Only mounting a period clothing exhibit would one hear the words of the title of this entry! This morning, my friend and fellow Oldest House volunteer, Nancy Hunsinger, helped me take down the Summer 2014 Period Clothing Exhibit (PCE) at the House, and put up the Winter 2014-2015 PCE. Because cleaning of the top floor is going on thanks to Tony and Jeannie DeRemer, and Nancy, once we had all the mannequins dressed in their winter finery, Nancy and I moved 'everyone' into two bed chambers, leaving the rest of the top floor relatively empty for cleaning.
(I just recently learned on my trip to New England, where my friend Carroll and I toured the John Adams National Historic Park, that the proper term is 'bed chamber' for what we would call a 'bedroom' today. Back in the 18th and most of the 19th centuries, a 'bedroom' was a room that normally had another use, such as a library or sitting room, but which was being used as a 'bed room' because of illness or some other situation that necessitated a bed being moved into the room.)
Anyway, Nancy and I successfully got all the outfits assembled correctly on all the mannequins, even if we did have to remove and then re-install the arms on one mannequin! Once the cleaning is finished, we will move the mannequins back where they belong and straighten everything so it is pin-neat and perfect.
This year, our theme for the Winer PCE is 'An Evening Out.' We have the same periods highlighted, i.e., High Victorian, Edwardian, Post-Colonial/Regency/Empire, and Civil War/Westward Expansion. The theme allows us to get a bit fancier with the clothing, which is quite fun. Let's face it: a plain prairie dress from the 1860's might be really interesting to a professional costumier or clothing historian. But fancier outfits featuring silk gowns and fur accessories, elaborate embroidery, beading, and feathers, are a lot more fun to look at!
Highlights of the new displays this year are a man's top hat, white tie and tails, complete with evening cape; a leg o'mutton sleeve brown wool Victorian lady's coat; a black Edwardian coat with stunning button detail; a mink shawl from before 1916; and a stunning two piece black and red print silk ball gown from just after the close of the Civil War. Other pieces like jackets, muffs and even a wonderful pair of blue kid beaded evening slippers are more treats in store for those who stop by to see the Winter PCE at the Oldest House.
Speaking of which, it has occurred to me that given the effort we all put in to mounting the PCE for the Winter, it seems a shame that the only time it is really on view is at the Oldest House Christmas Tea (December 5, 6, & 7 this year) and again during the May opening event, A Simpler Thyme (usually the third weekend in May, 2015). After that, the Summer PCE goes up, and as we are open for tours all summer at the weekends, plenty of people have a chance to see the Summer outfits and ensembles. But the winter ones are so gorgeous, it seems a shame that they don't get much exposure.
I am contemplating a Mid Winter Tea Party, specifically to view the PCE and have a little talk about the changing fashions during the years our PCE covers (1781-1914). Once the Christmas decorations are down (usually in January), the main floor of the House will be relatively bare, which would allow for tables and chairs for those coming to the Tea, and space for musicians, should we decide to feature some.
Perhaps China tea, Indian tea and a pleasant herbal tea would be a good selection, along with cookies and little sandwiches? I'd like to get a couple of those fancy tiered serving trays, ideally one for each table. We have plenty of china and cups at the House. We could limit the event to, say 20 people, and half could tour the PCE and then have tea, while the other half would have tea and then tour the PCE. That way their arrival time would be staggered and the House itself wouldn't be too crowded.
I would ask a couple of other volunteers to help out, and we would all be in costume--I've got a stunning Edwardian ensemble I'd just love to show off, and whipping up a 'Victorian' outfit isn't too hard. Plus, I would loan my outfits to those helping.
I wonder if this would 'fly?' What do you all think? Admission would be $10 per person, and the money would all go to the House, of course. Visitors would get a full House Tour as well as an expanded PCE tour and talk, and they'd be able to purchase memberships and gift shop items too.
The weather is just about the only thing that might not cooperate, especially in early March, which is my target date.
Well, let me know what you think: email me at DLC18thcentury@gmail.com!
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