Granny, I can answer your questions. In 1907 a popular farm magazine Hearth and Home inaugurated its STATES-OF-THE-UNION series of quilt blocks for which readers from around the country were asked to contribute. The 48 best patterns, (together with the two "outlying possessions" of Alaska and Hawaii)whether original designs or the senders' favorites then appeared in the magazine, and were then reprinted in 1976 by Dover Publications.
As for the State Capitals Quilt Blocks another competition was held, again by Hearth and Home, for the best 48 patterns for each of the STATE CAPITALS (including the two "outlying possessions" of Alaska and Hawaii). It is these blocks that I'm proposing to bring to the BellaOnline quilters in the near future. I believe I've received enough positive responses that it is worth going ahead with this series.
Hope that clears things for everyone. Cheerio