Residence, 103 S. John Street

#83 James River Blues

Quilter Grace James Whitaker

Sponsor Stacie and James Powell

Grace James Whitaker made the James River Blues quilt.an antique reproduction quilt designed by Paula Barnes, well known specialist and author of books on quilt reproductions. The James family was originally from Ireland and settled in the Mountain Rest area sometime in the 1800’s. She began quilting in 1952 in Mountain Rest when her mother‐in‐law, Clemmer James, taught her how to quilt and included her in projects creating quilts of necessity for their home. Grace passed down the art of quilting to her daughter who has made many quilts as gifts for her children. The pattern name, James River blues, was rather serendipitous to the quilter. James River Blues was chosen to honor the James family and to express their love for the Chattooga River and bluegrass music.