The class in 1976 in the classroom

Tony Cervantez in 1976

Maria Barigan, Nancy Levyn, and Tony Cervantez

Nancy Levyn and Maria Elana Garcia

As a lasting tribute to the American Bicentennial in 1976, the students in Nancy Levyn’s 5th grade class studied American history, designed panels and created a very special quilt to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of our country. It depicted 28 events which tell the chronological history of the United States. With guidance from first time teacher, Nancy Levyn, the 28 students each chose a subject, contributed material and designed each fabric square. Finally the students sewed their own designs to the squares. Carolyn Thomas formerly of Fillmore and a mother of one of the students attached the finished squares to the backing.

Forty years after the quilt was constructed, Nancy has generously donated it to the Fillmore Historical Museum. Former student Tony Cervantez found several of his 5th grade classmates, Maria Barigan and Maria Elena Garcia who also attended the event. Together he, his classmates, Nancy and the museum docents celebrated the donation with a reception at the museum held last Saturday, August 27th.

Within the next few weeks the quilt will be mounted and displayed in the school room located in the two story bunkhouse building where it can be admired by all.