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!
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