Mountain Top Quilters Guild History
In May of 1981, a group of local quilters met at The Bashford House in Prescott, Arizona, to have an organizational meeting and to form the guild that became Mountain Top Quilters. They were assisted by the Arizona Quilters Guild (AQG). The guild’s first formal meeting was held August 12, 1981 at the Country Stitchers Quilt shop on Union Street. Twelve members were present.
During that first year, the members attended their first AQG state-sponsored “Fall Meeting” in Flagstaff. Motivated by the exciting Christmas ornaments they learned to make, they returned to Prescott to organize the first group fund-raising event. An ornament and bake sale was held and the group earned $247 for their efforts. The new group began its very first raffle quilt in 1981. This “Territorial Quilt” was made for Sharlot Hall and raised $3,818 for the museum in 1983.
By 1982 their group had grown to 45 members, and it was suggested that attendees needed to bring their own chairs to the meetings. MTQ’s first public display of quilts was held at Ponderosa Mall (now Village at the Boulders) in 1982 with twenty-one quilts shown. The group also hosted the Fall AQG meeting at Yavapai College during that same year. The meeting had a Western theme and featured Emma Andres, a well-known Prescott quilter, who shared her quilts during her presentation. It was a big success.
In 1983 the dues were $3, and the guild saw the beginning of its library. By 1986 there were 68 members. There were many fun activities such as themed meetings and picnics at Thumb Butte and Granite Creek.
With such a strong beginning, this group has become a big part of the Prescott community and an asset to the state. Since those early days, the group has continued to grow and reach out to other quilt makers, as well as the community. MTQG continues to attain its goal of teaching one another while serving those in need, making a difference in the lives of many people.
General meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. the 3rd Monday of the month at:
6245 E. 2nd St.
Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314