This beautiful butterfly quilt was made by Elizabeth (Lizzie) Eckstein, the daughter of the founder of Tavistock, Captain Henry Eckstein and Susanna Heyrock.

Lizzie was born on October 20, 1858 in Tavistock. She lived her entire life in the village and often spoke about the days when Tavistock was just a tiny little settlement in the bush and of the many changes during her lifetime.

She was married twice, the first time when she was 48 years old. Her first husband was Peter Doerr who predeceased her on August 2, 1908. Her second husband was Michael Ankenman who died on December 16, 1925.

The only picture we have of Lizzie was taken in 1948 at Tavistock’s Centenary celebrations at the five corners. She is standing next to the cairn then located on the corner where Captain Eckstein built his first hotel and her childhood home. Lizzie was 89 years old at the time ... a spry little lady. When the Centenary Committee offered to pick her up at her home to take her to the ceremony, she tartly replied “I can walk” and so she did.

Lizzie died at her home on Hope Street West on April 26, 1952 at the age of 93. She was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church (now Grace United) and is buried in the church cemetery.

Lizzie's quilt will be showcased at the 2019 Tavistock Fall Fair.