Double Wedding Ring, S. Collsge & Main Streets

#231 Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Quilter Mrs. Sophia Rimrodt Ritter

Sponsor Walhalla City Council

This admired and challenging pattern evolved from a European one that may have been brought to the states by German immigrants as early as the late 1600’s. Many charming stories are linked to its name. Early examples used appliqued rings; the piecing of the rings themselves is thought to have begun in the early 20th century. This beautifully executed example is attributed to Mrs. Sophia Rimrodt Ritter.

In 1891 Sophia married Frederick Christopher Ritter. Frederick, known as “Fred,” was the proprietor of a drug store located at 214 East Main Street where the family lived upstairs. This location is currently occupied by Twenty 8 West and Lofts on Main. When Fred died in 1896, Sophia remained in the Main Street house and sadly witnessed its destruction during the “great fire of 1898.” Undaunted, Sophia began construction of the current building with its distinctive bay window within ten days of the fire. From this perch, she kept a watchful eye on the happenings on Main Street for many years.

The beautiful double wedding ring quilt has been kept in constant good condition by her grandchildren: Fred Ritter, now deceased, Marion Ritter, and Louise Ritter Waldrep

This project was commissioned by the Walhalla City Council in 2017 in conjunction with Walhalla Partners for Progress and the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail to honor the founding families of Walhalla. The story of each quilt is placed on the back side of each quilt providing an opportunity to learn about the founding families while strolling along Main Street. Complete story can be found on our website, search for quilt #231.