Happy Birthday to the Girl Scouts, established on this day in 1912!
Girl Scout Sue Shirey presented Betty Ford with a Michigan-themed quilt made by Cadettes, Senior Scouts, and adults from the state’s 17 Girl Scout Councils at the White House on October 28, 1975. Mrs. Ford served as the Honorary National President of the Girl Scouts, a position that had been held by every First Lady since Edith Wilson first accepted it in 1917.
This cotton bicentennial quilt displays hand appliqué, piecing, and embroidery skills. It depicts the State of Michigan, as well as some Indiana counties, with divisions marking the individual Girl Scout Councils. The embroidered and appliquéd pieces contain references to regional history and characteristics.
The quilt presentation took place during 40th National Convention of the Girl Scouts of America held in Washington, DC, from October 26-29, 1975.
Images: Girl Scout Sue Shirey and other Scouts present a Michigan-themed quilt to Betty Ford at the White House, 10/28/1975
Michigan-themed quilt made by Girl Scouts from Michigan’s 17 Girl Scout Councils in 1975.