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Hidden in Plain View
By: E. Bishop
September, 2018 was a great time to take a road trip, except for the fact that Hurricane Florence came through North Carolina with a vengeance. Toward the end of our trip, we traveled through Kentucky stopping at several places. One of those included the FishTrap United Methodist Church in Paint Creek, Ky., one of the earliest log churches in the county. Noted for its simplicity and fine interior woodwork; it was covered with weatherboarding in the 19th century, had been heated with a potbellied wood stove and lit with kerosene lamps.
Along with this structure, we visited a one room school showcasing many artifacts from the era it operated in which included a seat in the corner with a dunce hat. Both of these structures and their history are an integral part of American history as are quilts. Here, we also were introduced to the story of the Underground Railroad and how individual quilts served as a guide for slaves fleeing to freedom.
It would have taken much strength and courage for the 40,000 to 100,000 thousand slaves estimated to have successfully escaped, mostly on their own, to places of safety whether they traveled north to Canada or south to Mexico. Did quilts help guide these escaped slaves to safety? Did different blocks have specific meanings to slaves, maybe based on their African past; were the patterns of stitches and knots indicative of routes to take? There are so many unanswered questions; reputable historians of quilts and of the Underground Railroad indicate there is insufficient evidence to support the case that quilts were actually used to help slaves escape. Some say this is a folk story that has been romanticized and it is hard to tell fact from fiction.
But, one particular woman named Ozella McDaniel Williams, a South Carolina quilt vendor, told her stories that she claimed were handed down to her through family historians. A book, “Hidden in Plain View” written by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard, Ph.D. was written detailing Ozella’s stories through the quilt blocks. Ozella’s Underground Railroad Quilt Code was the one we saw on display on our trip. Since I have made a few attempts at quilt making, I find more meaning in the history and designs of these blocks, whether the story told along with each design is real or not.
Monkey Wrench – it is time to gather the tools needed for their journey. BowTie Quilt – dress in disguise to appear of higher status, or put on a change of clothes. Log Cabin – a secret symbol that could be drawn on the ground indicating that a person is safe to talk to; it also advises seeking shelter. Drunkard’s Path – create a zig-zag path, do not walk in a straight line to avoid pursuers in this area. Shoofly – possibly identifies a friendly guide who is nearby and can help. Flying Geese – indicates the direction and timing of their escape – also a symbol of hope and helped slaves find safety and allies. Bear Paw – follow an animal trail through the mountains to find water and food. Crossroads – represented Cleveland, Ohio where many routes to freedom led. North Star – follow the North Star, Double Wedding Ring – now it is safe to remove your chains and shackles.
Is it possible that conclusions made without documentation can be the truth? There are believers and defenders of the quilt codings and the following statement is food for thought. “If people’s lives are at stake, it stands to reason that there would be no trace of the quilts.” Atlanta based quilt scholar Mary Twining-Baird argues. “Of course, there is no documentation! Literally, if anyone found out they could lose their lives!”
It appears the jury is still out on whether or not quilts helped in slaves’ journey to freedom like the Underground Railroad did. One thing for certain though, old churches, one room school houses, and possibly a quilt or two hanging on the line can show a strong bond of love for our heritage.

Mocksville Historic District
By Linda H. Barnette
When I was doing some research about First United Methodist Church, I read several articles on the Town of Mocksville’s page about our historic district. In 1991 downtown Mocksville was accepted into what was known as the Main Street Program, part of the National Register of Historic Places. This program was especially designed for towns with populations under 5,000. Mr. Mando, the mayor at that time, received a letter on June 28, 1990, saying that the downtown district had been entered into the National Register of Historic Places.
There are over 100 properties in our historic district. It includes the original towns square and several other notable buildings. Some of the main ones are the old Davie County Courthouse (1916), the old county jail (1909), now the Fleming and Williams law office, as well as several other buildings that were originally businesses, including the Sanford store, the old Princess Theater, the former Kurfees and Ward Pure Oil Company, the old Southern Bank and Trust Company, now Skyline Bank.
Several older houses are also on the list: the Anderson home, the Hanes, and the Nail house on North Main Street. First Methodist Church is on the list as was the old First Baptist Church.
We have much to be proud of, and like Salisbury, there is money to be made here by taking advantage of our history.