On Jan. 25, Dana Auctions of Princeton, N.J., held its Antique and Vintage Quilt & Textile Auction, featuring an exceptional quilt that captivated both collectors and historians. The quilt, a 1913 Pennsylvania Signature Quilt in the Star of Bethlehem pattern, sold for $6,150, including the buyers premium. This remarkable textile, crafted by the Zwingli YP Society of Christ Reformed Church in Jefferson, (York County) Pa., is a masterpiece of community history. The quilt features 700 embroidered name inscriptions, including the Rev. and Mrs. N.W. Sechler, the Henry family, and others such as Stauffer, Dill, Menges, Wehrly, Myers, and Hartman. It was consigned by the estate of Sharon Stark, a longtime antique textile dealer from Berks County, Pa., whose handwritten tag noted the name Henry Hartman, York Co., a name also found among the quilts inscriptions. A Quilts Journey Home Earlier in January, Dana Balsamo, owner of Dana Auctions, showcased the quilt during a presentation at the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association (PAA) Conference in Harrisburg. The session focused on how to evaluate and market quilts for auction, and the quilts historical significance became a centerpiece of discussion. Several auctioneers in attendance recognized names on the quilt, sparking excitement when Charlie Wehrly of Wehrlys Auction House identified his grandparents names among the inscriptions. Moved by the quilts connection to their community, several auctioneers, including Scott Wehrly, Shawn Carbaugh, and Jamie Shearer, resolved to bring the quilt back to Jefferson, Pa. Carbaugh led a spirited fundraising effort over the next two weeks to raise the necessary funds for the purchase. His efforts paid off, and the quilt was ultimately acquired by the Codorus Valley Area Historical Society. Historical Connections and Community Impact Thomas Yingling, representing the historical society, drove to Princeton to collect the quilt following the auction. During his conversation with Balsamo, Yingling shared his findings about the quilts historical context. In 1912, the steeple of Christ Reformed Church was struck by lightning, necessitating a major reconstruction of the church faade and steeple in 1913. Yingling speculated that the quilt served as a fundraising project for this effort, with members of the community paying to have their names included. Balsamo suggested that prominent positions on the quilt, such as the center star or border, may have required larger donations. Notably, the church construction cost $5,000, equal to the winning hammer price bid. Yingling expressed his excitement about returning the quilt to Jefferson, where it will be periodically displayed for the public. The quilt, a testament to the craftsmanship and communal spirit of its creators, has found its way back to its origins, where it can once again connect people with their shared history. This story highlights the enduring legacy of antique quilts as cultural artifacts and symbols of community pride. For Dana Auctions, this sale represents more than just a transaction, its a chapter in preserving the rich stories that these textiles hold. The story also speaks to both the power of fundraising and networking. Balsamo is an AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser, and License Auctioneer. If you would like to contribute to the care and preservation of the quilt, visit the Codorus Valley Area Historical Society website at www.codorusvalley.org. To learn more about Dana Auctions, visit www.danaauctions.com.