This unique and amazing quilt is on loan to the Havelock Library. The quilt’s motifs were used to convey messages to those needing to use the Underground Railroad to find shelter, safety and warn of danger during their travels north to freedom. Some of these quilts were hung up on clotheslines or in windows so travellers knew what their next steps would be.
Quilt patterns and their meanings
• Bow tie: Dress in disguise to appear of a higher status
• Bear paw: Follow an animal trail through the mountains to find water and food
• Log cabin: Seek shelter now, the people here are safe to speak with
• Flying geese: A signal to head in a particular direction, often north toward freedom
• Monkey wrench: Indicating that the runaways should gather tools or be prepared for the journey
• Broken dishes: This symbol indicated broken crockery at some future landmark
• Britches: This symbol indicated that the escaping slave should dress as a free person
• Rose wreath: This symbol indicated that someone had died on the journey

There is an interesting article about these quilts in the January/February 2025 Canadian Geographic magazine plus we have many books on the topic of the Underground Railroad.
Please stop into the Havelock Library to see a piece of history!