A Windy Knoll Report

This was a day I’ve been planning for the past three years — donating a quilt to the Depot Museum in Fort Payne (Alabama). About 20 years ago I visited a yard sale and found this quilt made of Hi-Jacs and, of course, bought it. As I remember it, I paid $15 for it and I’ve shown it over and over, but I knew it belonged in the Fort Payne Museum because the Hi-Jacs were made in Fort Payne.

Hi-Jacs were made at the Davis Sock Mill in the 1940’s. Hi-Jacs are a little sleeve made to pull up over the bottom or a 6 oz. Coca Cola bottle to keep the hands dry while enjoying the drink. How the idea came about I don’t know, but back then when ladies went to a shower or party of some kind they wore white gloves and perhaps keeping the gloves dry gave someone the idea of making HI-Jacs.

Apparently, the husband of the quilt maker worked at the mill and brought home the Hi-Jacs — maybe  rejects. No doubt the quilter resized the Hi-Jacs to make the rectangles all the same size for the quilt. As best I can tell there is no batt in the quilt, but it has been quilted. The lining is dark green and by inspecting the edge of the quilt it appears that it has been slept under — although not in this house. It’s super heavy and would help keep the cold out. When a quilt has been used on the bed the edges will show either a little wear or  are a bit soiled. If you notice, an old quilt will be more worn on the edges more than anywhere else.  Albeit, it’s country living.

I didn’t need the quilt and my girls won’t have a place to put all this “stuff” when I’m gone, so I just knew the quilt had to live in Fort Payne. By the way, they have several different kinds of Hi-Jacs at the Museum, but this is the only quilt made of same. I’m honored to donate. There is an old saying that says “Do your givin’ while you’re a-livin’ and you’ll be a-knowin’ where it’s a-goin’.” Think about it — there’s lots of truth in that old saying. This is country living.

Hi-Jac Quilt