01/31/2021
Today's feature is on the Pike County Quilt Trail. #8-11, The Murfreesboro Diamond hangs in the front window of Ceba Gas, at 19 Courthouse Square, in Murfreesboro. Owners Neil and Lauren Priddy asked Marla Stewart to paint the diamond. Marla grew up in Murfreesboro and wanted to promote the town and the Crater of Diamonds. Diamonds were first discovered in the area in 1906. Individuals as well as commercial mining companies have owned the property. The state purchased the land in 1972 and opened the Crater of Diamonds State Park. The search area is around 37 acres. Hunting for diamonds here is a truly unique experience. The park is the only diamond mine in the world where the public can hunt for diamonds and keep whatever they find. Visitors to the park find over 600 diamonds per year. The barn quilt is 3’ by 3’ and boasts the colors red, white, and blue to represent the company colors of Ceba Gas, Inc. The diamond is superimposed at the center of the quilt. The diamond was cut by Marla’s friend Ryan Brady. He also constructed the frame. Ceba Gas is a three-generation family owned propane business that has enjoyed being part of the Murfreesboro community for over 50 years. It was started by Bobby and Sue Carroll as part of Carroll Building and Appliance in the 60’s. It then transitioned in ‘94 to Ceba Gas, under the ownership of Tom and Margaret Byrd. Recently, Neil and Lauren Priddy purchased the company and plan to continue serving the residential, agricultural, and commercial propane customers of Southwest Arkansas for years to come. Ceba Gas headquarters is located on the Murfreesboro square, which has a rich heritage of its own, and is why the Murfreesboro Diamond was chosen as the design to be displayed.
Find the location of 245 quilt blocks across the state and the story behind each at ArkansasQuiltTrails.com.
