were then donated to hospitals to be used on soldiers’ beds.
People were encouraged to purchase a ‘square’ for sixpence, sign it, and then hand it back to the women sewing the squares together to build the quilts.
“They were so practical,” Ms Eskdale said. “Not only were they done as a fundraising drive, but they were also used for wounded soldiers. And, with some of the readings I’ve done, families went without to give to the Red Cross, so their sons would get a parcel.”
There’s something eerie about looking at and touching something with so much sentimental value and history, Ms Eskdale said.
“When we touched – with our gloves on – those signatures on the quilts, it was quite moving,” she said.
“All those people have lived lives, but are now gone.”
The quilts will be on display from Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20, 10am until 4pm, at Mill Rose Quilting & Gallery, 92 Inglis Street, Ballan. Entry $5.
Visitors are also asked to sign a 21st century quilt square, for $5, with proceeds going to Ballan Red Cross.
