Gypsy Caravan Quilts and Tops

In addition to the hand quilted quilts that Mary Schumacher donated to Compton Cares, she also gave four interesting tops that are not finished.
This basket quilt was made by Mary's grandmother, Mary Ellen Gastineau, in the late 1950s or early '60s. Mrs. Gastineau died in 1980. Many of the fabrics appear to be feed sacks and '30s prints. The six-inch blocks are set on point and the top measures 70" by 87". There is sun damage on the lower rows and one edge is frayed.


This butterfly charm quilt, also with some '30s prints, was made by Mary's aunt Ora E. McFadden, who was a daughter of Mrs. Gastineau. The blocks are 7 inches, set on point, hand pieced and appliqued with buttonhole embroidery stitch. There is slight yellowing of the muslin fabric along one edge.



A top made of album blocks is attributed by Mary to Cora Ethel Hughes Johnson, her daughter Katherine McDonald and Katherine's sister-in-law Alice Hull. The women lived on Russell Avenue in the Shaw Neighborhood and died in the 1970s. The blocks are not signed. They measure 11-1/2 inches and the top is 67" by 86".

Measuring 61" by 83", this nine- patch top with 2-1/2" sashing has a "use up the scraps" feel and may have been made in the '60s not long before Mrs. Johnson's death in 1971. It is somewhat unusual in its use of plaid fabric in many blocks. Mary inherited it after Katherine McDonald died in 1978.

In addition to the quilts, our booth will feature Avon ruby glass, various collectibles, stained glass, 33 lp records, a globe of the moon and a handmade chocolate safe box, among other tantalizing items. For more information about Gypsy Caravan, click on the name to go to the event web site. We hope to see you there: we are in space C-94.

Quilts for Gypsy Caravan

One of the most exciting gifts to Compton Cares is a collection of four quilts and four pieced quilt tops donated by Mary Schumacher. These will be offered for sale at the Gypsy Caravan, the antique, craft and flea market of St. Louis, on Monday, May 26 at the UM-St. Louis campus. Above left is a rose applique quilt made especially for Mary by her neighbor, Cora Ethel Hughes Johnson, who lived on Russell Ave. and was a member of Compton Heights Baptist Church. Mary says it was made in the 1960s. It measures 69" inches wide by 83" long. The blocks are 17" with hand applique and French Knot embroidery. Quilting is 4 stitches per inch. Good condition.

This unusual version of a fan quilt was made by Cora Ethel Hughes Johnson, her daughter Katherine McDonald and Katherine's sister-in-law Alice Hull. Blocks are 7''. The quilt measures 68" by 82". Quilting is 8 stitches per inch. Very good condition. Some fabrics are 1930s but Mary thinks it was made in the late '50s or early '60s. Mrs. Johnson died in 1971.

A variation of the Orange Peel, this pink and green beauty was also made by Mrs. Johnson and her daughter Katherine and Alice Hull. Appliqued blocks alternate with print blocks measuring 10-1/2 inches. Quilt is 60" by 84". Hand quilted 4 stitches per inch. The muslin back has some slight staining from storage.


Alternating printed floral panels and yellow fabric brighten this 55" by 76" quilt made by Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Hull. Quilting is 4 stitches per inch and some of the batting has shifted from wear and folding.

The next post (which will show up above this one) shows the four unquilted tops that Mary also contributed to Compton Cares.

For information about Gypsy Caravan, click on the name to go to the event web site.

Farewell to Jenn and New Garden Plantings

Finally the sun is out and it has been dry enough to plant in the meditation garden next to the church. The newest feature is the Peace Pole made by Sarah Hughes with help from Jingue Wu last summer.









The access- ible entrance to the sanctuary also features some planters that didn't exist before. Here,a walking stick tree will be interesting in all seasons.


For the first time in a long time, the choir was at full strength on Sunday, and everyone's toes were tapping as they sang in their Pentecost stoles. (Note: clicking on photos will enlarge them for details.)


Larry and Jenn sang two new songs of Larry's compo- sition: "Compton Rising" and "Unconditional Love." The stole hand woven in Peru is a gift from the congregation to Jenn upon her graduation from seminary this weekend. We will miss her but every student associate has brought us new insights and blessings. Next year will be no different.

Don't forget Gypsy Caravan on Monday, May 26 to support Compton Cares. We WILL have photos! Also, check out the new totals in fundraising from GoodSearch! Keep those searches and online purchases going to help us reach our goal! Thank YOU!

Gypsy Caravan, Here We Come

Thanks to a wonderful donation of quilts and quilt tops by Mary S. of our congregation, Compton Cares is going to try to connect these treasures with collectors at a St. Louis tradition, the Gypsy Caravan on Memorial Day, May 26. We will also have other types of collectibles including Avon ruby glass. Please save the date and watch this blog for a complete catalog of the items we will have for sale. At right is a detail from an applique rose quilt in the collection.

Gypsy Caravan
May 26, 2008
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(early birds 7-9 a.m.)
University of Missouri-St. Louis Campus
(We are in space C-94)
Admission $5 to shop 350 vendors
For more information see Gypsy Caravan site

The Sanctuary is Accessible!

A long- awaited day arrived on Sunday, April 20 when we were able to open the sanctuary doors once more. Construction of the accessible ramp at the front of the church is complete!


The ramps, steps and plaza at the top are now protected by sturdy and attractive railings. Still to be completed, the planter along the sidewalk needs to be cleaned and filled for planting.


On Saturday we received more good news about our fund raising. The Bridgeton Fund of the South East Gateway Area awarded our project a grant of $6,500. This will pay for part of the unexpected expenses to fix the drainage systems on the north and south sides of the church. As soon as the check arrives, we will update the totals in the expenses and funds raised column. We are so grateful for this grant, which recognizes the amazing commitment of the congregation to ministry in the city!

Railings Are Here!

Whenever we talk about an access- ibility project, most people probably think of a ramp to get into the building. Compton Cares IS about the construction of a ramp in addition to the interior renovations that gave us accessible restrooms and the bonus of a new kitchenette. Last week, the new iron railings for the ramps were installed. The project is almost complete. A landscaper will add dirt to the planter boxes, and a little more finish work is needed outside and inside.

The top view is from the Grand Boulevard sidewalk looking south, toward our commer- cial neighbor, Jack in the Box. This view is from the south side, looking toward our yard and garden that borders Flora Place. Hardy, sun-loving perennials will populate this front planter box. We are taking suggestions from all of you gardeners out there.


The new plaza at the top of the ramp has a sturdy railing that can prevent falls and roll- aways. Next up: a plan to give the sanctuary front doors a fresh coat of paint, and to add a sign that will identify our building to passerby as a church, since it is sometimes lost in the visual "noise" of our commercial surroundings. Soon we will have a dedication and a major fundraising project will be unveiled later this week.

Waiting for Railings

We are still waiting for the new railings for the front ramp and steps. When those are installed, we will be able to use the front entrance to the sanctuary again. We also are looking into landscaping choices for this area, and a group of Compton volunteers recently cleaned up the lawn and gardens so that when the weather stabilizes a little more, we can plant!

Coming soon: information about our fundraising activities, including a vintage quilt sale. Be sure to check back often. Also upcoming: dedication and gala opening of the accessible ramp and other features of the remodeling project. As always, thanks to everyone for your use of Good Search, Good Shop, Escrip, and for saving those cans and coins!