RISON - The Cleveland County Extension Homemakers Council is looking to preserve a piece of local history by framing a nine foot by nine foot quilt "Service Men's Quilt" made in 1944 with more than 900 names of men and women who were serving or had served in World War II. Plans are to have the quilt put up for permanent display inside the Cleveland County Courthouse at Rison.
Karen Bell Fox with the Extension Homemakers Council said they are currently raising money to pay for the frame and a booklet that will be published listing the name of each person on the quilt as well as those local residents who served in the war but were not among those listed on the quilt. She said they have set a goal of $5,000 for the project. Those who donate $100 or more will receive the quilt booklet for free. To make a tax-deductible donation of any size, send it to: Karen Bell Fox, 5120 Hwy. 212, Rison, AR 71665 with "World War II Quilt" noted in the memo. For questions, contact Fox at (870) 692-4097.
While the quilt does include more than 900 names, Annette Rawls of the Cleveland County Historical Society said there are probably many more local residents who joined the World War II effort after the quilt was made in 1944. Rawls is leading an effort to have those individuals recognized as well.
A complete list of the names that are on the quilt can be found online at the following link: https://www.clevelandcountyherald.com/WWIIQuilt If you know of someone from Cleveland County who served during World War II but their name was not on the quilt, you can submit their name to be included in the booklet by calling Annette Rawls at (870) 5508028 or by sending her an email at rlab4060@gmail.com The deadline is Friday, Sept. 15.