On this day in 1937, the German government, then under control of Adolf Hitler, formed a new state-owned automobile company. The original name was Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH, but the company was renamed that same year simply Volkswagenwerk, that translates to “The People’s Care Company.” Ferdinand Porsche of Austria was called in by Hitler to build an affordable, fun car (sales price was about $140 in U.S. currency at the time). The German government sold 60% of Volkswagen stock to the public in 1960.
Linnea Robbins of Schoolcraft, Michigan made this quilt titled “VW Love” in 1998, for her daughter Melissa. “I always wanted one of her quilts and she came up with this design and surprised me with it for Christmas,” wrote Melissa. “When I started driving, I fell in love with Volkswagens. My Mother knows this and has such a creative streak in her. My Mom always uses these bright, vibrant fabrics and she used some vintage ones because she knows I am interested in “older” things.”
The quilt was documented as part of the Michigan Quilt Project.
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/volkswagen-is-founded
Posted by Amy E. Milne
Executive Director, Quilt Alliance
amy.milne@quiltalliance.org