On This Day in History Quilt for April 2.
On this day in 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon came ashore somewhere near present-day St. Augustine, Florida and claimed the territory for the Spanish crown. Ponce de Leon was looking for the fabled “Fountain of Youth.” He never found the source of eternal youth, but he is credited for naming Florida. De Leon’s landing on the lush, green coast happened around Easter feast time, or Pascua Florida (Festival of Flowers).
Patricia L. Styring of St. Augustine, Florida made this miniature quilt, titled “Mariner’s Quilteenie” in 2006. The quilt measures 13.5” x 13.5” and is now part of “The Oh Wow! Miniature Quilt Collection at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky.
View this quilt on The Quilt Index to read more about it’s history, design and construction. Be sure to use the zoom tool for a detailed view.
Sources:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ponce-de-leon-discovers-florida
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Ponce_de_Le%C3%B3n
Posted by Amy E. Milne
Executive Director, Quilt Alliance
amy.milne@quiltalliance.org