Friendship quilts were made primarily  for their sentimental value or as going away gifts. They became treasured keepsakes and were made not to be used. Because of this, many quilts have survived over the years. Friendships quilts became  popular in the early 1840s in the New England states. The fad steadily moved west, reaching its peak in 1850.

On October 12, 2013, several members and friendsof the Marquette Historical Society enjoyed a slide show and informative talk on Friendship or Signature Quilts. A Pre-Civil War quilt  was on display for the presentation. This quilt had been handed down through four generations,and was given to Ruby Keller, who donated it to the Princeton Public Library to help with their fund raising effort to support an addition their library.

"Lady Luck" was with Jim Hanneman, President of the Marquette Historical Society,  when he purchased a chance  to win the quilt. Jim was the winner, and knowing that Mrs. Justmann had an interest in such artifacts, graciously arranged for her to become the keeper of the the quilt.

The Marquette Historical Society extends a warm thank-you to Jeannine Justmann for her informative presentation and the information for the photos.