George Ward Commemorative Quilt

Unveiling of the George Ward Commemorative Quilt - 3

Quilt organizers: Sue Ellis and Eleanor Blain. Ready in time to enter
into the International Plowing Match Quilt Competition.

Press Release:
Wardsville:
In October 2009, Wardsville's quilt committee began designing a fabric
quilt to commemorate their community's bicentennial and founder,
George Ward.

George Ward had a long and interesting life. The Ward family's
struggles, the Battle of the Longwoods, and the social history of that
time have been brought to life through a commemorative quilt that
features thirty quilt blocks symbolizing Ward's life, his birth in
Ireland, his involvement in several Wars in Europe as well as in North
America, and the request from the British government for him to
homestead in the Wardsville area in 1810. There are thirty blocks and
there is a story to go with each one.

A tremendous number of hours go into a quilt. From selecting fabric to
cutting shapes to the hundreds of hours of stitching, Sue Ellis and
Eleanor Blain involved many experienced and non-experienced quilters
in the creation of the quilt. The frames were set up at Beattie Haven
Retirement Home.

When it was unveiled at Wardsville United Church May 14th, the crowd
gasped in awe. The following Saturday, the George Ward Commemorative
Quilt was bundled up and taken to Shedden for the 2010 Plowing Match
Quilting Competition.

In 1810, Mr George Ward was requested by the British Government to
establish a stopping point for travellers along the section of
Longwoods Road between Thamesville and Delaware. The British were
aware that a possible war was in the future. When the war of 1812-14
was imminent, Mr Ward was asked to supply provisions and fresh horses
for the military. Ward was also a player in the Battle of the
Longwoods on March 4, 1814. He homesteaded the area called Ward's
Station, now Wardsville, creating a home for his wife and family. He
suffered many trials and tribulations not only with the environment
but as well at the hands of the enemy. He managed to live out his days
in Wardsville and died in 1837. His remains are buried at the
historical Wardsville cemetery.

Sue Ellis (519) 693-7123
Eleanor Blain (519) 693-4616


Mary Simpson, Secretary

Your Wardsville community association
Tel: 519 287 3566
Cel: 519 318 1074

http://wardsville.wordpress.com/ Your Wardsville

Wardsville celebrates 200 years
Bicentennial Celebration June 18-20, 2010.

marysimpson@yourwardsville.com