Retired teacher receives a gift of historical significance

Dennis Petsch, a retired middle school social studies teacher and counselor for Stockbridge Community Schools, received a very special gift from fellow SCS teacher Cheryl Walsh.

Walsh gifted Petsch with a replica of a quilt similar to those used by runaway slaves seeking freedom in the 1800s by traveling the Underground Railroad. This particular quilt was made by Walsh’s mother many years ago.

Quilt patches like those shown in the gift given to Petsch contained shapes and motifs that provided runaway slaves with clues they needed for safe passage along their route to freedom.

Since retiring, Petsch, who has always been interested in the history of the Civil War, taught a class about the war at Cornell University.

Petsch was thrilled to receive this gift and remarked, “I know right where this is hanging! It’s going on the wall in my office.”

Cheryl Walsh, right, presents retired SCS teacher Dennis Petsch with an Underground Railroad replica quilt. Photo credit Amy Haggerty

SCS teacher Cheryl Walsh shows off the Underground Railroad replica quilt her mother sewed many years ago. Photo credit Amy Haggerty.

The blocks on the quilt provide passage clues for the Underground Railroad. The quilt label Walsh’s mother sewed onto the quilt explains these clues. Photo credit Amy Haggerty.