PORT REPUBLIC, Md. — The Barn Quilt Trail is one of the many wonders of Southern Maryland. The Arts Council of Calvert County has tracked a collection of squares placed on local barns throughout the region. Every square tells a distinct tale, and with dozens of designs, you’ll have a blast following the path on a cool summer’s day.
Deena Daman recently added a square to her barn at Maple Hollow Farm in Port Republic. As Deena and her husband, Hearst, have lived on the land for 24 years, their rich history with the farm connects them to the property.
After Deena acquired ownership of a horse named Libby in 2010, the pair developed a bond that grew stronger over many years. It took five years to build the barn at Maple Hollow Farm, but it’s a fitting reminder of Libby and the joy she brought to her human companions.
The Daman couple has lived at Maple Hollow Farm for 24 years, so they have deep roots on the property. Alongside raising horses, Maple Hollow Farm also hosts a unique bed and breakfast.
Though Deena lost Libby in 2021, her memory lives on through the Barn Quilt Trail. As the inspiration for the barn itself, Deena decided to cement Libby on the structure with an artistic display. The newest addition to Calvert County’s Barn Quilt Trail, Libby’s face hangs beautifully at the top of the red barn.
“We lost Libby unexpectedly in 2021. This barn quilt is a tribute to her. The barn quilt was designed and painted by Sue Mills. She did a wonderful job depicting Libby’s true spirit! Libby will now truly always be looking over her barn and herd,” wrote the Damans on the Calvert Barn Quilt Trail Facebook page.
Many friends have helped the Damans build Maple Hollow Farm into their dream home, including Bo Bowen and Brian Brady. Through a community of people and animals alike, Deena found her place in Southern Maryland, and Libby’s square is a stunning tribute to the last decade in Deena’s life.
“The Arts Council is thrilled to introduce ‘Libby,’ the newest square added to the Barn Quilt Trail. Deena Daman, local to Port Republic, wanted to have a quilt square in honor of her horse, Libby, who passed away unexpectedly in 2021. The square was designed and painted by Sue Mills and was placed on Deena and her husband’s family barn located at Maple Hollow Farm. Libby will now forever be remembered for her lively spirit! The square is located at 3880 Hance Road, Port Republic, MD,” said Allison Sullivan, programs specialist and marketing coordinator for Arts Council of Calvert County.
If you’d like to visit Maple Hollow Farm to pay your respects to Libby, you can view the square from the road at 3880 Hance Road, Port Republic, Md.
For explorers who aim to find every design the trail has to offer, visit the Google Maps guide for the beautiful Barn Quilt Trail.
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