history

For many years quilting has been a source of pleasure and comfort for women across America. Texas women, with their wonderful skill and imagination, have been consistent with this tradition throughout its colorful history. The county of Montgomery abounded with its share of fine quilters. The Montgomery County Home Extension Service for years was a forerunner in making sure this heritage and quilting tradition did not die. Quilting bees were established and the tradition carried on throughout the county.

In 1979, a Quilt Shop was opened and Gladys Keith started teaching and formed a bee which adopted the name of “The Patchwork Quilt Club.” This bee met at Joyce Bauerle’s house and it started in 1979.

In September 1987, six ladies from this club established a quilting guild in Montgomery County, which became the Golden Needles Quilt Guild. Founders of the first full-scale meeting were Celine Doster, Stella Lindsey, Jane Mondick, Joan Ragsdale, Marie Tacker, and Glenda Teaff. The guild attracted over 70 people to the First United Methodist Church meeting on September 17, 1987. Traditions established at this meeting were “Show and Tell” and sharing of special refreshments. Gwen Crockett, of the Kingwood Area Quilt Guild, was the guest speaker. Fifty-four of the attendees paid dues; these fifty-four and two honorary members are the charter members of the Golden Needles Quilt Guild.

After the first meeting, the members worked even harder to promote the guild. On October 10, 1987, they held a small quilt exhibit at the Wildflower Festival. Glenda Teaff made a wall hanging that was raffled off at the Woodlands show to raise money for the guild. This display was very informal but so well received that over one hundred people attended the second meeting. By this time, the guild was well on its way.

At the October 1987 meeting, the guild name was formally adopted, and the newsletter was dubbed "Bits and Pieces." Officers were elected, with Celine Doster serving as President, Glenda Teaff as Vice-President, Marie Tacker as secretary, and Stella Lindsey, Joan Ragsdale and Helen Baumgartner as Co-Treasurers. At the November meeting, by-laws for the group were adopted.