Patchwork Souvenirs of the 1933 World's Fair

Book excerpt: The contest was not without its controversy. When it was announced, rules stated that preference would be given to quilts which developed the Century of Progress theme. However, when the prizes were awarded, commemorative quilts were ignored in favor of traditional patterns. Disgruntled contestants complained to Sears that the judges were biased in favor of tradition. The winning quilt, called the Unknown Star, was entered by Margaret Rogers Caden of Lexington, Kentucky. Much of the work on Ms. Caden's quilt was done by seamstresses who sewed for hire, in violation of contest rules.