This month’s spotlight contains threads to the past: a signature quilt from the Third Presbyterian Church at Garfield Avenue and Stafford Street in Dubuque. The quilt was constructed in 1900 by the Ladies Aid Society to raise money for their congregation. Financial instability plagued the mission church, exacerbated by national disruptions such as the Panic of 1893 and the ensuing Strike of 1894, which paralyzed rail traffic. Each society member sought out a donation of 10 cents (equivalent to roughly $4.00 in 2026) to embroider the donor’s signature on their quilt block.
The quilt features not only the signatures of the individuals and companies, but also images of flowers, animals, objects, and commemorative icons in the center of each block. A pet cat named Yum Yum and a dog named Caesar are two of such motifs.
A few years later, society member Kate Miller moved away and received this quilt as a farewell present. After her death, her daughter returned the quilt to the Third Presbyterian Church via current member Nellie Quilliann Blades. Her daughter, Lillian Blades Mathis, donated the quilt to the Historical Society in 1971.
The following is just a small portion of embroidery on the quilt:
Wm. McKinley, President of the United States, visited Dubuque October 16, 1899
Miss Hatty Miller
Frank Kaltenbach Fine Shoes Cor. 15 - Clay St.
German Bakery H. Moehl, Prop. 1051 Clay St. Dubuque, Iowa
Frank Duertscher Grocer
J.W. & A.E. Neumeister Dealers in Fresh Meats, Manufacturers of All Kinds of Sausages Our Own Home Cured Hams, Bacon And Kettle Rendered Lard also Buyers & Shippers of Live Stock 625 Lincoln Av.
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Oakley
Martha Kammuller
Lyon Barnard. Dubuque Ia. Piano Co.
James Moore. Fred L. Moore Jr. Portland Ore.
Vera A. Scheppele
J.R. Ballough
Allen D. Shaw
Ferd A. Nesler Jeweler & Optician 1732 Clay St Dubuque
