The Memorial Quilters Guild History

Memorial Quilters held its first meeting on October 26, 1979 at District Memorial Hospital in Forest Lake, MN.   There were 12 members present.  They chose the name "Memorial Quilters" because the hospital offered a free meeting room and some storage for the fledgling guild.   Eleanor Elmstrom was instrumental in the formation and development of the guild, since most of the members were students in her quilting classes.

Their first quilt show was held in the Forest Lake Northland Mall on September 19-21, 1980.   From its origin the show was unique because of the many antiques and other props nestled among the quilts, giving it a very warm home-like atmosphere.   A raffle quilt lovingly made by the quilt members is raffled off to a lucky recipient at each show.

Service projects included burp cloths and a quilt for the first and last baby of the year born at District Memorial Hospital and providing comfort quilts to fire victims.   They also have made quilts for AIDS babies, domestic abuse shelters, Birchwood Nursing Home, babies at risk, pregnancy and infant loss, etc.

Friendship quilts made by members for members began in 1982.   In 1987 we decided to give away two Frienship Quilts each year.   The quilts are given in a drawing in July and December with each participating quilter getting one chance for each year of membership in the club.   The friendship quilts are displayed at our quilt show.