A Special Gift to the Museum

In 2023, Aldea (Tharp) and Bob Fuller entered the museum carrying a quilt with a unique story. The quilt was made by Aldea’s mother, Thelma, during the time her husband Al was working on the construction of the Pit River Bridge. Aldea chose to donate the quilt to the museum, wanting it to find a good home and be appreciated for its historical significance.

Preserving Memories Through Craft

Thelma created the quilt as a way to keep the memories of the bridge construction alive, especially the friendships formed among the families of the men working on the project. She invited each family to sign and stitch over their names, along with the places they originally called home. The quilt features names from a wide array of states, including Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Montana, Missouri, Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and California. In her family square, she told where each family member was born.

On Display at Boomtown Museum

Today, the quilt is exhibited as one of the current pieces in the Boomtown Museum. It stands among other quilts donated by families of dam workers, serving as a tribute to the community and the lasting bonds created during the construction of the Pit River Bridge.

FYI Some of the other photos show the changes that were made to the bridge when WWII was underway.