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Fair Ribbon quilt, 1908-1934

Source: Wisconsin Historical Museum object #2004.12.1

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Fair quilt section detail, 1908-1934

Source: Wisconsin Historical Museum object #2004.12.1

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Mr. Milward and his quilt, 1935

Source: Wisconsin Historical Museum object #2004.12.1

Quilt made of fair prize ribbons won by William H. Milward between 1908 and 1934.
(Museum object #2004.12.1)

Made by Elizabeth (Meibohn) Milward of Madison, Wisconsin, from about 250 award ribbons won by her husband William Henry Milward for his fruits, flowers, and poultry between 1908 and 1934. Several ribbons are from the Wisconsin State Fair, others are from agricultural fairs around the state (including Sheboygan, Madison, Milwaukee, and Fort Atkinson) and from around the Midwest (including the Chicago 1933 World's Fair).

This quilt was made in the dining room of Coney Weston Farm. Mrs. Miller (a neighbor), William H. Milward, and Elizabeth Milward are pictured in a  photograph with the quilt, taken by Angus McVicar on January 6, 1935. The photograph appeared in conjunction with a feature on Mr. Milward in The Capital Times newspaper. Shortly after the photograph was taken, the quilt made its debut in an exhibition at the Adult Hobby show in the YMCA on January 18, 1935.

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Posted on January 17, 2005