The Great Quilt Scandal of the Depression

Century of Progress Quilt Contest Announcement

The Quilt Scout, Mary Fons, has written an intriquing article for Quilts, Inc. regarding the Century of Progress Quilt Contest scandal which took place in 1933. It's a fascinating story which resonates today.

To read the article, click on Learn More.

To learn more about Merikay Waldvogel and Barbara Brackman's book, click on the photo below.

Comments

#9 MarianSmith 2017-09-20 06:38

I read somewhere that many quilts sent to the competition were stored unopened in boxes in the basement of Sears headquarters.

#8 Brenda Wall 2017-09-19 08:53

The destruction of the quilts was in Houston, but I cannot remember the year. It was after the show, as they were taking down the quilts. The next year the security was raised quite a bit. If I remember correctly it was a quilter who had a feud with another quilter and was very angry. They threw bleach on a quilt and I believe it splashed over to other entrants. Sad day for quilters.

#7 Deborah Giles 2017-09-18 12:51

Thanks to Mary for a great article!

#6 Judy McNeel 2017-09-17 16:36

I heard this story in the 1980's--possibl y Quilter's Newsletter Magazine. It makes me sick every time. There were so many wonderful original entries that reflected the theme of "progress". BTW, I just looked at Amazon and one bookseller has it for $500! I don't think so.....!!!

#5 Dodie Morrison 2017-09-17 13:08

Mary Fons referenced a quilt being ruined when paint was thrown on it at a show but couldn't find any info on it. I think it was probably the 2002 incident at the show in Houston when bleach was thrown onto an award winning quilt on purpose. The story is on pg. 32
https://books.google.com/books?id=q5dEWkogijMC&pg=PA34&lpg=PA34&dq=bleach+thrown+on+a+quilt+at+Paducah+AQS+show&source=bl&ots=8PSIv4JaOj&sig=p3h46WhHrVXu8ONIBtFDDCbQG7c&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwidvbDc5azWAhXEy4MKHX2GAxQQ6AEITjAF#v=onepage&q=bleach%20thrown%20on%20a%20quilt%20at%20Paducah%20AQS%20show&f=false

#4 Terry D. 2017-09-17 09:56

This story has always fascinated me, especially since I am from Louisville. I have the book, too. Interesting that the quilt has never been found.

#3 CarrieG 2017-09-17 08:44

I have this book. This whole story fascinates me! Scandal & Controversy in the quilt world.

#2 Paula Hidalgo 2017-09-17 08:24

WOW, most interesting article, but so sad too...it makes you wonder what might happen if they could be judged today!

#1 Andi OBrien 2017-09-17 08:13

Wouldn't it be an awesome display if as many of these quilts as possible were located and shown today? I would love to see that collection!!

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