Archive of Previous Objects

Fair Ribbon Quilt

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).

The image at left shows the quilt being made in the dining room of Coney Weston Farm (from left to right: Mrs. Miller (a neighbor), William H. Milward, and Elizabeth Milward). Photograph taken by Angus McVicar, January 6, 1935 in conjunction with a feature on Mr. Milward in The Capital Times. Shortly after this photograph was taken, the quilt made its debut in an exhibition at the Adult Hobby show in the YMCA on January 18, 1935.