In the late 1980s, as the University of Puget Sound was approaching its 100th anniversary, a group of 48 alumnae immortalized the occasion with needle and thread. Together, they sewed the Centennial Quilts, two quilts each consisting of 25 squares.
The quilts are loaded with meaning, representing various organizations and campus landmarks from throughout Puget Sound’s first 100 years. Among the members of the Centennial Quilt project were Lillian Shotwell ’31, Catherine Coykendall ’33, Jane Wood ’42, Sarah Lyon ’48, Jane Knapp ’49, Borgie Totten ’59, Helen Clemmons ’61, Karen Peterson Finney ’67, Kathleen Peterson ’67, Elizabeth Sevy ’79, and Sandra Bauer ’83.
The two quilts were completed in 1987, in time for the university’s centennial celebrations the following year. One was donated to Collins Memorial Library for display. The other was auctioned off to raise money for student scholarships and was later donated to the university. Both now reside in Archives & Special Collections, where they are carefully preserved for future generations of Loggers to enjoy.
