"Barn Quilt" Features Family Portrait

Barn Quilt Features Family Portrait AG WORLD Ag World In preparing for a large family reunion Joe and Pat Michels spent months residing their barn and remodeling the second floor of their 1908 farmhouse But the unique barn quilt they installed at the last minute was the biggest hit at the reunion It was my idea Joe Michels says He didn t want an ordinary barn quilt that didn t have any personal meaning The picture he chose has a photo of his grandfather Nick Goeser and Nick s four daughters including Michels mother Marcella Nick s wife died when Marcella the youngest was 11 Goeser bought the Panama Iowa farm in 1900 built the barn in 1910 and the photo was likely taken around 1930 Michels daughter Dana De Roin researched companies who could turn an ordinary photo into a barn-sized portrait She chose FASTSIGNS a franchise with a location in nearby Omaha Neb They ordered an 8 by 8-ft vinyl sign Michels purchased aluminum panels designed for barn quilts $200 He used about 20 screws to attach it to 2 by 6-in boards on the inside of the barn He says exterior plywood would have also worked instead of the special aluminum panels The picture could also be covered with plexiglass if desired Michels has been impressed with how well the sign has held up through its first Iowa winter The trick is to make sure it stays flat to avoid wind damage he says He adds that the $360 price including fast delivery shipping was reasonable and that he would be willing to replace the banner in the future if it starts deteriorating The barn quilt portrait attracted local media attention and was appreciated by the 136 descendants who attended the reunion It was like our ancestors were looking out over us at the whole event De Roin adds Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Dana De Roin 1004 St Julien Court St Johns Florida 32259 ph 812 204-7779; danamichels@yahoo com

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