FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Wendi Lewis, Marketing and Public
Relations Manager
wendi.lewis@ahc.alabama.gov, 334-230-2680
September 20, 2021
‘Cold Weather Comforts’ exhibit will feature antique, vintage quilts
and oil lamps at Belle Mont Mansion
(Tuscumbia, AL) 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, www.bellemontmansion.org.
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.
About Belle Mont
Located just outside Tuscumbia in Colbert County,
the mansion is one of a few Palladian-style houses in the Deep South. This
style stems from the neoclassical architectural design of Italian Renaissance
architect Andrea Palladio. Belle Mont Mansion is a singularly fine example of
Jeffersonian – Palladian architecture built circa 1828.
About the Alabama Historical Commission
Located in historic downtown Montgomery at 468 S.
Perry Street, the Alabama Historical Commission is the state historic
preservation agency for Alabama. The agency was created by an act of the state
legislature in 1966 with a mission to protect, preserve and interpret Alabama’s
historic places. AHC works to accomplish its mission through two fields of
endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public
attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns, and
cities with local preservation activities. For a complete list of programs and
properties owned and operated by the AHC, hours of operation, and admission
fees please visit ahc.alabama.gov
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