In 1976 students in Karen (Gutman) Paige’s sewing class at the then named Sidney Lanier Training Center created a wall hanging to celebrate the country’s bicentennial. Aide Sharon Ream designed the color scheme and cut out the squares. Teacher Jean Schwartz drew the simple pictures depicting American history. The students learned how to sew from Paige and for five months the students embroidered 49 squares. Intern Fay Anderson sewed the squares together and the hanging was put on display in the lobby of the Gainesville Sun.

“The students were excited about creating their pieces; they became even more excited as pieces were finished and they began to understand what the hanging would look like. They tried very hard to make neat stitches and were thrilled to see the finished project.  I explained the history of each scene as the project developed.” Karen Paige

The unique piece of art eventually ended up in the possession of former Sidney Lanier teacher and current UF Instructional Professor, Dr. Steve Noll. Dr. Noll was an intern at Sidney Lanier in 1976 and helped create the hanging. He and his wife, Beverly, have donated the hanging to the Matheson History Museum but it is in need of restoration. The Nolls have pledged the first $1,000 towards the $5,000 cost. We are calling on the community to help us raise the rest of the funds.

“In the winter and spring of 1976, students from Sidney Lanier School here in Gainesville worked with teachers, paraprofessionals, and student interns from UF to produce an embroidery wall hanging to commemorate the bicentennial of the founding of the United States.  Each student sewed the design on their own embroidery square, which teachers sewed together to produce this superb celebratory artifact.  The students were all intellectually disabled, and the high quality of work shows their amazing sewing skills.  In the ensuing 50 years, the hanging has significantly degraded and has not been displayed for a long time.  It is in desperate need of cleaning and patching. As we get ready to observe the 250th anniversary of the US founding, the restored hanging is a great way to remember how all American citizens can participate in the celebration of our nation’s independence.” Dr. Steve Noll

Once the wall hanging is restored it will be put on display with a community partner in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary for all to view and enjoy.

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