In this exhibit we featured three gowns that we consider being “jewels of our collection”.  Additionally, we chose to highlight a seldom-displayed selection of antique parasols.

 These gowns beautifully fit into our title “promenade” which means to take a leisurely walk, ride, or drive in public,especially to meet or be seen by others.  The “ladies” in our exhibit would have used parasols while wearing these gowns to promenade in the park or while riding in their carriages.

 A parasol is defined as a light, usually small umbrella Latin “umbra” (“shade”) carried as protection from the sun.  The word parasol comes from the Latin words “parare” (“to shield”) and “sol” (“sun”).

​The Exhibit “Wedding Days & Wedding Nights” provides a view of wedding attire from the late 1800’s through the 1950’s. In addition to the gowns and nightwear of the brides, there is some clothing for the men worn during the ceremonies. There are also photos of couples, brides and wedding parties from the period. The gowns reflect Wedding Advice from Ladies Home Journal, from March 1894: