WARREN - When Joseph Patch and John Page established this town on July 14, 1763, they appreciated how far it was from civilization. The nearest supplies were 20 miles south in Plymouth, a long trek through the woods.

Present-day residents of the town cherish their relative isolation in this picturesque small village in the western foothills of the White Mountains. They treasure their heritage, too, and their reputation as a quiet little town that was the birthplace of the late Sen. Norris Cotton.

As 2013 nears, residents are working on their plans for Warren's sestercentennial or semiquincentennial, depending on which term one prefers.

"We just say it's our 250th birthday," said Don Bagley of the town's historical society.

Committees are working on numerous events, and plan to release a schedule soon. The only firm dates are for a weekend-long celebration from July 12-14, complete with a parade, barbecue, and fireworks.

The biggest anniversary project thus far has been the 250th Anniversary Quilt Project. Sixteen resident knitting enthusiasts - and some new to the craft - are in the process of producing cloth-sewn images on 24 squares, all of which will be combined into one 84x96-inch quilt in the coming weeks, said Nancy Chandler, a member of the quilt committee.

Among the images are depictions of the Warren Village School, the church, the library, the former Morse Museum, the fish hatchery, and the landmark Redstone Rocket on the town common, which was given to the town by a resident after being brought to the town from Alabama in 1971.

The quilt will also feature four squares depicting the town's dominant geographical feature, Mount Moosilauke, Chandler said.

In the spring, the committee members will meet for a "quilting bee" to assemble the squares into the quilt, which likely will be displayed in town hall, she said.

"The squares we're making are just beautiful. It's going to be a very meaningful, colorful quilt."

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Dan Seufert may be reached at dseufert@newstote.com.