By Emma Bowen Meyer, For The Herald Bulletin
PENDLETON — For Suzanne Hagan, the décor that once simply reflected her interests and talent have morphed into a vivid tribute to the joy she shared with her husband, Royce, who passed away in November after 51 years of marriage.
Adorning her walls are beautiful hand-crafted quilts that she and Royce lovingly made together. Because of the sheer number of quilts their expert hands have stitched, a dark red cabinet in the “Patriotic Room” stands open to display handiwork that the walls simply can’t hold.
“He used to tell our friends that I would take the quilt classes, buy the fabric and eat lunch with my friends while he made the quilts,” she recalled. “But really we worked together. He would cut out the patterns while I sewed or he would sew while I pressed the pieces.”
Well-known as a sewing team, Suzanne’s friends at the quilt guild meetings (Spring Valley Quilt Guild in Pendleton and the Evening Star Quilt Guild in Anderson) would good-naturedly chide her each time she held up a completed work, asking whether she or her husband had crafted it.
“Royce was especially good at making the patterns work out when they just didn’t fit right,” she added. “Since he worked in the tool room (at Delco-Remy) for so many years, he knew how things went together and could tweak the design.”
Shaker style
Hanging in the spacious living area is a quilt the couple made out of historical reproduction fabric. This work married the couple’s interests in quilting and historical preservation.
In addition to Suzanne being an active member of the Historic Fall Creek Pendleton Settlement Inc., the pair would often travel to the Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, Ky., for three- day weekends. They toured, slept in historical buildings and picked up items for the home.
“I like the Shaker look because the lines are so straight and I just enjoy the overall style,” she said. “Most of the furnishings are very efficient.”
Lots of light
Choosing to build in Pendleton because of a desire to retire in a small community, Royce and Suzanne left Anderson 15 years ago. Altering the floor plan in special ways, they ensured their new home suited their fancy.
“We wanted vaulted ceilings and skylights,” she added. “I enjoy the great room the most — the way the light comes in.”
The skylights stream natural light into the space, infusing an airy feel, which is accentuated by the large square footage of the area and the walls that stop short of the ceiling. While the kitchen cannot be seen from the living room, the open gap above the wall between the two rooms provides the illusion of more space.
Simple furnishings accented by folded quilts and an old coffee table inherited from her father meet the modern structure for a comfortable, uncluttered tone. Visitors may not feel they have stepped back in time, but are definitely reminded of days gone by.
In the eating area is a pie safe that belonged to Suzanne’s father, which was dated at 1850 by appraisers at Conner Prairie in Fishers.
She can remember it sitting on the back porch of his old farmhouse. He agreed to allow her possession on the promise she would cherish it.
Learning to live without Royce after 51 years has been a difficult adjustment. Children, grandchildren and friends have dropped in to cheer Suzanne.
“I’ve had to figure out how to do a lot of things I never did before,” she said.
Choosing the Country Farms addition as a retirement neighborhood has been fortuitous. Nearby residents have reached out to Suzanne in many ways.
“I can’t say enough about the people in the neighborhood,” she added. “They have all just pitched in to see what they can do to help me. They take turns shoveling my driveway and offer to go to the store for me. I’m just so thankful.”
Each week, Emma Bowen Meyer features a Madison County home. If you know of a home that should be showcased, send an e-mail to emmagoldiemeyer@yahoo.com.
