I hope you enjoyed reading the “Runaway Quilt” by Jennifer Chiaverini for this year’s Town Wide book discussion! Please leave your feedback to these following questions.

Were you familiar with the story of the “Underground Railroad”?   Did you know that Hopedale was thought to be a “station” on the “Underground Railroad”?  Several members of the Anti-Slavery Society visited Hopedale during the 1840’s and 1850’s to encourage residents to become abolitionists; the more famous among them were Abby Kelly Foster, Frederick Douglas and William Lloyd Garrison.

How did “Aunt Gerda’s” journal contribute to knowledge of the family history?  What mysteries were solved with reading the journal?  What new mysteries were discovered?

Do you keep a journal or diary?      

Do you think you might consider keeping a journal after reading this book? 

Are you or someone in your family interested in genealogy?   How did the family history of the Bergstrom family get recorded?  Was there a written record?  Sylvia’s Great Aunt Lucinda told stories about a special quilt made by Sylvia’s Great Grandmother when she was quite young and stored in a special hope chest.  Is there someone in your family who you would choose to safeguard family treasures? 

Are you a quilter?  Are you familiar with quilt patterns that have been suggested as guides for escaping slaves?  What was surprising about the “Elm Creek” quilt owned by Margaret Alden?  How did the quilts in the attic add to the knowledge of Sylvia’s ancestors and their character? 

How did the book enhance your knowledge of the anti slavery movement in the mid 1800’s?  What information did you find most surprising?  What new family mystery remained unsolved? 

Would you consider participating in another Town Wide Book discussion?  Do you have any suggestions for titles or topics? 

Merrily Sparling, Library Director