Osgoode Outreach Unveils New Barn Quilt at Legion

By Marguerite Rogers,, Osgoode Outreach Member

A small group of dedicated volunteers gathered outside the Osgoode Legion – Branch 589, on April 23, 2024, to officially unveil a Barn Quilt mounted on the wall of the building. Barn quilts are large outdoor painted replicas of fabric quilt blocks. 

The Osgoode Township Museum initiated the Rural Ottawa Barn Quilt Trail in 2020 as a way to showcase community history and to promote tourism. This quilt, mounted on the Osgoode Legion, is the latest in the series. On the Osgoode Township Museum website, other quilts can be seen and maps will direct you to their location. “The Barn Quilt Trail is a great way to explore Osgoode Township by car.”, said James Jensen, Executive Director of the Osgoode Township Museum. “The Museum is pleased that community members continue to add quilts to the Trail four years after it was launched.”

This quilt was designed by the members of Osgoode Outreach, and Shannon Giust, owner of Rideau River Barn Quilts. It represents farming, apple orchards, maple syrup production, the beautiful colours of the area’s forests, and Boyd Block homes which are common in Osgoode.  It also includes red poppies to represent the Osgoode Legion which supports seniors in the community. “The Sheppard Barn, that is shown in the centre of the quilt was an important Ottawa area landmark.”, noted Ronnie Gilliland, President of the Osgoode Legion.  “Historically, pilots flying into Uplands would use it as a way to locate the airport.”

Councillor George Darouze attended the unveiling. He thanked all those from the Osgoode Outreach group and Shannon Giust, owner of Rideau River Barn Quilts, who were responsible for initiating this project and seeing it through to the finish. “I hope to see more of these throughout the Ward in the coming years.”, he remarked.

The painting of this barn quilt was undertaken by members of Osgoode Outreach.  Andy Rafter, from the Osgoode Legion was instrumental in mounting it on the building.

Osgoode Outreach is a social club for adults aged 55+ that meets on Tuesday mornings, from September to early June, at the Osgoode Legion for coffee, cards, speakers, and fellowship. There is no membership fee. It is supported by the Ontario Seniors Community Grant program, Councillor George Darouze, and the Osgoode Village Community Association.

Featured Image: Among those in attendance at today’s unveiling were Legion President Ronnie Gilliland, James Jensen and Doug Thompson from the Osgoode Township Museum in Vernon, Councillor George Darouze and President of the Osgoode Village Community Association Rob McLellan.  They were joined by members of Osgoode Outreach, and Janet Coles and Donna Martineau who are both members of the Legion executive.