We all remember fun projects from our childhood. Each classroom offers a unique and creative way for students to not only make something special, but also make a lasting memory. That was certainly the case for Mrs. Jane Edgar’s final class at Columbian School in the 1980’s.
This past fall, the Mattoon School District had received a classroom quilt in the mail that we later found out was created by Mrs. Edgar and her final class. The quilt was found at a local yard sale by a Mrs. Denise Smith-Newby, who then purchased the quilt for about $10. Denise was surprised at how affordable the quilt was listed at, and even offered to pay more! She loves quilting and actually kept all of her grandmother's quilts, and thought this one was beautiful. Denise offered $20 at the yard sale because of how nice she thought it was.
After keeping the quilt for several years, Denise decided she wanted to donate it back to the school. She stated, “As I age I am looking around and [wondering] who will get what I treasure in my house. Will they enjoy items that [have] made me happy? Or will my things end up in a junk store? When I decided to donate the quilt back to you [MCUSD2], I hoped some memories or stories would be the outcome. It was [made] with love and it took time to make each panel and to sew together and Mrs. Edgar brought it to life. I hope the quilt brings back memories for those who made it and something to be cherished."
The 72" x 84" panel quilt is Easter themed and has a total of 54 squares that make up the pattern quilt. You may recognize many names on the quilt as some are now community leaders. One of the names/artists on this panel quilt is Chris Wetzel, who was just named as an associate judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit. Chris is the one who told us that this quilt was made for Mrs. Edgar’s retirement. “Our class was [Mrs.] Edgar’s last year teaching. I know a number of students that would have been in that class… I remember the classroom. I remember [Mrs.] Edgar. She was a friend of both of my grandma Wetzel, and lived next to my Grandma & Grandpa Gill.”
Another local who can be found on the quilt is Amanda (Burwell) Prater, who works at the Area Credit Union. She laughed at how she didn’t even spell her name right on the square when we first spoke about the quilt. Although she doesn’t remember the quilt specifically, she could always remember how nice Mrs. Edgar was. “I remember where I sat in the classroom and I remember Mrs. Edgar. I have even seen her out and about afterwards and I always thought she was a very nice lady.”
Mrs. Edgar’s kindness seems to be a shared memory of many of her previous students. Matt Landrus, who is now an English Instructor at Lake Land College, was another one of Mrs. Edgar’s students who created a square for the 1980’s quilt. He states, “I have the fondest memories of Mrs. Edgar. She was kind, nurturing, and treated us more like family than a group of random students. She kept tabs on us too. When I was hired full-time at Lake Land, she sent me a ‘congratulations’ card, and anytime my name appeared in the newspaper, she’d send me a card in the mail. She was a one-in-a-million teacher (and person), and Mattoon should be proud she taught so many of the community’s children.”
Although her teaching career began in 1936 in Sullivan, Mrs. Jane Edgar Moltz of Arcola taught at Mattoon Schools from 1968 until 1981. She was a loving teacher, wife, and mother. People often describe Mrs. Edgar as a lovely lady who always gave hugs in the hallway. She could also be found frequently walking the Coles County Mall. Mrs. Edgar passed away peacefully at the age of 99 in 2016 at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon.
Mrs. Edgar’s classroom quilt will be on display for the public to enjoy at the Mattoon Outdoor Quilt Show taking place at Lytle Park this Saturday, June 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Quilt Show is sponsored by the Mattoon Arts Council and is only possible through generous volunteers who are passionate about quilting and giving of their time. We want to thank the Mattoon Arts Council and Outdoor Quilt Show for welcoming a little piece of history that is Mrs. Edgar’s quilt.
Mrs. Jane Edgar, Teacher at Mattoon Schools from 1968 until 1981.
Image of the entire 72" x 84" 1980's Panel Quilt by Mrs. Edgar's class at Columbian School in Mattoon.
Quilt square created by Columbian student and now associate judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit, Chris Wetzel.
Quilt square created by Columbian student and now an employee at the local Area Credit Union, Amanda (Burwell) Prater.
Quilt square created by Columbian student and now English Instructor at Lake Land College, Matt Landrus.
Close-up of Mrs. Edgar's Easter quilt.