The story
Gerald and Mary Ellen Jefferson operate a 350 acre farm that includes cash cropping, a small dairy herd and stocker beef cattle. The farm where the quilt is hung has been part of a Jefferson family’s farming operation since 1929. The quilt is hung on a bank barn that currently acts as a small feedlot, often filled with steers from Western Canada. Gerald grew up on this farm and went on to purchase it in 1996. The base of the dairy operation is around the corner from the beef farm. Gerald and Mary Ellen purchased this farm from Gerald’s great uncle in 1989 when they were married. This farm has been in the Jefferson family since 1911. Gerald and Mary Ellen have 5 children. The girls have moved on – Sophie works for an agricultural seed company, Ellen as a registered nurse, Reba as an accountant and Maisy as a civil engineer. Scott is currently studying Agriculture at the University of Guelph, working with Gerald on the farm and working at a local agricultural company. They all credit some of their success to being involved in 4-H, to the example set by their parents, to hard working ancestors and to luck. These things are all represented in the Irish Star Quilt. The star has 8 points – 4 dark green and 4 light green, reflecting the 4-leaf shamrock and the 4-H clover. The bright quilt is playful and eye catching. The family enjoys working and playing together.
Name of sponsor of Barn Quilt : Gerald Jefferson
Location
The Irish Star
84613 Donnybrook Line, Belgrave, ON
Latitude : 43.84308 Longitude : -81.4847