Mary Katherine Barnes Miller of Missoula, Mont., has sent a "Crazy Quilt" to Adaland Mansion in Philippi for display.

The historic quilt was made between 1900 and 1910 by Sophronia Miller and her invalid sister, Eppalona "Eppie" Miller, while they resided on a farm in Cove District in Barbour County. Later, the two women lived on Walnut Street in Philippi.

Eppie died about 1928, Sophronia about 1940. The women were sisters of Isaac Miller, grandfather of Mary Katherine, the donor. The quilt was inherited by Isaac Miller's daughter, Mrs. O.H. (Cora Ann Miller) Barnes of Buckhannon, mother of Mary Katherine. It has been carefully preserved in the family collection until now.

This interesting quilt will be on display at Adaland as part of the Christmas decorations at the mansion and will remain there until it can be donated to the state of West Virginia. Composed of a variety of squares and shapes cut from wool, velvet and other fabrics, the quilt is embroidered with flowers, birds, crosses and other fancy stitching. It is a well-preserved example of quilts made from materials available in farm homes in the early 20th century and represents hundreds of hours of hand work.

Mary Katherine Barnes Miller, along with her mother and sister, Virginia Lee Barnes, became a resident of Philippi in 1920. She worked at Modern Drug for 27 years. Very active in the local Women's Club, she also served as president of the West Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs.

The family moved to Charleston in 1957 and Mary Katherine married Carroll E. Miller of Missoula, Mont. In 1974, she became president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and served in that capacity until 1976. She resides in Missoula and is an active member of the senior community in that city.

Adaland is open for Christmas tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Historic guided tours are conducted each tour day.

There is an admission fee with guests able to tour the house and visit the gift shop in the carriage house.

Adaland is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion house was built about 1870 by Augustus Modisett and was the home of Judge Ira E. Robinson from 1920 to 1950.

The property was deeded by Anker Energy to the city of Philippi in 1996 and was restored to be opened to the public in 1999. It is owned and operated by Adaland Mansion Development Inc, a nonprofit at the present time.

For more information and travel directions, visit www.adaland.org.