Quilts tell stories. These symbols of Americana at its best tell of hopes and heartbreaks, times of scarcity as well as plenty, weddings, deaths, and births. Within each patterned quilt are pieced tales that are lovingly passed down between generations, to be carefully stored in cedar chests, displayed on walls, or spread across beds as warmth for those resting beneath its stories on winter nights.

Perhaps this story telling, intertwined with their common thread of artisanship and rural history, is why quilts hold such a fascination for us. This love of quilts has resulted in a unique marriage across the country of large, square, hand-painted eight-foot wood quilt patterns and rustic country barns. The idea originated in Allen County, Ohio – creating ‘trails’ of these quilt patterns throughout the countryside – and has spread like wildfire. Now, the 4-H clubs of Tuscarawas County have created their own unique trail.

“I am very passionate about this project,” said Chris Kendle, Tuscarawas County 4-H agent and coordinator of the project. “The squares are so beautiful and are a great source of pride to the county’s youth who have been involved with the project. Not only do they highlight the importance of the agricultural community in our county, but also a love of cultural arts.”

The official name of the project is The Tuscarawas County 4-H Quilt Square Trail, and now has a total of 24 quilt squares that have either already been hung or are in the process of being placed on barns throughout the county.

Local 4-H groups have done all of the planning, layout, and painting for the squares as a gift to the community.

“I think the quilt trail is a wonderful addition to Tuscarawas County. Our 4-H members are excited about this project,” said Debbie Allen, a 4-H advisor for the Buckhorn Buckshots. “It allows them to contribute to our county beautification and also assists with increasing local tourism. It gives them a sense of pride to be able to lend a helping hand.”

“I feel that the Quilt Trail is a great way to bring our area businesses, community, farms and 4-H together,” said fellow advisor Jackie Schupp. ”It is a positive way to highlight what our county has to offer; good businesses, pride, and outstanding youth that are working together to bring in people and tourism to Tuscarawas County. We are blessed with the response from local business and barn owners.”

“Our family chose to participate because this is a great way to involve our children in a project that highlights our history,” said Michelle Harstine, of Pleasant Hill Road in New Philadelphia. The Harstine barn displays a Six Windows of Sunshine pattern, painted by Crooked Run 4-H, the club in which the family participates.

“This is my dad’s barn, and we have avid quilters on both sides of the family,” said Michelle’s husband, Greg. “We wanted to be a part of this.”

People are encouraged to drive the tour themselves, and to visit the upcoming Tuscarawas County Fair for more information.

“There will be a People’s Choice competition in the fine arts building at the fair,” commented Kendle. “Fairgoers can vote for their favorite quilt squares. The top 12 will be featured in a 2012 calendar. All 24 squares will be included in the calendar in some way. Note cards and photo prints featuring quilt barns will also be available. The sale of these items will help to sustain the project into the future.”

Sponsors are still being sought for each barn square. A five-year sponsorship is just $200, including a large amount of ongoing publicity.

Said Tiffany Gerber, of the Tuscarawas County CVB, “This has the potential to open up rural areas for driving tours which could increase business to smaller locally-owned businesses and cottage industries.”

A list of barns or sponsor information can be found at http://www.tuscarawas.osu.edu, at the fair, or by calling Kendle at 330-339-2337.