Eisenhower
Mary Schafer, piecer
1967-1968
Flushing, Genesee County, Michigan
Cotton with polyester batting
56 x 102
MSUM# 1998:53.32
Photo by KEVA, all rights reserved Michigan State University Museum

Made for her grandson, the Eisenhower quilt began as a simple variation of a nine patch. Mary soon decided to make President Eisenhower the theme. The center block was replaced with a symbol of Eisenhower’s military and political service to the country represented by the eagle and five stars. The laurel leaves of the border represent the honors he received. A continuous vine wrapping around the border represents his unity with the people. Forty-eight stars can be found in the appliqué and in the quilting stitches to represent the number of states during his presidency.