Historical society to host tours, quilt show
The Fayette County Historical Society is expecting hundreds of visitors to the Searight Toll House and the Abel Colley Tavern and Museum for the 40th annual National Road Festival.
The tollhouse will be open on Saturday and Sunday for tours.
“We get a lot of people who come from out of state,” said Christine Buckelew, Fayette County Historical Society president. “Some of these people are coming because they are students of the National Road — history buffs. They love studying, not only the National Road, but the Lincoln Highway. They just love that part of history. They’re usually thrilled — the nicest people we meet.”
The Searight Toll House is one of only three tollhouses that remain along the National Road.
The others are located in Addison and Cumberland, Md.
In addition to the tours at the tollhouse, the Abel Colley Tavern and Museum will be open for several activities over the weekend, including a quilt show and sale.
Quilt-makers also will have the opportunity to have their quilts assessed and appraised.
“We’re trying to keep people’s interest in the museum very high, so we’re trying to bring different events and exhibits,” Buckelew said.
The society has partnered with the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation (BCHRLF) to record the sewing heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania quilt by quilt. Each quilt will be photographed and measured, and the fabric content will be verified.
Additionally, outstanding or unusual quilts may be considered for inclusion in a book on the quilts of southwestern Pennsylvania the BCHRLF would like to produce.
“There’s certainly value in this,” Buckelew said.
“It will be a nice opportunity.”
Any type of quilt is welcome, including patchwork, appliqué, embroidery, crazy quilts and whole cloth quilts.
All quilts must be handmade.
Buckelew said she believes the exhibit will alert the historical society to the number of active guilds in Fayette County.
“I think it’s still a popular art form, and it’s a part of our fabric, the history of our country,” she said. “So we celebrate it.”
Tea time also will be included in the price of admission, which is $10.