Block Name: “The Anvil”
Host Name: Don & Marcia Johnston
Address: 1484 Stewart Line, Cavan
The “Anvil” quilt block is situated on the south facing barn of the Johnston family farm on Stewart Line in Cavan. The quilt pattern named Anvil represents the blacksmith shop that once operated on the property. Robert Johnston set up a blacksmith workshop when he moved to the farm in the early 1920s. He worked on farm equipment for area farmers, repairing wagons, farm implements and making rims for wagon wheels. The “shop” still exists on the property with some of the tools and forge. Don remembers playing with these things when he was a child.
Don and Marcia Johnston are the third generation to live on the farm at 1484 Stewart Line. Robert and Bertha Johnston purchased the farm in the early 1920’s moving to it from the 13th line of Cavan, along with their four sons. Don’s father, Percy inherited the farm and worked it along with his wife Gladys. Their son Don took over the farm in the 1980’s and continues to live there today. The property is 120 acres with approximately 20 acres of woodlot. It has always been a working farm; in the early days it was a mixed farm having a small shorthorn dairy herd from which they separated cream and sold it to the local dairy. The blacksmith shop was also a sideline to earn some income. Percy and Gladys also had hens and geese and were market gardeners. When Percy semi-retired he changed it into a cow-calf beef herd which continues to this day.
Block designed by: Kate DeKlerck
Barn Quilt Trail Etiquette:
Please Respect Private Property. Most quilt blocks are installed on private property and should be viewed from the road.
Please do not trespass. In some cases - only where clearly indicated - the barn quilt may be located on a business and the property may be open to the public.
Please drive carefully. Stopping along busy roads can be dangerous and illegal. Use caution when slowing or stopping near a site
