In 1976 students in Karen (Gutman) Paige’s sewing class at the then named Sidney Lanier Training Center created a wall hanging to celebrate the country’s bicentennial. Aide Sharon Ream designed the color scheme and cut out the squares. Teacher Jean Schwartz drew the simple pictures depicting American history. The students learned how to sew from Paige and for five months the students embroidered 49 squares. Intern Fay Anderson sewed the squares together and the hanging was put on display in the lobby of the Gainesville Sun.
The unique piece
of art eventually ended up in the possession of former Sidney Lanier teacher
and current UF Instructional Professor, Dr. Steve Noll. Dr. Noll was an intern
at Sidney Lanier in 1976 and helped create the hanging. He and his wife,
Beverly, have donated the hanging to the Matheson History Museum but the hanging
is in need of restoration. The Nolls have pledged the first $1,000 towards the
$5,000 cost. We are calling on the community to help us raise the rest of the
funds.
Once the wall
hanging is restored it will be put on display with a community partner in
celebration of America’s 250th anniversary for all to view and
enjoy.
