A handmade quilt with matching pillow shams stitched by Elsie Harshberger of Warriors Mark will be chanced off by the Tyrone Hospital Auxiliary at its annual Christmas Tea – Craft Show to be held in the hospital’s lobby December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The full size “Iris” quilt is on display in the window of O’s Sew Shop at 1058 Pennsylvania Avenue until the day of the drawing. Other items to be chanced off include a Snowman by Lamp Post and a Santa Claus with Boy Trimming Christmas Tree. Chances for the items to be awarded are $1, and the money raised will be used toward the many projects the Auxiliary does in support of Tyrone Hospital.
The Care Car, used to support persons in need of transportation to and from the hospital and doctor offices on a daily basis, is a big item in the Auxiliary’s budget.
Auxiliary President Jane Morrissey said last year $10,000 was donated toward its operation. Also, the Auxiliary funds the cost of the cell phone used by Care Car drivers on their runs, continues its TLC for Angel’s program for all newborns at the hospital as well as provide financial support for the baby books distributed to new mothers.
Flowers are distributed to patients during Easter and Mother’s Day as well as providing refreshments for employees and patients during holidays.
During the recent 50th anniversary celebration of the hospital, the Auxiliary sponsored a poster contest for elementary children, providing cash prizes, as well as providing refreshments the day of the anniversary celebration.
At times the Auxiliary also purchases state-of-the-art equipment for Tyrone Hospital.
The quilt raffle on December 3 replaces the annual quilt show hosted by the Auxiliary for some 24 years. For more information, call 684-4931 or 632-7887.
The lady behind the making of the last several quilts chanced off by Tyrone Hospital Auxiliary is 88-years-young Elsie Harshberger of Warriors Mark. Busy helping her late husband David with farm chores, including milking cows, Elsie was nearing 40 with her two children nearly grown when she finally found time to begin her hobby.
“It was my neighbor Julia Sellers who got me interested,” she said. “She took me under her wing and got me started.”
Before long Elsie had a quilting frame set up in an upstairs bedroom where she would get to work every chance she got.
Elsie said quilting was very relaxing for her with her mind always on her family. Her son David is serving in the United States Navy. He retired after serving 22 years and then decided to re-enlist. Presently Master Chief Hospital Corpsman David is serving somewhere in the Persian Gulf.
“When David was home for my 88th birthday in July, he brought home a quilt I had made him a long time ago,” she said. “The quilt was all frayed, and I told him to throw it away. ‘You don’t want that,’ I said.”
He replied, “Mother, that has been all over the world with me and I am going to keep it.”
Surprised by his comment, she got busy patching where it was worn and adding new binding returning a restored quilt to him.
“I hadn’t known it meant so much to him,” she said.
However, she does have a new one tucked away for him someday to replace this worn one.
Daughter Betty Jane, wife of Gordon Cox, also has a number of her mother’s quilts in her home. Later in the years she found herself quilting for her four grandchildren, followed by those made for three great-grandchildren.
“Every stitch I put into those quilts meant something to me as my mind would dwell on the person I was making it for, and I have been rewarded, for they have all appreciated the gifts they received.”
When Elsie finished a quilt a few weeks ago for her granddaughter’s anniversary, she decided it was finally time to give it up.
“You know when your hands aren’t as steady as they used to be and your eyesight not as sharp, it’s time to sit back and just keep all those good thoughts of loved ones in your heart knowing they will always care for the gifts they received.”
