Quilting comes back to DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse

No backpacks. No fresh haircuts or freshly sharpened #2 pencils. Along with other schools throughout our nation this time of year, the DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse is bustling with “non-traditional student” activities. 

Originally built in 1908, the old schoolhouse on the westend of Mineral County closed the doors in 1956 for regular classroom education. Ada Mesenbrink, Maureen Johnson, Jean Jones, Betty Cooper, with other local women from the community, formed The Happy Homemakers group in the late 1960s, focusing on preserving the building while enjoying nostalgic tasks together. 

As you visit the schoolhouse today, you can tour the upstairs “original” classroom, view sample quilts lovingly made by the original founders, purchase apple pies made with the Ada pie crust recipe, and more. Quilting was a large part of the early days with The Happy Homemakers, who had regular quilting bees to create raffle quilts to raise funds to preserve and maintain the schoolhouse.

In the past year, Susan Charles, Diane Jones, and Naomi Mesenbrink have worked together to bring the tradition of quilting back to the old DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse. In September 2024, these three members of the Mineral County Cabin Fever Quilters Guild and The DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse Foundation opened the doors of the schoolhouse to host Westend Sew Days every second Saturday of every month. 

Participants bring their own tools, supplies, and take part in a day full of camaraderie and progress, at the cost of a potluck dish to share. Anyone even curious who has never quilted before is welcome to join us and learn.

During the Annual Yard Sale at the schoolhouse in June, Jones, Mesenbrink, and Charles hosted a Quilt Sale of items made by members of the Cabin Fever Quilters Guild. 

“That weekend was unseasonally cold and rainy. It looked like an art gallery inside and we had so many people enjoy this new opportunity,” remarked Naomi Mesenbrink. This was a new outlet for quilts to be purchased since the closing of other local markets.

Wednesday, August 13th, “Quilters After Dark”, a new club of quilters, had an evening of festivities inside the DeBorgia Schoolhouse. 

According to QAD organizer, Susan Charles, “It’s a once in a year block ‘exchange’ that has very few rules… meet, potluck, bring twelve blocks with your choice of pattern and fabric. No officers, no by-laws… just friendship quilters!” Quilters come from Mineral County, Sanders County, and even from out of state to join this annual event.

Another quilting first at the schoolhouse this year, is a Day Camp held Sept. 17-21. Ladies attending set-up their station and sew to their heart’s content! Basic requirements of any quilt retreat are a snack station, beverages of all sorts, sewing projects/tools, comfortable clothing, and a positive, rested attitude. But every quilter knows “what happens at a quilt retreat stays at a quilt retreat”!

Although there may not be a back-to-school shopping list or an open house night to meet the teacher, the DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse Foundation is sure the original founders of The Happy Homemakers would be proud to see this timeless tradition return! For a schedule of events, please check out their Facebook page and watch for their flyers locally. 

Renting the DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse for an upcoming event, such as a wedding, funeral, dance/prom, birthday/graduation party, etc is also available. 

    Peggy Temple and Kathleen Raither. (Photo provided)
  

    Quilts for Sale at the DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse Annual Yard Sale. (Photo provided)