HildaJane's Quilts

The O'Dell House Museum is opening a new temporary exhibit this weekend. The exhibit entitled HildaJane's Quilts, will run at the museum through the month of November. This exhibit is actually a part of an exhibit held in memory of HildaJane Miller at ARTsPLACE in Annapolis Royal.

HildaJane was one of four daughters born to Charlie and Mildred Milbury of Delap's Cove, Nova Scotia. In the 1930s the family made the short move to Hillsburn to care for an elderly uncle. In 1950, a young man named Frank Miller arrived at the United Baptist Church in Hillsburn as a part of his ministerial training from Acadia University. Three years later the couple were married in the Hillsburn church.

The young couple originally settled in Deep Brook after Frank accepted a charge from the Deep Brook United Baptist Church. In this position he ministerted to congregations in Deep Brook, Smith's Cove, Clementsport and the Goat Island Church. Frank and HildaJane eventually moved to Massachusetts so Frank could continue his studies. While they were there, Frank accepted a position at the Roxbury Presbyterian Church and Massachusetts would become their permanent residence.

While Frank was studying, HildaJane began a career working as an administrator in homes for the aged. She worked at the Elizabeth Carleton House until 1982 and at the Washburn House until her death in August 2008. Throughout her life, HildaJane continued to make regular trips to her home on the Bayshore.

The quilts on display were collected by HildaJane throughout her life. Most were made by her mother, sisters or other family members. Others in this collection were designed by Frank. This collection is an excellent example of the styles and techniques of quilting employed on the Bayshore over an 80 year period. The official opening will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 8. The exhibit will run through the month of November.

All for now,
RGS