"One of the bigger success stories of Tillamook County has been the Latimer Quilt & Textile Center in Tillamook. Beginning 10 years ago with an abandoned school house with blackberries growing through the floors and birds finding safe havens through holes in the ceilings and a common dream, its supporters have not disappointed anyone but the birds and the blackberries."
Van Moe, Oregon Eagle, Inc.

The fully restored Maple Leaf School, now the Latimer Quilt & Textile Center, is one quarter of a mile east of Highway 101, just south and east of the Tillamook Cheese Factory. (See home page for map.) The location, near the coast highway, brings visitors into the Center from all over the world as well as America.

The Latimer Center has made huge progress since its opening in 1991. It is now a non-profit institution which has already completed the first two phases of the American Association of Museums' Assessment Program and is well on its way toward museum accreditation. The Center employs one part-time employee; otherwise, it is currently staffed by volunteers whose activities are overseen by a Board of Directors.

1892 - James and Permelia Latimer donated land. A one room building was hauled to the site to serve as a school.

1900 - An L-shaped two room structure was built and called the Maple Leaf School.

Late 1930s - A new structure with two classrooms and an auditorium was built.

1959 - The last class was held in the building which was then used as a storage, maintenance and repair area for the school district.

1985 - The Latimer heirs donated the land and building to the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum Foundation in memory of James and Permelia Latimer.

1991 - On Memorial Day, 1991, the building was opened as the Latimer Quilt & Textile Center.

1993 - The school building fully restored and functional; a dedication was held memory of the Latimers and in honor of Clara Fairfield whose vision and dedication created the Latimer Center.

1996 - The Textile Repository building was completed with the installation of regulation museum storage facilities.

1997 - The Repository was equipped with a computer and the Snap! data base program for cataloging collections.

1997 - MAP I, the first phase of the American Association of Museums Assessment Program, was completed.

1999 - MAP II, the second phase of the American Association of Museums Assessment Program, was completed.