Farr West history recorded in unique quilt
Farr West Mayor Lee Dickemore with Bonnie Beal in front of the quilt she created for City Hall.
Mike and Bonnie Beal in front of the quilt she created for City Hall in Farr West.
FARR WEST — The names of those who have served in this city have been preserved in a unique way. They are incorporated into a quilt created by Bonnie Beal.
Beal has served on the city’s Planning Commission for three years and attends nearly every city council meeting along with her husband, Mike Beal. They both often comment at the meetings.
Bonnie Beal recently completed the quilt for city hall, and it hangs proudly behind the mayor and council members each meeting. The quilt has changed the wall, filling what was once a blank space with history and color. It is no ordinary quilt, it has the name of each mayor and council member that has served the Farr West community over the years, including those who currently serve. Each person who is still living and could be located signed their quilt block themselves.
Beal was originally from Farr West, but has lived around the world, traveling with her husband as he served in the U.S. Air Force. They have lived in Oregon, Kansas, England, Ireland and Italy and then returned to make Farr West their permanent home. They have now been living in Farr West for12 years.
“It is important to be active in the community and educate yourself on what is going on in the community you live in,” said Beal. “It’s important to speak your opinions.”
Beal said she started making quilts after she retired from Hill Air Force Base in 1993. She created two family quilts and had family members sign each block.
Beal said “It took some time to get signatures.” She added names of relatives no longer living and completed quilts for her side of the family as well as her husband’s.
The Beals have been married for 51 years, and have four children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
When not busy with city meetings, you will find the Beals in their beautifully landscaped yard with their much loved dogs or in their gracious home. Mike Beal spends many hours keeping their little slice of Farr West lovely according to Bonnie Beal. She says he loves yard work and it shows.