LeRoy Pennysaver & News

LE ROY PENNYSAVER & NEWS - APRIL 5, 2020 by Lynne Belluscio The LeRoy Barn Quilt project began in 2011 in anticipation of the town’s bicentennial in 2012. Nearly 100 barn quilts were produced since 2011. Some of those quilts were never put up. Some were placed on barns outside of LeRoy. Ten years later, some of the quilts have been replaced. Some have been removed. Some repainted, and several new ones have appeared. With an incentive to rediscover walking routes here is a list of some of the barn quilts you can see if you are walking through the Village of LeRoy. “J e l l - O J i g g l e r s ” 23 East Main Street - Academic Building (Being repainted this spring) This was the first quilt painted for the LeRoy Bicentennial during the 2011 Oatka Festival. The pattern was the inspiration for a real quilt sewn by Eileen Casey Gianiodis, who grew up in LeRoy and although she moved away many years ago, she still considers LeRoy to be home. The colors represent the colors of Jell-O. Another full-sized quilt will be installed on Asbury Road at the Town Highway Department on the Woodward Airport hangar. Route 19 and Main Street Northeast corner “LeRoy Bicentennial Quilt 1812 – 2012” This red- white-blue quilt includes nine quilt designs that can be found in and around LeRoy. It was designed by Town Historian, Lynne Belluscio, and painted by students from LeRoy Central School. It was bought and installed by Tim Hens on his historic building after the Wiss Hotel was torn down. Top row l to r: “Tilted Triangles”; “Amelia Earhart”; “Country Fair”. Center row l to r: “Dash Churn”; “Sunflower”; “Eastern Star”. Bottom row l to r: “Stars and Stripes”; “Veteran’s Pride”; “LeRoy Trail”. The triangle border is known as “Flying Geese” which reminds everyone of the Canadian geese on the creek. 60 North Street , next to the DPW garage “Nine Patch Scrap” 100 East Main Street On the East Avenue side of the house “ Sunflower” 13 East Ave On the garage “Family” Four generations of the Harvie family helped design and paint this barn quilt. Ruth Harvie’s grandson, Russell, cut a white star snowflake for his grandmother for Christmas. This design was transferred to the barn quilt. The lilac color is Ruth’s favorite and the blue is for her husband Ross. The pink hearts point in all directions like Ruth’s family, but they all come together in the center. Ruth’s daughter, Tisha painted the design and Ruth’s great grandson, Clifton painted the border. 90 East Main On garage behind house “Tilted Triangles” The design is in reference to the 87,000 acre Triangle Tract owned by Herman LeRoy. 46 East Avenue On peak of garage, behind the stone wall “Home is Where the Heart Is” this traditional Amish pattern was painted by Bruce and Nancy Baker’s family, and although Bruce and Nancy have moved from LeRoy, it is a reminder of this LeRoy family whose contributions to this community made a difference for many families. 43 East Main Street On the fence between the houses “Prosperity” 33 South Street On the white barn “Star of England” As a reminder of the English heritage of the Kettle family. 92 South Street Around the corner on Exchange Street “Dog Bones” A fanciful reminder of many golden retrievers who have found a good home here. 31 Exchange Street Behind the house on the garage – “Lewis and Clark” Not a salute to the great explorers, but a reminder of a strong Irish heritage. 9203 Summit St “Cardinals at the Feeder” because there usually are cardinals at Sue’s feeder 10WilsonAve “Ingham Rose” - Ingham University was the first university for women to grant a four-year degree and was founded in LeRoy in 1837. Chartered by the New York Board of Regents in 1857, it remained open until financial difficulties forced it to close in 1892. The campus which was located along the Oatka Creek in the village, was graced with abundant white roses that alumnae often wore in tribute to their alma mater. 65 Lake Street Mooney’s Restaurant “Snail Trail” M c D o n a l d ’ s Restaurant - “I’m Lovin’ It” - The great news is that after almost a year, the one and only McDonald’s barn quilt, will be put back up. This pattern was chosen from three options by the employees and the only provision was that there had to be golden arches. Rediscovering the LeRoy Barn Quilt Trail