Barefoot Star

Block Number: 26

By Nora Worthen

As you travel out Old Highway 10, just before you reach Upton Landing Road, you will see a weathered old framed building with a cinder block foundation upon which hangs "Barfoot Star." This 4x4 foot block was installed on April 12, 2010, sponsored by McCoy and Bobbie Jo Ward. The block is an adaptation of an original quilt pattern called North Umberland Star. "Barefoot Star" is in colors of gold, burgundy, white, and the two shades of blue represent the water of Lake James.

Bobbie Jo and “Coy” relocated in 1972 to McDowell County from Lake City, South Carolina with what is now Baxter Healthcare, from which Coy retired in 2003. Bobbie Jo is a former member of Mt. Glory Quilters, however, much of her spare time is spent these days with her grandchildren.

The Wards recount the history of this property as once belonging to John Murphy, who was one of the original judges of McDowell County. Also on this property is an old brick house that was reportedly built around 1840, which was set afire by the Union soldiers during the Civil War after they were unable to find anything of value in the house. The family had hidden the carriage horses, the china and silver, and half the meat before their arrival. Logs from the house were saved and a log building was built and continues to stand today, being used for storage by the Wards.

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