Shawano County’s barn quilt project, which was started in 2010 by Jim Leuenberger, a local
photographer in Shawano, has reached the amazing total of 350 quilts on display on barns or farm
buildings throughout Shawano County. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine we would have
that many barn quilts in Shawano County,” Leuenberger said. “The fact that the number is more than in
any other county in the U. S. makes it even more remarkable,” he added. “That’s a real tribute to all the
barn owners and sponsors who have supported and continue to support the project.”
The 350 th barn quilt is on display on a dairy farm owned by David and Dyan Gwidt at N1025 State
Highway 55, Pulaski. The quilt was a gift to them from David’s sister, Mary Ann Mynsberge. “I enjoy
seeing all the quilts throughout Shawano County and thought David and his family should have one
too,” Mary Ann said.
The quilt design was chosen by David’s family after Mary Ann had asked them to look for a pattern they
liked. After looking through patterns on the internet, David asked his children what they thought of one
featuring four colorful cows. After considering several other designs, the children, Emma, Maddy,
Sydney, Landon, Lydia and Emerson, voted unanimously for the cow pattern.
Mary Ann painted the quilt, which has been named Cows of Different Colors. “We are just thrilled with
how the quilt looks,” David said. The 8 foot by 8 foot quilt, painted on two 4 foot x 8 foot sheets of ¾
inch plywood, is mounted on the farm’s original barn, which is over 100 years old. It was put on display
by LeRoy and Keith Raddant of Raddant Electric in Shawano.
Farm History
The original 120-acre farm was purchased by David’s parents, John and Margaret Gwidt, in 1965 from
John Baranczyk. John and Margaret had four children. David is their youngest son and has lived on the
farm his entire life. He and Dyan bought the farm from his parents in 1999.
Earlier this year, they modernized the farm by building a new barn and installing a robotic milking
system. They now milk 120 Holstein cows and farm 400 acres. Their children are very active in dairy
events within their local 4-H club and help with farm chores.
“We are very excited to be a part of the Shawano County barn quilt project,” David said, “and want to
thank Jim Leuenberger for all the enthusiasm and time he has devoted to the project.”
