Volunteer Spotlight, Gayle Ambrose

Gayle Ambrose

Dudley Farm Historic State Park

While visiting Dudley Farm Historic State Park, did you notice brightly colored rag rugs in the old farmhouse? Pink and purple; blue, green and white; red, brown and yellow, they hang everywhere. Those were hand-made by Gayle Ambrose, along with the jute mats on the front and back porch. Yes, handmade!

Gayle was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. An aunt made her visit Dudley Farm and she was hooked, literally. A volunteer taught her how to make rag rugs with a hook. That was 14 years ago, and Gayle has never looked back.

Gayle loves the farm. She usually makes her rugs on Wednesdays as the domestic skills volunteers sew on the yearly quilt. She enjoys talking to visitors - teaching them how to make rag rugs, like the ladies did long ago. Gayle is the “color commentator,” the good-will ambassador, the one who talks to everyone that walks in the door. 

Always ready to lend a hand, Gayle is very involved in all functions of the park. During the Dudley Kids Day you will find Gayle helping kids to make a craft. During other events she is always ready to demonstrate, bottle syrup or drive the tram. She is ever ready to jump in, not wanting to lack for something to do. Well, maybe not so much during the summer as she is not too fond of the heat. Gayle will be the first to tell you “honey, I don’t get dirty and I don’t sweat!” And that is OK because she does a lot else for us!

We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated volunteer like Gayle. She loves this park, all the volunteers and the staff that are here in addition to all the visitors that she encounters. Gayle is not shy. She has said, “It makes me happy to be here; I have a place to be.”

Well Gayle, we are so happy that you are here - it would not be the same without you.