Bloomers and bubble wrap

Late 19th century . . .
Each spring and fall, a local dressmaker spent two or three days at the big Sharpe House, making or remaking clothes for the family. For a while, it was Miss Nancy Nicholson, but over the years there were others. Sarah was not a slave to fashion like some society matrons, but she did appreciate nice things and her role as wife of the Colonel certainly required her to be appropriately dressed at all times. She recognized good quality textiles from years of managing the production of cloth from "sheep to shawl" at the former McKee plantation: fine and coarse cloth of wool, linen and cotton. Although she regretted that her efforts to establish silk production at the plantation never took hold, she could now afford to purchase silk for the finer dresses worn by herself and her daughters. Where did she turn for information on the latest styles? Godey's Lady's Book, of course, her favorite magazine!

. . . 2010
Our inaugural exhibit on Victorian costumes will open in a matter of days. There is a flurry of activity to display eight reproduction ensembles on dress forms around the house. Right now there is an explosion of colorful fabric confections hanging from a shower curtain rod upstairs , just waiting their turn to be carefully placed on each form. But how do we handle the shortage of bustles? "Bubble wrap," Kathy Laughlin tells me with a straight face. Kathy has been gracious enough to donate her talents, time and considerable knowledge of Victorian fashion for this exhibit. Who am I to doubt her? The ubiquitous lightweight packing material of the modern age can be molded easier and will serve to support these glamorous reflections from the past. I just hope no one decides to peek under the dresses expecting to find frilled and lacy petticoats. They will be in for quite a surprise!

The start of a new era

1866 . . .
Moving into their new house on Center Street brought mixed emotions to Silas and Sarah Sharpe. The big airy house was a mark of Silas' success as the owner of the local tannery--despite the collapse of the Confederate economy. Their family was young and another child was on the way. The future should be bright for the family, but what would that future look like? The Old South that Silas and Sarah had been raised in was gone. It was time to reinvent themselves and their community. What trials and triumphs lay ahead for their generation as they turned their war-battered energies to the process of rebuilding.

. . . 2010
The dust mice have been evicted, the cobwebs swept away. Everything that can be done to prepare for opening day has been done. Our invitation to "come see us sometime" is out there, but will Statesville respond? If what I have heard is any indication, then we are off to a good start. Interest has definitely been piqued! The big calendar I will use to corral all the different activities is slowing starting to fill and there are more to be added soon. What does the next few months hold in store for us?