Art at Amtrak:
A Place for Every Piece- Lancaster's Living Quilt
A Place for Every Piece: Lancaster's Living Quilt (commissioned by Art at Amtrak and curated and produced by Debra Simon Art Consulting) is a collaborative project by local artists Jill C. Good, Libby Modern, and the Lancaster community. Together, they tell the story of our city through the pieces of our lives that matter most.
The first phase of this installation, a community quilt, weaves together nearly 700 pieces of fabric, each piece donated by Lancastrians and collected during community workshops and through partnerships with local organizations. These contributions– wedding dresses and favorite t-shirts, cherished heirlooms and garments memorializing lost loved ones– are artifacts of the lives and histories of our neighbors.
Every piece is infused with its own unique story: a spontaneous beachside wedding in Mexico, a first poetry performance, a transformative martial arts journey, a memorable birthday in New York City, or a loving tribute to a friend, remembered by his signature white t-shirt.
Textile artist Jill C. Good took inspiration from the traditional eight-pointed Lone Star or Bethlehem Star quilts, a staple design of Lancaster County Amish quilts, to create this piece. The rigid order of the original pattern is reimagined in a jagged juxtaposition of donated fabrics, linked by color, texture and a sense of how those combinations tell the story of the Lancaster community.
This quilt embodies the spirit of Lancaster. It will stand as a testament to the city’s ability to honor its past, celebrate its present, and look forward to its future, leaving a lasting impression on all who pass through the station. We hope this installation will serve as a point of pride for residents, a point of interest for visitors, and a symbol of how art connects people across a range of experiences.
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PROCESS:
In the fall of 2024, artists Libby and Jill began collecting fabrics from the Lancaster community through paper quilt making workshops at the Lancaster Public Library, and Modern Art; as well as collection stations located around town (The Spanish American Civic Association (SACA)/Tec Centro, curio. Gallery & Art Supply; Church World Service, Redeemer Lutheran Church, and McCaskey High School). Participants were asked to contribute a textile that held a personal significance to them. For each piece donated, participants shared a memory or story about why the fabric was important.
Each submitted piece was processed, cut and prepared for quilting. Taking inspiration from the traditional eight-pointed Lone Star or Bethlehem Star pattern, a staple design of Lancaster County Amish quilts, Jill processed over 700 pieces to create the quilt top you see on display.
Stories from our neighbors:
With over 120 submissions, the quilt tells a story of the lives of Lancastrians- both past and present. Here are some of those stories:
“This was my favorite crib sheet of Fern's. I dyed it and used it as a quilt backing for her Christman present last Year. This is the only scrap left. (heart)”
“The fabric I am sending you is from my grandmothers cape dress. Frances Burkholder Hoover Weaver was born in East Earl PA in 1895, in the Weaverland valley. To me she was Grandma Weaver. Born on a farm with the determination to get an education, against her parents’ wishes, she graduated from Millersville State Teacher's College. She was 65 when I was born and my memory of her is a grandmother with declining health. But I heard stories…. Of a young woman determined to attend her graduation from college so she finished digging the potatoes and hitched up the horse and made it to her graduation. After teaching some years, she married my grandpa, and when he was chosen by lot to be a minister, she wrote sermons for him. Her home was filled with books and cats and smells of baking bread. She had a brilliant and curious mind and as time allowed, read many books and shared them with grandchildren. She lived through raising a child with a mental illness in a community where mental illness was shameful and she refused to institutionalize her daughter. She lived through the Great Depression when the entire family worked hard to barely save the farm and their livelihood. Her dreams of her 5 children getting higher education were dashed bc of the financial hardship of the Depression. Her children were all curious, well read and very opinionated. When I wrote letters to her, she often sent them back with spelling and grammar corrections. I cut up her cape dress to make a dress for my daughter. What I am sending you is left over scraps. I also have her apron, made with the same fabric. I wear it in my Philadelphia apartment when I make bread – which makes me feel connected to previous generations of bread makers. This fabric represents connection my the past and the freedom I have to pick and choose what I will hold on to and what I will let go of. My grandmother, in Lancaster County at that time, didn’t have the choices I do. I can choose to be connected to an urban Mennonnite church and faith that does not dictate the clothes I wear, where women can be leaders in their own right, not hidden behind a man, and where I can pursue higher education with joy. I choose to connect to the land through my community garden plot, again my choice. This fabric represents how I feel deeply connected to these Lancaster County roots but also not held in bondage by them.”
“These were my most loved and well worn pair of shorts while I raised my 3 children (they all remember me wearing them!) I wore them for about 15 years and they are SO out of style now.
“This is a fabric from a duster that I wore the first time I performed at "House of Poetry", an open mic spoken word poetry event at House of Pizza. I was nervous, but feel so good that I was able to gain the confidence it took to get up there in front of strangers! Also, I hand painted this illustration on the fabric to symbolize my first entry into Lancaster's Art scene: when I helped paint a community mural by Claudia Rojas and Shauna Yorty.”
“This basketball jersey is a memory of the best birthday of my life. My father was a teacher at the NJ High School I attended. For my 17th birthday, he had some upperclassmen who were friends kidnap me and bring me into NYC for a day of fun. We saw art, went to Central Park and just hung out all day. I was a Knicks fan. My parents had given me some spending money for the day. I used it to by most of the of the jersey and my friends chipped in for the rest. I have had it for 25 years. We still feel very new to Lancaster but your project is one that makes me feel as though we are part of the community.”
“After spending a long day at the beach, sunburned and a little tipsy, my partner and I got married, on the rooftop of a rented house, in the town center of Tulum, Mexico. With our closest friends, family members, and a mariachi band from Cancun, we said our vows, danced, and ate tacos from the nearby tacqueria—celebrating into the night.”
“"Georgia Girl moves to PA": Last year, I drove 10.5 hours to move to Lancaster. It was very challenging emotionally to leave my friends. This is a shirt my little sister made at the Children's Hospital she works for. I'm so proud of all the hard work she puts in at her job.”
“This McCaskey music t-shirt is a representation of all the hundreds (thousands?) or hours we've been able to listen to our children practicing, playing, and performing music over the past 12 years. this includes all of the musical and artistic performances we've been able to enjoy coming out of McCasky and Sdol. It's been so enriching. “
“This shirt is a real symbol of the arts in our community. It was screen printed during a community festival by Thaddeus Stevens students.”
“Our 3 girls have been playing soccer for the Crusaders for the past 6 years and their dad has coached them. They have so much fun playing outside. The most special part of soccer has been all of the friendships we've made through the years.”
I’m still thinking about the piece of my wedding gown that I want to donate for The Lancaster Quilt. I have been a resident of Lititz my whole life but Lancaster has been an important part of my life. We would take the bus to Lancaster for doctors appointments and shopping. My wedding gown has a long story, but it all started when I “met” my husband-to-be driving down Prince Street in Lancaster the Summer of 1963. I was driving a black 1952 Pontiac and my husband was driving a 1960 black VW. I had 3 other girls with me and he had 3 other guys with him. We were in different lanes both going to Millersville State College for summer classes. He and I had eye-to-eye contact, and I was close enough to see his beautiful blue eyes and gleaming smile!!! I was determined to FIND him at Millersville. We met again that summer while we were going to class in opposite directions. I recognized him, but he continued to look straight ahead. The following Fall Semester we met while I was going to class and he was going to the Old Library to study. He only noticed me because I was carrying a hockey stick , a basketball, a tennis racket, and books as well as wearing my Freshman Beanie! I was being inducted into the Varsity Club! He asked me why……………and I replied why…………………!!! They were the only words we said to each other while we were at Millersvillle. The next time we met was in January of 1966 when he came to teach at St. Paul Lutheran Church Education Building where I was teaching. That’s another long story. We were teaching there because the new Kissel Hill Elementary School was being built where we eventually were going to teach. To make another long story short we had our first date the beginning of April, got engaged the day school ended in June, and got married August 21st two months later. That was 58 years ago!!!
“This bright yellow piece was my grandmother’s. It is as bright and bold as she was. She lived her entire 93 years in Lancaster, steeped in its history. Her grandparents, with whom she was very close, and later her parents, ran the historic Washington House hotel on the corner of Lime and Locust streets in Lancaster city, adjacent to the old Sprenger Brewery. She graduated from JP McCaskey High School and was a proud supporter. She was fond of her connection to the history of this city, and I believe she would be honored to be a part of this piece, a part of the fabric of Lancaster. “
“This is my first attempt at cyanotype on fabric. I've always been curious to trey this magical blend of chemistry and art. I love science and I love creating things. It is extra special because the fabric is a napkin from a dear friend's wedding and the patters were created with native purple coneflower plants from my backyard.”
“This piece is from Zap, the legendary creation of Steve Murray. I discovered his visionary world on Queen Street during my teen years, and enthusiastically returned to his shops over decades into adulthood. His shops were magical and inspiring, a place to admire and uncover a piece of fashion history. He was a welcoming host and a good friend. I have many pieces from Zap, most so cherished and well-worn that I simply cannot part with them. This tie is one of those pieces, and I like to think Steve might have chosen to wear this himself. Steve was a memorable part of this community, and it seems fitting that his legacy be represented.”
“In honor of a dear friend from his friends, family, and loved ones: 25+ years ago we lost a dear friend to suicide. He used to draw these little illustrations on things. After his death, one of us printed them on T-shirts. Others got the image tatooed on our bodies. Our loved one is forever in our hearts. “
“Water Street Mission has kept going for 120 years because of the people who have supported it. For 120 years it's been a place of hope because individuals, businesses, churches, and foundations have said "I am Water Street" and helped carry us forward. This shirt commemorates their support and honor how crucial they are to our identity.”
“Nececitomos cambio para nuestras hijos y las futuras generaciones. El girasol simboliza esperanxa y cambio.”
“I've been a member of the art club for 4 years now. I am now a senior and am president of Art Club; I love art. Wa always make screen printed tess in club, which Ms. Wolf has taught us how to do. (We sell what we make at Building Character). This is one of our test shirts to test the screen before printing others. “
“Esto es para recorder que la vida es fragil. Emmy esa una nina de le anitor que murio de cancer.”
“I work at Millersville and my daughter is a graduate of Millersville and is a reading and English teacher. Plus, Skully (the mascot on the shirt) and I are friends.”
“This is what's left of the first item of clothing I bought myself. Madras Colottes!”
“This is a “Look for the Helpers flag”, made by Debbie Serdy during first weeks of COVID. This hung on my porch in the West End Neighborhood throughout the pandemic.”
“Since 1982, Special Occasions has been creating tablecloths for special events and the hospitality industry. These are fabric squares from different projects.”
“This fabric is from a "family" wedding dress- first worn by my nother, Gloria, in 1947 in NYC. Then worn by me in 1976 in Pittsburgh and finally by my daughter, Meagan, 2002, in Lancaster! Lots of joy included. “
“I am a Library Lover from way back! And it makes me proud to wear my love of the library- a place where everyone is welcome- on my sleeve!”
“I got this shirt form an Ethiopian friend. It is special to me because it has an Ethiopian flag on it and I am from there.”
“In honor of Nick Hershey, 1994-2021”
“Our family spends a lot of time with people from different cultures. One thing that always makes me chuckle is how common it is for families from around the globe to strongly and warmly explain to me that my infant needs more blankets covering them. This can even be on an 80 degree day when my baby has 2 layers on. Another blanket is always lovingly suggested. On a few occasions, loved one have given us blankets from their homes before we head out the door with our infant who once again didn't have enough blankets wrapped around for the drive home. :-)" That's our special story and a small sample of fabric from one of those days, 5 children later. “
“My parents are from the Dominican Republic and every time they go, they will bring me back this typical souvenir t-shirt.”
“I started working at Friscos when I was 15, and worked there all through High School. It was so important for me. I met and worked with so many great people, and loved getting to know my co-workers, hearing about their lives, sharing about mine. They'd always make fun of my scattered spanish at the beginning, but were patient, and taught me how to cook and how to speak better spanish. We shared recipes, we shared music. I learned so much about the importance of hard work. “
“This shirt was well-used and loved when I was growing up. It demonstrated my interest in Japanese cultureal aesthetics during a formative time where I individually pursued my own interests.”
“Turtles have a special meaning for me. It represents steadiness, patience, and perseverence. It also is the name of my small business.
“Love this project! This jersey is one of many representations of the meaningful role McCaskey sports played in our children's lives. We felt part of a womderful community- diverse, committed, and McCaskey proud!”
“I bought this on my last trip to Hawaii with my best friend when she was pregnant. Its special because I love her, her family and baby Mars!”
“ I made a vest out of this Dragon Brocade fabric for someone I love very much who isn't here anymore.”
“These 2 swatches are examples of the first time that I had my artwork/illustrations printed onto fabric about 20 years ago. Being able to do this has opened up so manynew possibilities for artists, makers and illustrators.”
“This is a remnant from my college senior year art show installation!”
“This is from a pair of my MomMom's jeans. She passed away in 2019 and I inherited a lot of her clothes. She liked classic, durable clothing and her decades-old denim was already trendy (high-waisted, hard won holes and tears in her favorite pair.) I modified one into shorts. I love picturing her walking her dog Rusty wearing these. “
“This piece of fabric has been traveling with me for the past 10 years, with the intention of using it for a special project I've been working on about my birth place (Bronx, NY) I was drawn to this because it shows the place I call home and the year I was born.”
“This piece is in memory of my son, Dylan Minnick (1994-2021). Dylan loved fast cards, especially Ferraris.”
“It took me a long time to decide which fabric to reupholster my chair seats and longer to purchase and fabricate. The FooDog in this fabric means protection, luck and happiness, which we all need!”
“Community Action Partnership is Lancaster County’s largest anti-poverty organization and boasts a service profile that interrupts generational poverty with programs that assist families at every age and place in life. Knowing that poverty is complex and its contributing factors vary, CAP is committed to creating innovative, person-centered initiatives, including social enterprise businesses, to augment our many long-standing and successful anti-poverty programs that advance the social and economic mobility of families. CAP is person-centered, outcomes-based, data-driven, and focused on greater sector impact and systems change.”
“As a kid I had always wanted to be a comedian- to write for SNL. When my family and I moved to Leola from Long Island when I was 12, I thought my dreams were dashed. When I graduated on '09 (CV- Go BUCkS!) I took fate into my own hands- I worked full time at the Giant in Leola and took every shift possible. I saved up $5k and enrolled in improv and sketch classes at Upright Citizens Brigade in Manhattan. I moved back to Long Island (into my brother's place) and studied for 3 months. Due to unforseen circumstances, I was to move back to Leola with 3 classes remaining. I'd wake up at 3am on Sundays- take the Amtrak at the Lancaster station and be in NYC by 9:30. I kept fighting for my dreams- money and distance be damned. This was 2011- I've grown a great deal since then- I have become a comedian of sorts through my art...and? in the place I had fought to get out of the hardest- Lanc. thank you and sorry. This is an original shirt I purchased on my first day of class, 9/11/2011.”
“My great-great Aunt Mary (Hays) made this doiley. When she was in her 90s (she lived to be 102!) she gave this to me and told me it was a "mess-up". She knew I was learning to crochet and told me to "look and learn" from her mistake. I have many of her piece and happy to share this beautiful mistake.”
“This is a pillow case my mom made for me (to match a quilt she also made!) This accompanied me to college, and made me feel a little closer to home.”
“This square is sewn with my grandmother's food sack fabric. Her and my grandfather had a farm, and the chicken feed came in sacks made with this fabric. That was during the depression. The seed companies used this fabric for the bags, so it could be reused for curtains, clothing, etc. -- I love the cheerfullness of the fabric and the common sense that went into its production.”
“I bought this yardage from a textile sale at the MCC Material Resource Center. It stayed in my stash for years until I suddenly knew I needed to make matching Easter outfits for my kids: 2 dresses, one shirt that I pieced together with gingham to make enough. Great memories!”
“This swatch was taken from an old t-shirt of a musical that my friends and I were in in high school. High school can be a difficult time, but we have many good memories from those days of being involved in theater.”
“A handkerchief that belonged to my maternal grandmother (Ruth Kelley). I’ve had a small collection of her handkerchiefs since she passed in 2010. I’ve treasured them and have always hoped/planned to do something special with them. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give one to this project. “
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Phase 2, coming in spring 2025, is centered around an improvisational patchwork quilt, designed specifically to fill the station’s 16 window bays by artists Jill and Libby. Using locally sourced materials, including discarded clothing and textiles from Lancaster County, the artists combine vintage and modern fabrics to infuse the piece with authentic elements of local life. The patchwork design is photographed, enlarged and manipulated through a subtractive process, then applied to the concourse windows with translucent vinyl, allowing the cityscape to become part of the quilt’s pattern. This approach mirrors Lancaster’s commitment to honoring tradition while embracing the new, reimagining a historic view of the city through textiles in a modern context. The result is an ever-changing, interactive design impacted by light, time of day, and the positions of viewers. Cloth cut from local feedsacks of long-gone businesses and farms joins fabric from modern-day t-shirts and clothing, creating a visual representation that introduces present-day Lancaster while celebrating its renowned quilting heritage.
The combination of these two approaches – the professional vision of the artists on one side of the quilt, with the collaborative community-driven design on another – creates a rich, layered representation of Lancaster. It will stand as a testament to the city’s ability to honor its past, celebrate its present, and look forward to its future, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and residents alike.
Questions? Call Libby at 610-761-9799 or email us here. Follow us on instagram or facebook.