Drunkards Path To Recovery

Block Number: 54

“DRUNKARD’S PATH TO RECOVERY”

By Joyce Suppes

Balance, style, and the use of color in this geometric design captures Bill and Karen Potters vision for their quilt block installed at their facility, Crossroads Recovery Center, located on East Court Street on the 29th of July, 2010. Bright blue shapes, meant to represent a "drunkards staggering walk," set against a white background provide a sense of harmony while anchoring this work of art.

Drunkards Path was one of several quilt pattern used by the Temperance Movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries, which encouraged moderation in the consumption of intoxicating liquors. During that time, women used this pattern to raise money to promote temperance. It was also used to express their feelings on the social and community issues of their time.

Crossroads Recovery Center is a privately owned DWI and substance abuse assessment and treatment facility. According to Bill Potter, Counselor, "Drunkards Path seemed to be the right choice for our quilt block pattern, because the name fits in with our line of work." Crossroads’ goal is to provide counseling for those in need in the community.

Historically, red and white or blue and white were the colors used for this pattern. Crossroads choice was blue, since “it matches the blue trim on the building,” Bill Potter advised.

When asked why they were inspired to host a block, Karen Potter, Office Manager, explained, “It ties into local businesses and into the community at large.”