Eastford Quilt Project Seeks "Martha Masks" to Preserve Local Pandemic History

EASTFORD — A local resident is working to preserve a unique piece of Eastford’s history through a community quilt project, and is seeking contributions of the well-known “Martha Masks” to complete it.

In February 2020, Linda Knowles traveled from Florida to Eastford to celebrate Martha Clark’s birthday. As she considered returning to Florida, the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly escalated.

“It felt safer to shelter in place here in Eastford than to make the long drive back south,” Knowles said. “Like many others, I found myself in a time of extreme isolation — yet also of neighbors helping neighbors.”

At the start of the pandemic, masks were in short supply and difficult to purchase. Martha and Linda decided to help. Together, they made more than 1,400 masks, which were distributed not only throughout Eastford but also across the United States.

“The school received masks, they were available through the church, and there was always a selection of them on the table in Martha’s breezeway for anyone in need,” Knowles said. “People often requested certain colors or patterns, which added to the sense of personal connection during an otherwise disconnected time.”

This past spring, Knowles said she was inspired to preserve those memories by repurposing the masks into a quilt.

“Each mask is being transformed into a fabric square, creating a lasting artifact of the pandemic era when we were all so careful about social distancing and so mindful of community support,” she said.

Most of the masks were given out locally or to relatives of Eastford residents. To complete the quilt, Knowles is looking for another 70 to 80 “Martha Masks.”

“If you still have one, I would be deeply grateful for your contribution,” Knowles added. “Masks can be dropped off at the Eastford Town Office Building, and I will make arrangements to collect them.”

“Thank you for helping me bring this project to life,” Knowles concluded. “I look forward to sharing the finished quilt with our community.”

Courtesy photos

Eastford resident Linda Knowles is seeking help to complete a quilting project to commemorate the pandemic era in town, asking local residents to donate any leftover masks created by herself and Martha Clark during that time. Masks can be dropped off at the Eastford Town Office Building.