TUSCUMBIA-As cooler weather approaches, Belle Mont Mansion will host a new exhibit titled “Cold Weather Comforts,” featuring a display of antique and vintage quilts and oil lamps. The exhibit will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, October 6-30.
The annual October quilt show has been expanded this year to include historic oil lamps. Local collector Mary Carton has been acquiring oil lamps for more than 20 years. Her collection now numbers about 50 lamps dating from the late 1800s through the early 20th century when TVA brought rural electrification to the Shoals. Some of her favorite lamps will be displayed along with the history of each.
“We know that in the 1800s and early 1900s, when days grew shorter and nights grew colder, homes were lit by firelight and lamplight and people pulled out their warmest and brightest quilts to break the chill,” said Ninon Parker, Site Director for Belle Mont Mansion. “Recalling the comforts afforded by quilts and light during the darkest times of the year brings a warm and fuzzy feeling. We invite the public to visit Belle Mont to relive the days before electricity.”
Glenn Rikard’s quilt collection has formed the basis of Belle Mont’s annual display for many years. This year’s display will again feature his personal collection, with many pieces being shown for the first time. He will present a program each Friday at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring quilts to share during the program’s “show and tell,” when Rikard will be available to help identify unknown patterns and estimate dates of crafting.
“This is my favorite part of the show,” said Rikard. He says he is “constantly learning from those who bring their treasured quilts to share, and I always discover beauty among these utilitarian works of art.”
The Friday programs will be held on the courtyard, weather permitting. Programs will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Those who visit the museum’s exhibit will be asked to wear a mask and to maintain social distancing while indoors.
Belle Mont is located at 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, Alabama. Regular museum admission rates will apply: Adults $6.00; Seniors, College Students and Military $5; youths 6-18 years $3; Children younger than 6 admitted free. For more information: 256-381-5052.
Belle Mont is a historic property owned by the Alabama Historical Commission and operated locally by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation. To learn more about Belle Mont or the Alabama Historical Commission, please visit www.ahc.alabama.gov.
