The Protective Blanket of BAC

Retired Local 1 New York member Dorsie Kerlin, with daughter Donna Kerlin-Mabus, who painstakingly quilted highlights of her father’s long and productive BAC career. Brother Kerlin’s daughter, who had never quilted before completing this masterpiece, hopes to see the quilt exhibited in the future.

It’s all there in the quilt. Forty-two years of working for my family, and taking pride in my work. A unique gift my daughter gave to me upon retirement. It took two years and seven months to make. The 275 flannel “bricks” she sewed together in a running bond pattern, with the names of buildings and the places I worked hand stitched onto them. And words like “topping out”, “trowel”, and “mortar” in gold thread.

This is her first quilt, 52” x 68”, and is large enough to cozy-up with and share with a grandchild after a fun day. Arranged in a border on the front of the quilt are photos I took of job sites and coworkers from years ago, including the Meadowlands Sports Arena, Beneficial Headquarters, and other gems in New York and New Jersey.

Also captured in the quilt are Local 4 New Jersey, and Local 1 New York, the restoration of Miss Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Twin Towers.

I always knew that I would remember these special places and people who are important in my life. Now through this quilt, many people will be able to view and appreciate a bricklayer’s life.

Proud member of BAC,

Dorsie Kerlin
Local 1 NY
Cape May, New Jersey